AQUAponics

Sustainable science in a living lab

Remy Romo-Valdez became interested in both agriculture and engineering at Maui High School. The UH Maui College Sustainable Science Management Program seemed a perfect fit. And it was. He’s scheduled to graduate this May with his BAS in Sustainable Science Management with a concentration in Marine studies.

Before enrolling, he wasn’t sure he would be able to balance classwork, assignments, and his personal time. Turns out, he could. “I found that I could manage my time more effectively as my professors were very flexible with their time with students and assignments.” And he found connections with both instructors and peers actually helped him concentrate on work related to his field of study. “I realized I could also meet others with similar interests, so there was ample social time between studying and hanging out with new friends.”

Romo-Valdez learned more than his courses’ subject matter. “The classes I attended helped me develop an open mindset and furthered my skills of critical thinking and organization. Additionally, the professors who taught these classes connected me with organizations and businesses focused in the field of Sustainability.”

SSM Program Coordinator Dr. Meagan Jones explains that many alumni transition to work in education, natural resource management, tourism, agriculture, become entrepreneurs, and pursue graduate studies. Students also gain industry experience through their SSM internships as well as the applied experience gained through the year-long SSM capstone project.

“Remy is a natural leader among his peers and goes the extra mile in his studies and helping others,” says Dr. Jones. “While he naturally gravitates toward the natural sciences, he also excels in systems modeling and applying sustainability tools to solve complex problems.”

Remy gained practical skill sets by taking liberal arts classes. And they led to other areas of interest, one of which was working as a lab tech with WaiPono Farms on the UHMC campus.

As a working greenhouse that grows fresh produce and raises tilapia to support food security through donations to various community organizations, WaiPono Farms provides a work-based learning experience for UHMC students to gain hands-on skills in the agriculture sector. It also prepares students for future job opportunities through immersion in a highly productive facility and a collaborative, team environment.

“As an outstanding student leader at the WaiPono Farm aquaponics greenhouse for the last four years, Remy has worked continuously while he pursues his SSM degree,” says Program Manager Nicolette van der Lee. “He has contributed in immeasurable ways to the project through his dedicated work ethic, commitment to excellence, and continuous pursuit of learning.”

Through their work at WaiPono Farms, students can easily advance into STEM pathways of agriculture, culinary, conservation and other related sectors. The industry expects college students and graduates to bring favorable traits of professionalism including being on time and prepared to work, as well as skills and applied knowledge. UHMC continues to engage with industry partners by gathering current labor market data and employer input on what skills and work-based experiences are valuable for the future of the workforce in both areas of academic credit and continuing education classes.

Learn more about free training at maui.hawaii.edu/aquaponics