STEM Pre-Academy is an initiative of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at the University of Hawai‘i. Our directive is to amplify the impact and extend the reach of the University of Hawai‘i research and innovation to grade 4 to 8 teachers and students at public and public charter schools statewide.
We are firmly grounded in the premise that teacher dedication and ingenuity are the keys to success in the classroom. Employing teacher interest and inquiry as a guide, STEM Pre-Academy initiatives provide mentoring, material, and technical support that enriches both educators and students, and yields an outstanding formation of our future leaders.
Staff
Lauren Kaupp, MS, EdD
Lauren Kaupp has been Director of STEM Pre-Academy since June 2024. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science in Oceanography from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. You might remember Lauren from her two years as Title IV-A Grant Administrator for the HIDOE, or perhaps her seven-year stint with the HIDOE as State Science Specialist. Before that, Lauren was a Specialist in the UHM College of Education, and spent 5 years as a High School Science teacher with the University Laboratory School.
Why work for STEM Pre-Academy? “Working for STEM Pre-Academy is an opportunity for me to continue serving teachers and students in Hawai‘i in a new and different way. I'm excited to be part of a team that connects research to the classroom, provides a wide variety of resources to teachers, and allows for innovation and exploration!”
Fun Facts! “I grew up in Maryland, moved to Hawai‘i for grad school, and never left. Almost 20 years, a husband, and two kids later, I'm happy to call Hawai‘i home.”
Edwin J. Colón
Program Specialist Edwin J. Colón hails originally from Puerto Rico where he earned an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and was working towards a Master Degree in Environmental Engineering when he moved to Hawai‘i in 2011. For several years, Edwin worked with the University of Hawai‘i Water Resources Research Center as well as the Applied Research Lab doing environmental engineering research in unexploded ordinance while volunteering his time with the fledgling STEM Pre-Academy program. Edwin has been working full time for the program since 2013.
Why work for STEM Pre-Academy? “It is a way to pay it forward to all the teachers who helped me through my education. I have always enjoyed brainstorming and developing solutions to help teachers develop classroom activities.”
Fun Facts! Edwin’s primary hobbies are billiards, off-road RC car racing, and scuba diving.
Nicole Saito
Nikki Saito started with STEM Pre-Academy in October 2023 as Program Specialist. She grew up in Kailua and graduated from Punahou School. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California San Diego. While at UCSD, she was the CFO of the UC Student Association and VP External for the Associated Students of UC San Diego. Nikki is now actively pursuing a Master of Education in Education Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Why work for STEM Pre-Academy? “I love STEM and making STEM fun :D!”
Fun Facts! “I have played taiko since I was ten years old and my favorite food is okonomiyaki, Hiroshima style!”
Steven Brown
Steven Brown is STEM Pre-Academy’s Special Projects and IT Specialist. Prior to joining STEM Pre-Academy in 2014, Steve worked for 15 years as Production Manager for local software company, Referentia Systems Incorporated. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Washington College and a Master of Fine Arts in Asian Performance from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. After 25+ wonderful years in Hawai‘i, he never plans to leave.
Why work for STEM Pre-Academy? “STEM Pre-Academy has always been a wonderful fit for my eclectic mish-mash of skills and adventures. I love the opportunity to share my excitement about the world with those around me!”
Fun Facts! Steve was a volunteer firefighter during college in Maryland and now dabbles in solo boardgames and astrophotography.
Interns
Our work would not be possible without the invaluable contributions of our interns. Working in every aspect of our program, they provide support, create research-inspired activities for the classroom, apply research techniques, and advise on the growth of our initiatives.
Erik Bendickson
Electrical Engineering (2026),
Kapiolani Community College
Forest Grove High School, Oregon
Interests: Mushrooms, Sasquatch Identification
Rona Lei Duldulao
Mechanical Engineering (2026),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
McKinley High School, O‘ahu
Interests: Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Environmental Robotics, Disaster Response and Management Technology
Chris Kaneshiro
Earth Sciences and Planetary (2026),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Mililani High School, O‘ahu
Interests: Fabrication, 3D Printing, Woodworking, Astronomy
Skyler Padamada
Mechanical Engineering (2025),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Kea‘au High School, Island of Hawai‘i
Interests: Robotics, Machine Learning, Biomimicry
Walker Sun
Mechanical Engineering (2027),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Castle High School, O‘ahu
Interests: Robotics, Programming
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Corey Taoka
Mechanical Engineering (2024),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Mililani High School, O‘ahu
Interests: Photography, Automotive Technology
Kailah Reign Vergara
Civil Engineering (2025),
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Moanalua High School, O‘ahu
Interests: Hydraulics, Sustainable Material Science