Mahealani Akui

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

I work as a marine science tutor and peer advisor on my university campus to help fellow marine science majors become acquainted to the program and ensure their future schedule plans for their major are as smooth as they can be. Additionally, I provide tutoring help for the challenging introductory marine science classes, as well as any major related class I've taken. STEM majors can be challenging with rigorous coursework, so I want to make sure that my fellow majors can find their footing. While I don't plan on becoming a teacher or permanent tutor in the future, I believe it's a good experience to have under my belt for my professional career. Within my coursework, I put an emphasis on my interest in the deep sea life and what it holds. I've done a few class projects on deep sea life, my favorite being a video PSA about the theorized cellular biology behind deep sea gigantism.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I became interested in marine science from a young age when my grandparents would take me to Hawaii every year to visit family. They'd take me snorkeling everytime and encouraged me to spot and identify reef fish, which blossomed into a broader interest in the ocean as a whole. Preparing for college led me to learning about the deep sea, its inhabitants, and its unique features. I became infatuated with the deep ocean inhabitants and their incredible adaptations to survive in such a harsh environment, and I wanted to learn and discover more. It amazes me how little we know about the deep ocean inhabitants, and it inspired me to commit to marine science as a major to hopefully become involved in that research.
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My parents and my friends are my biggest supporters, along with my academic advisor and my professors within the marine science program. Their support and desire to see me succeed influences me to work hard, keep going, and stay curious about the ocean and the abundant life within it.
 

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

The most fascinating I've done so far was participate as a volunteer for my university's turtle tagging program to asses the Hawaiian green sea turtle population. It was exciting and an honor to contribute to such a program, with on-site field work, to further population research for an endangered species.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I applied for SEIP after being emailed the application within a broader major email list, as well as being encouraged to apply by a teacher.
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I've had many volunteer opportunities in the past, such as a multi-subject high school tutor, and volunteering for my university's coral nursery. Additionally, I'm currently working as a writing tutor for my university's tutoring center. These jobs have helped hone my scientific writing skills, and inspired my love for field work. They also helped me become more confident and polished in public speaking, professional manners, and other skills that I would not have known I might have needed for a scientific major.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Marine Science- University of Hawaii Hilo, currently in progress
 

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy listening to music, playing video games, and watching my favorite shows! I also love to go snorkeling on occasion and cook for my family and friends.
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Marine science is an exciting career but one with many possibilities. It's good to learn as many skills as you can, such as data science and scientific writing, as well as take as many volunteer opportunities you can to broaden your understanding and knowledge of the oceanic natural world. There are so many paths to take, and it's good to learn where your interests lie before you stick to a single topic to study. Take your own strengths, prior skills, and interests and apply them to what you'd like to do in the future. Scientific research goes beyond just field work and data logging, but can incorporate so many other disciplines that makes it such a well rounded field. Even if things don't work out how you'd like, it's important to take the time to find yourself to find the path that fits best for you. Never give up on your dreams, and have faith in yourself because the hardest part of achieving something is putting that first foot forward.