Faculty
Dr. Barbara Quimby
Lab Lead/Principle Investigator
Dr. Quimby is a marine social scientist currently conducting research on O 'ahu and collaborating on research development with partners across the Pacific region.
Graduate Students
Donavin Gomez
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hello my name is Donavin and I am a second year MSMS student. I did my undergrad in Philadelphia where I earned my Bachelors in Biology. National Geographics and Animal Planet have always been mesmerizing to me so it's a dream of mine to have my own documentary on one of those channels!Sean Hamel
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Aloha! My name is Sean Hamel and I am a first year marine science graduate student at HPU. I am originally from Portland, Oregon where I was inspired to follow this path through the natural beauty the PNW has to offer. I am passionate about marine sustainability and resource management and would love to be in a position to work with policy in the future.Undergraduate Students
Ryan Olaynack B.A. Marine Affairs, '26
Aloha! I'm Ryan Olaynack, and I’m a third-year Marine Affairs student at Hawaii Pacific University. I’m originally from Newport, Rhode Island, where growing up by the ocean inspired me to learn more about the ocean and the people connected to it. My academic interest focuses on how humans interact with and influence the ocean, and I’m currently working on my senior thesis on subsistence fishing in Hawaii. I’m passionate about learning how we can balance marine conservation with indigenous knowledge while supporting local livelihoods. Outside of class, I work as a bartender, and in my free time, I enjoy free diving, rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with my friends.
Sebastian Penate B.A. Marine Affairs '26, MA Sustainability '28
I am originally from Glenmont, Maryland with my ethnic background being Salvadoran. I am currently studying for my bachelors in Marine Affairs with a minor in sustainability. I hope to use my knowledge to improve indigenous and local community involvement when regarding their native resources. I would love to eventually work in environmental law focusing on sustainable policy, intertwining indigenous viewpoints within management initiatives.
Alumni
| Student Alumni | Major/Year Graduated |
|---|---|
| Lauren Goodchild | B.A. Marine Affairs, '24 |
| Kala McDonald | Honors Marine Bio, '24 - co-advisor Dr. Vizza |
| Kaitlin Davenport | MSMS, '24 Graduate Research Assistant |
| Olivia Siudak | MSMS, Graduate Research Assistant 2024-25 |
| Asinah Cecil | Honors Marine Affairs '25- co-advisor Dr. Lierheimer |
| Clarissa Galindo | B.A. Marine Affairs, '25 |
| Jenika Wilson | B.A. Marine Affairs, '25 |
| Amelia Belbin | B.A. Marine Affairs, '25 |
| Ziomara Ramos | HPU 2025 |