Island School sophomore Darnila Bandaranayake was awarded the Marine Molecular Mentorship Program, a highly competitive scholarship program at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology!

The Marine Molecular Mentorship Program at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) is a fully funded opportunity for female high school sophomore and junior students specifically from Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu. Note: For logistical reasons, this program will be offered to students from Maui and Hawaiʻi Island next year. The program runs for three days and two nights from October 4th-6th and students will stay overnight in the dorms at HIMB. 

 

This is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in science but feel there may be financial or social obstacles that discourage that career pathway. Students will be guided through hands-on research activities under the mentorship of female HIMB scientists. This includes pipetting samples in a molecular lab, fragmenting corals, viewing live corals under a confocal microscope, using inquiry to establish an experimental design for corals in tanks, creating 3D maps using photos from the field photos, using an ROV to explore reefs, and experiencing the reefs up close on snorkel (optional).

 

All program fees will be covered including travel, ground transportation, room and board, meals, and supplies. Students will also receive a stipend for participating in this program. The application will close on Sunday, September 18th at 11:59pm HST and students will be notified on Tuesday, September 20th regarding their acceptance. We can only accept 10 students, so not everyone will be accepted.