The ARCS Mission
ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, engineering, math, technology, and medical research.
Our 2025–2026 Board
Co-Presidents:
Wendy Lagareta (Chapter Affairs)
Dr. Carol Stratford (National Affairs)
Vice President - Membership:
Patricia (Patty) Lee
Treasurer: Susan Moore
Secretaries:
Roslyn (Roz) Pearson (Recording)
Patricia LaPorte (Corresponding)
Directors:
Cheryl Ernst (Communications)
Dr. Jane Schoonmaker (University Relations)
Dr. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Maly (Parliamentarian)
Immediate Past President:
Cheryl Ernst
Who We Are and What We Do
ARCS Foundation Honolulu Chapter is an all-volunteer, non-profit, women's orgnization that provides financial support to exceptional University of Hawai‘i students pursuing graduate studies and conducting research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health.
Our members come from community, business, government, and education sectors. We are united by our keen interest in things scientific and our strong commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in STEM fields … not to mention our delight in good company and fun events.
Responsible Philanthropy
Since 1974, we have provided more than $2.8 million in ARCS Scholar Awards to 689 students. Funding for these unrestricted grants comes from two sources:
– ARCS Award endowments managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation and Hawai‘i Community Foundation
– annual chapter fundraising efforts
We depend on dues to cover operational expenses; donations and proceeds from fundraising efforts go toward ARCS Scholar Awards. As a result, $8 out of every $10 expended by our chapter goes directly to our student scholars.
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Learn More
- Check out our current ARCS Scholars.
- Meet some of our exceptional members who have received ARCS Angel and ARCS Light Awards.
- Join us! Contact Vice President for Membership Patty Lee at 808-230-0133 or arcshonolulu@gmail.com for more information.
- Donate today. Your tax deductible donation advances science and technology addressing today's important challenges.
Scholar Update: Lunar Luminary Paul Lucey
"When I began research in planetary science as an undergraduate, I saw it as a tangible way to explore space and make meaningful contributions to that endeavor. As time passed, I have enjoyed helping many students do the same, and watch them become successful scientists."
1987 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Dr. Paul Lucey received the NASA Eugene Shoemaker Distinguished Scientist Medal recipient for lifetime achievement in the study of the Moon and other rocky planets. A professor in the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa's Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, he has been instrumental in developing imaging spectrometers for NASA. His use of hyperspectral imagery to efficiently map lunar materials and quantitative modeling of near-infrared spectra have generated key insights regarding the composition of the lunar crust and interior. Read more
To Quote a Scholar: Alexandru Sasuclark
“My research, if successful, would add a new diagnostic toolset for medical professionals to assess risk for those already at a high risk for developing neuropsychiatric disorders.”
Honolulu ARCS Scholar Alexandru Sasuclark received Best Poster Presentation at the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s 2021 Annual Biomedical Sciences and Health Disparities Symposium. The George and Virginia Starbuck ARCS Award receipient studies the role of selenium in development of particular neurons in the brain and the perineuronal net structures that surround them. Disruption in their development is characteristic of many neurodevelopmental diseases. A University of Hawai‘i at Manoa PhD candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology, Alexandru aspires to a career in industry pursuing treatments for neurological ailments.
Read about his inspiration or watch his video
Scholar Update: Oceanographer Amy Baco-Taylor
“Because most species in the deep sea are slow growing and long-lived, deep-sea species are actually more vulnerable to human impacts than many shallow-water ecosystems.”
– 1999 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Dr. Amy Baco-Taylor, explaining the importance of her research on deep sea ecosystems in a Q&A on the Florida State University website where she is now a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. Read the profile