Faculty & Staff
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BYU–Hawaii HTM Students Embark on Immersive Study Tour to Japan
Nine hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students and two faculty from BYU–Hawaii completed an unforgettable 10-day experiential learning trip to Japan last month. The immersive study, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, aligned with the U.S. and Japanese governments’ 2024 declaration as the “US-Japan Tourism Year,” a joint initiative aimed at restoring tourism exchanges between the two countries to pre-COVID levels. The trip gave students a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.
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Seasider Spotlight: Brad Smith
Meet Brad Smith, an associate professor of biology, with a passion for the ocean. He has been working at BYUH since 2013. Learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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New Faculty Highlight: Kristina Moleni
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to welcome Dr. Kristina Moleni as a new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work. With a multicultural background in social work from two countries, Dr. Moleni’s particular focus is on supporting underrepresented communities in higher education.
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Seasider Spotlight: Alohalani Housman
Meet Alohalani Housman, an associate professor in Hawaiian Studies and dean for the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Originally from New Jersey, she has been teaching at BYUH since 2015. Learn more about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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New Faculty Highlight: Daniel DeMartini
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Daniel DeMartini as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences, beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. Known for his enthusiasm for marine biology and a deep connection to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, Dr. DeMartini brings over a decade of research and teaching experience to the university.
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New Faculty Highlight: Michael Morris
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Morris as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. As the new head of the Theatre Program, Dr. Morris brings immense experience in theatre, business, and nonprofit leadership, aligning perfectly with BYU–Hawaii’s mission to foster academic and spiritual growth.
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Seasider Spotlight: Jeffrey Maloney
Meet Jeffrey Maloney, an assistant professor in the EIL/TESOL program from Fairfield, Ohio. He has been teaching at BYUH since 2021. Learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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New Faculty Highlight: Lorie Davis
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to welcome Dr. Lorie Davis as the new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work, beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. With a passion for integrating gospel principles into learning, Dr. Davis is poised to make a significant impact on both students and the academic community at BYU–Hawaii.
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Asia Sourcing Experience Equips BYU–Hawaii Students for Global Business
Ten Brigham Young University–Hawaii students recently embarked on an 11-day Asia Sourcing Experience, immersing themselves in the complexities of global supply chains and manufacturing processes across Korea, China, and Vietnam. Approved by Professor Nate Stephens, dean of the Faculty of Business & Government, this program deepened students' understanding of international businesses. It provided firsthand exposure to the intricacies of sourcing, logistics, and manufacturing in some of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
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BYU–Hawaii Students Contribute to Mongolia’s Tourism Growth
Hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students from BYU–Hawaii, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, embarked on a transformative journey to Mongolia from July 5 to 22, taking part in initiatives to enhance the country’s tourism industry that combined academic learning with impactful real-world application. The trip’s team included HTM students Asa Agbayani, Myriah Ellison, Eimeo Lee Chip Sao, and Serena Wall.
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New Faculty Highlight: Norman Thompson
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is thrilled to welcome Dr. Norman Thompson as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. With roots in Laie and a steadfast commitment to cultural studies, Dr. Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.
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New Faculty Highlight: Jenifer McGill
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to welcome Jenifer McGill as the new visiting entrepreneurship assistant professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, starting in the Fall 2024 Semester. With a background in entrepreneurial management and a deep commitment to service, McGill brings experience and enthusiasm to the BYU–Hawaii campus.
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New Faculty Highlight: Brent Cowley
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Brent Cowley as a new assistant professor in the Communication, Media, and Culture Program, starting in the Fall 2024 Semester. Previously teaching as a visiting assistant professor, Dr. Cowley's new role will allow him to contribute to the program in new ways and further the knowledge of BYU–Hawaii students in all types of media and cultures.
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BYU–Hawaii Faculty and Students Embark on Marine Biology Expedition to Christmas Island
A team of faculty and student researchers from Brigham Young University–Hawaii recently embarked on a marine biology expedition to Kiritimati, or Christmas Island, Kiribati, from July 2 to July 9. Led by Dr. Esprit Saucier, associate professor in the Faculty of Sciences specializing in marine biology, the group included three dedicated students: Chase Allsup, Timeon Murdoch, and Caitlin Alder-Escabarte, accompanied by other members from the Faculty of Sciences, including Dr. Benjamin Jordan and Dr. Celine Duffau.
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New Faculty Highlight: Joshua Christensen
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce the addition of Joshua Christensen as a new assistant professor in the Psychology Program, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. A distinguished alumnus and accomplished researcher, Christensen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Seasider community, promising to enrich the academic and personal growth of BYUH students.
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Second Annual Church History Travel Study Program Deepens Faith of BYUH Students
Brigham Young University–Hawaii students have continued the tradition of embarking on the Church History Travel Study Program, an annual, all-expenses-paid journey that takes them to significant historical sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the second year, students visited these sacred locations, reflecting the growing legacy of the program initiated in 2023. With over eight central locations across multiple states, the trip remains a life-changing venture for many participants.
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Seasider Spotlight: Esprit Saucier
Esprit Saucier, an associate professor in marine biology from Houston, Texas, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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BYU–Hawaii HTM Students Lead Kiribati Tourism Transformation with Innovative Initiatives
BYU–Hawaii's hospitality and tourism management students, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, have significantly influenced Christmas Island's tourism development through regenerative tourism initiatives. Their efforts to support local tourism and entrepreneurs have made a lasting impression.
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