Akamai Internship Kicks Off 2026 Recruitment Following Stellar 2025 Cohort
The Akamai Internship Program, a cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s STEM workforce development for more than two decades, is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. Led by the Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators at University of California Observatories, in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi, Akamai continues to expand opportunities for college students from Hawaiʻi to gain hands-on experience in science, engineering, and technology fields.
Apply Now for the 2026 Akamai Internship
Applications are open through Friday, January 23, 2026.
Students from Hawaiʻi or currently studying in the state are eligible to apply.
Now in its 22nd year, the Akamai Workforce Initiative is recognized as one of the state’s leading pathways into high-quality STEM careers. In summer 2025, the program supported 33 interns, each matched with a Hawaiʻi-based observatory — including 15 at Maunakea Observatories — for an immersive internship experience.
Through technical projects, one-on-one mentorship, communication skill-building, and a final technical presentation, students gained valuable skills while contributing meaningful work to Hawaiʻi’s astronomy and engineering communities. Several interns were mentored by Akamai alumni, illustrating a powerful full-circle moment that shows how program participants go on to become the next generation of STEM leaders and mentors within Hawaiʻi.
Inside the 2025 Cohort: Innovation and Impact
Austin Cataluna (left) and Gregory Barrick (right)
Austin Cataluna transferred from Leeward Community College to UH Manoa, where he is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Working under the mentorship of Gregory Barrick at the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Austin designed a specialized cart for a telescope instrument that serves multiple functions: assembly, storage, and installation. The cart had to meet challenging specifications, including fine-scale position adjustment, shock absorption for transport, and a structural design capable of supporting 170 kilograms. Austin completed the design, verified its structural capacity, and presented his work at a design review, positioning CFHT to move forward with building the cart.
Jacy Hanada grew up on Maui and graduated from Maui High School before pursuing mechanical engineering at the University of Portland. This summer, at the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Haleakalā, Jacy worked under the mentorship of Brialyn Onodera, an Akamai alum, and James Hoag. Her project involved measuring vibrations with an accelerometer, requiring extensive time at the summit gathering data on the chillers that are critical to preventing the telescope from overheating due to the sun’s intense heat. Jacy's analysis produced actionable recommendations for reducing vibrations that can cause chiller leaks. DKIST has implemented her recommendations and used her data to verify their effectiveness.
Jake Taylor was born and raised in Honolulu and is currently studying mechanical engineering at UH Manoa. At W.M. Keck Observatory, working under the mentorship of Jason Worden and Justin Ballard, Jake designed a system to test a crucial component of the Keck telescopes: the actuators that move the mirrors. The system simulated the weight load the actuators experience during telescope operations. Jake's design enables Keck Observatory to move forward with detailed specifications and fabrication of the test system.
Carina McCartney is from Oʻahu and is now an aerospace engineering major at the University of Colorado Boulder. At the International Gemini Observatory, Carina worked under the mentorship of Anthony Sylvester and Logan Sato, both Akamai Internship alumni, as well as Hawi Stetcher. She created detailed 3D models of the telescope enclosure and mount for import into a real-time visualization tool. This tool enables simulations of weight distribution changes when instruments are added or removed from the telescope. Carina verified her models, which were then used by a collaborating intern to create a simulator that Gemini can use to balance the telescope and expand upon.
Join the 2026 Cohort: Applications Now Open
Students who are from Hawaiʻi or currently studying in the state are eligible to apply for the 2026 Akamai Internship cohort, reflecting the program’s long-standing commitment to building a strong, homegrown STEM workforce. Applications are open now through Friday, January 23, 2026.
The Akamai Internship Program is currently funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and University of California Observatories.
For more information or to apply, visit the Akamai Workforce Initiative website.
