Behind every astronomical discovery are the stories and experiences of the people who made it possible. Explore the latest from across the Maunakea Observatories.
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Akamai Internship Kicks Off 2026 Recruitment Following Stellar 2025 Cohort
Applications are open for the 2026 Akamai Internship Program, a cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s STEM workforce development for 22 years. 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. Step inside the 2025 cohort and learn about their innovation and impact at the Maunakea Observatories.
Students in Hawaiʻi Name Mesmerizing Image Ua ʻŌhiʻa Lani for the International Gemini Observatory’s 25th Anniversary
To celebrate 25 years since the completion of the International Gemini Observatory, students in Hawai‘i voted for the Gemini North telescope to image NGC 6820 — a striking emission nebula and open star cluster. The image was named Ua ʻŌhiʻa Lani, which means the Heavenly ʻŌhiʻa Rains. The International Gemini Observatory is partly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by NSF NOIRLab.
Keck Observatory’s Ilihia Gionson Named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40
Ilihia Gionson, Chief Public Affairs Officer at W. M. Keck Observatory, has been named to Pacific Business News’ 2025 40 Under 40 list, which honors Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders for their professional excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The Maunakea Observatories team joined him at the August 14 awards dinner to celebrate this recognition.
Kaʻala Deitch Named to Pacific Business News’ Inno Under 25
Kaʻala Deitch, an engineering student who has contributed to both technical projects and community outreach at W. M. Keck Observatory, was recently named one of Hawai‘i’s top young innovators by Pacific Business News. The annual Inno Under 25 awards recognize those under 25 in the tech space and entrepreneurs across various sectors.
Waipahu High School Students Honored by Maunakea Scholars
Eleven students from Waipahu High School were recognized this year by the Maunakea Scholars program for their original astronomy research proposals, earning the opportunity to access Hawaiʻi’s world-class telescopes. The annual awards ceremony celebrated their accomplishments and marked the beginning of the transition from proposal to discovery.
Maunakea Observatories Join the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum for Kaʻū Career Day
The Maunakea Observatories (MKOs) joined the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum (HSTM) for the very first HSTM Career Day at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Career Day is a workforce-development and career-focused event for high school students that brings hands-on activities, information, and opportunities to local communities.
UH Telescope on Maunakea Earns Global Honor
By University of Hawaiʻi News
The University of Hawaiʻi’s 2.2-meter (88 inch) telescope on Maunakea has been recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as an IEEE Milestone, a significant honor spotlighting innovations that changed the world. Innovations developed or tested by the UH88 have shaped astronomy worldwide and include breakthrough digital imaging, adaptive optics and the HAWAII near-infrared detectors used on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
Maunakea Scholars Students Go to the International Science Fair
Every spring, students from around the world gather for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. This year’s fair took place on May 10-16th in Columbus, Ohio. Among the Hawaiʻi students participating was Kai Greenlee, a senior at Kealakehe High School.
UH Student Applies Engineering Skills to W. M. Keck Observatory Project
Kaʻala Deitch, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is finding his path at the intersection of science, culture, and service. A graduate of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, Kaʻala’s early education in Hawaiian language immersion gave him more than just fluency. It grounded him with a strong sense of place and purpose. In 2023, Kaʻala joined the W. M. Keck Observatory through the Akamai Workforce Initiative, which places local students in STEM internships across Hawaiʻi.
Bryan Silver: 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and Maunakea Scholars Teacher
Bryan Silver, a science and Career and Technical Education at Kalani High School was named 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year by the state Department of Education! Bryan has spent the last 24 years teaching in the Honolulu district and has been a Maunakea Scholars (MKS) teacher since 2016 providing Honolulu students with project-based, hands-on STEM learning experiences. This honor reflects the profound impact he’s had on his students and community.
Leinani Lozi Named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40
Leinani Lozi, Hawaiʻi Education & Engagement Manager at the International Gemini Observatory, a program of NSF’s NOIRLab, has been named one of Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40, recognizing her contributions to science education and dedication to serving her community. The annual event honors leaders from across Hawaiʻi for their professional and philanthropic achievements.
What Does It Take To Become A Telescope Operator?
Derek Petrowski was always curious about working with telescopes, even as a child. While his path to becoming a Telescope Operator and Support Technician at W. M. Keck Observatory wasn’t necessarily linear, his diverse life experiences and career trajectory have led him to becoming a critical member of the Maunakea Observatories community.
Mary Beth Laychak Wins 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award
In recognition of her unwavering commitment to educating the next generation of astronomers, Mary Beth Laychak has been honored with the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. Mary Beth is the Director of Communications and Community Engagement at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and leads several programs within the Maunakea Observatories community.