Two MBBE Ph.D. students—Kyle Rafael Marcelino and Ty Shitanaka—were awarded this year's prestigious Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Awards in Tropical Agriculture. Under the mentorship of Prof. Samir K. Khanal, both students are conducting groundbreaking research that is shaping the future of Hawaiʻi's agriculture sector and advancing environmental remediation and resource recovery.
Kyle's research focuses on improving aquaponic systems with nanobubble technology. These extremely tiny gas bubbles, 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt, can significantly increase oxygen availability in water, resulting in higher crop yields. His studies present a promising solution to Hawaiʻi's heavy reliance on imported food by making local production more efficient and sustainable.
Ty is pioneering innovative algae cultivation techniques, particularly using CO₂-nanobubbles, which has led to increased algal growth rates. He is also exploring a new sustainable approach that uses wastewater to grow macro-algae and remove environmental pollutants. His work extends to creating bio-based products, including ecofriendly bioplastics made from native Hawaiian seaweed.
Prof. Khanal praised their achievements stating, "Kyle and Ty exemplify the excellence and innovation we cultivate in our lab. The ARCS Award is a testament to their dedication, creativity, and hard work. I am confident they will continue making substantial contributions to science that benefit Hawaiʻi and beyond."
"Working alongside Ty and Kyle has been a privilege. Witnessing our PhD students earn such prestigious awards is a proud moment for our research team. Their accomplishments highlight both their dedication and the collaborative, dynamic environment we foster," said Dr. Surendra K C, a research scholar on Prof. Khanal's team.
The Department celebrates Kyle and Ty's well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued impact of their research.
The ARCS Foundation is nationally recognized for its commitment to advancing science and technology to academically exceptional students in STEM fields. These awards empower graduate students to focus more intently on their academic endeavors, accelerate their studies, and develop innovations that enhance America's technological competitiveness.