At the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy, an outreach program is helping high school students step into scientific research early.
HI STAR, short for Hawaiʻi Student/Teacher Astronomy Research, connects students with mentors and real astronomical data. The program’s impact was on display at the recent Maui County Science and Engineering Fair, where HI STAR participants earned top honors.
First place
Emma Agcolicol, a 16-year-old sophomore at Baldwin High School, earned first place in the Physics and Astronomy category, Senior Division.
Agcolicol and her partner studied an unconfirmed exoplanet known as TOI-6055.01. Using data from the Las Cumbres Observatory, they applied the transit method to track the potential planet.
“Whether it is detection or Doppler shifts, I find it fascinating that there’s so many different planets with their own unique characteristics,” Agcolicol said.
Agcolicol has participated in HI STAR for three years. She said the program helped her connect with researchers and explore different areas of astronomy.
“I enjoy getting to meet many different researchers that have the same levels of excitement… I’ve even worked with a few of HI STAR teachers on different projects, so that was amazing,” she said.
She will advance to the state science fair.
Student awards
Other HI STAR students also received recognition:
- James Anchetta, third place, Physics and Astronomy (Senior Division); coronal rain research
- Alexandra “Lexi” Lombardi, second place, Physics and Astronomy (Senior Division) and NASA Earth Systems Award; comet and asteroid research
- Chelsey Miguel, first place, Translational Medical Services (Senior Division) and Regeneron Biomedical Award
All will advance to the state competition.
Lasting impact
HI STAR alumni have gone on to careers as meteorologists, data analysts and engineering assistants. Others are pursuing degrees in astrophysics. One former student now serves as a White House senior communications advisor.
The program is led by mentors Armstrong, Carolyn Kaichi, Jung Park and Mike Nassir, who guide students through hands-on research and exposure to careers in science.