UH Engineering recognizes faculty and students with annual excellence awards

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Engineering has recognized faculty and students across its three academic departments with annual awards honoring excellence in teaching, academic achievement, research, service, and contributions to the College community. This year’s honorees include recipients of the Hi Chang Chai Excellence in Teaching Award, the Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards, and the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Awards.

In faculty teaching, the Hi Chang Chai Excellence in Teaching Award recognized Vineeth Dharmapalan in Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Wayne Shiroma in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and William Uspal in Mechanical Engineering. Selected by students, the award honors faculty members for their commitment to student learning, classroom instruction, and engagement with their courses. The award was established through a 2001 endowment by the late emeritus professor Dr. Hi Chang Chai to support and recognize excellent teaching by engineering faculty.

Hi Chang Chai Excellence in Teaching Awardees

At the graduate level, Jonathan Itokazu and Saige Dacuycuy were recognized as the College’s Outstanding PhD Students for their contributions to research, scholarly engagement, and the College’s graduate community. Nicholas Khor was recognized as the College’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant for his contributions to instruction, student support, and the classroom experience.

Outstanding Graduate Student Awardees

For undergraduate achievement, the Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering was presented to Ashlyn Uehara for her academic achievement, leadership, and engagement within the department. Emily Lei received the award in Electrical and Computer Engineering for her strong academic performance, professionalism, and contributions to the department. Matthew Fujioka was honored in Mechanical Engineering for his academic accomplishments, service, and involvement in the engineering community.

Outstanding Graduating Senior Awardees