2008 Hawaii Island Akamai Intern Profiles

Vahid Ajimine, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship:W.M. Keck Observatory
Project:
Mentor: Jason Ward

Vahid Ajimine was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from Maui High School in 2003. He initially was a student at Maui Community College until ultimately deciding to transfer to University of Hawai'i at Hilo and major in Computer Science. During his free time, Vahid enjoys playing video games, surfing the web, playing/listening to music and just having fun in general. (Top)

Tamarah Binek, Northern Arizona University
Site for Internship: Gemini North Observatory
Project:
Mentor: Chas Cavedoni
Advisor: Mike Sheehan

Tamarah Binek is currently a mechanical engineering student at Nothern Arizona University (NAU). She is originally from Volcano, Hawaii and graduated from Waiakea High School. Her hobbies include bodyboarding, photography, hiking, swimming, running, and reading the bible. Tamarah plans to continue her engineering degree at NAU this fall wnd will graduate in May of 2009. (Top)

Branden Bonilla, Kauai Community College
Site for Internship: Smithsonian Submillimeter Array (SMA)
Project:
Mentor: Derek Kubo

Branden Bonilla was born and raised in Kapaa on the island of Kauai. Currently, he is an Electronics Technology student at Kauai Community College. He is excited about his internship on the Big Island which will give him hands on experience in real life situations. Branden enjoys hanging out at the beach (bodyboarding, fishing and camping), hitting the gym, listening to music and playing video games. (Top)

Kimberly Bott, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship: Institute for Astronomy (IfA)
Project:
Mentor: Klaus Hodapp

Kim Bott was raised on Whidbey Island in Washington State.  It was here, in the presence of a clear view of the Milky Way, that her deep interest in astronomy was born.  She transferred to the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2007 from Northern Arizona University and intends to graduate in Fall 2008 with Physics and Astronomy degrees.  Her hobbies include writing, snorkeling, hiking and painting. (Top)

Kimberly Brenton, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship: University of Hawai'i at Hilo (ASHRA Project)
Project:
Mentors: Yoichi Asaoka and Bob Fox

Currently pursuing a degree as an astronomy major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Kim Brenton transferred upon graduation from Montgomery College in Maryland in Spring 2007. She anticipates attending graduate school after experiencing work in the field after completion of a B.S. at Hilo, and is very excited to have the opportunity to work with the CfAO and have some direct hands-on experience prior to graduating. Outside of class, she enjoys photography and illustration, meeting new people, and traveling. (Top)

Jeff Fines, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: W.M. Keck Observatory
Project:
Mentor: Craig Nance

Jeff Fines, of ‘Aiea, is the eldest of three siblings. Just finishing up his junior year, he is inch by inch reaching his goal of earning a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Jeff enjoys all types of outdoor activities; as an avid stargazer, he is especially excited to have to the opportunity to intern at the W.M. Keck Observatory on Hawai‘i Island this summer. (Top)

Katherine Hall, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship: University of Hawai’i at Hilo (1 meter telescope)
Project:
Mentor: John Hamilton

Katherine Hall was born in Denver, CO and graduated from Pomona High School in Arvada in May 2007. She is currently a second semester freshmen at UH Hilo majoring in Astrophysics and minors in both math and physics. Katherine’s favorite activities involve playing tennis, working at the local planetarium, biking and volunteering at the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Station. Katherine hopes to continue through college to earn her Ph.D. in astrophysics and work at JPL or do intergalactic space research. Katherine is very excited to be working at the 1 meter UHH telescope this summer. (Top)

Scott Hamilton,University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: W.M. Keck Observatory
Project:
Mentor:
Advisor:

(Top)

Amber Imai, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT)
Project:
Mentors: Tom Vermeulen & Bill Cruise

Amber Imai has always set her goals and dreams in the stars. She just finished her freshman year at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa's College of Engineering as an Electrical Engineering major. A graduate of Waiakea High School, Amber actively continues to be involved with robotics. After graduation, Amber plans to return home to either work on the telescopes or assist in the push for alternative and renewable energy on the Big Island. (Top)

Jahrain Jackson, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship: Subaru Telescope
Project:
Mentor: Matt Dinkins

Jahrain Jackson was born in St. Croix and grew up in several different places. He graduated from Pahoa High School on the Island of Hawaii in 2006 and is currently a student at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo majoring in Computer Science. As a hobby and a potential career, Jahrain enjoys software programming, and 3d modeling and animation. (Top)

Shem Livai , University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: Institute for Astronomy (IfA)
Project:
Mentor: Colin Aspen

Shem Livai was born and raised in Ebeye, Marshall Islands. He is currently attending the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He has been fascinated with the engineering field since he was in high school because of his strong interest in airplanes and rockets. Shem loves playing basketball, hanging out with friends and family and listening to music. After obtaining his degree he plans to go back to assist his country in creating a better and brighter future. (Top)

Kyle Loo, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: Smithsonian Submillimeter Array (SMA)
Project:
Mentor: Billie Chitwood

Kyle Loo was born and raised on the island of Oahu. He is a 2005 graduate of Kamehameha School and he is currently a junior at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa . He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and plans to graduate fall 09.  During his free time he likes to ride his sportbike and when he is not riding, he is always fixing it. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as basketball, hiking, volleyball, and football. (Top)

Joshua Loving, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Site for Internship: Subaru Telescope
Project:
Mentor: Robert Potter

Joshua Loving grew up in Honomu on the Big Island of Hawaii.  He is currently a freshman at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo pursuing majors in mathematics and computer science.  As the eldest of ten homeschooled children, he has found his math tutoring position a natural fit.  Through the CfAO internship he desires to build a relationship with the astronomical community on his home island so he can continue to work with them in the future.  After graduating from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Joshua plans to go on to graduate studies in computer science. (Top)

Michelle Simon, Pacific Lutheran University
Site for Internship:W.M. Keck Observatory
Project:
Mentors: Jorg-Uwe Pott, Ben Berkey & Michael Hrynevych

Michelle Simon was born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  She always excelled in math and upon graduating from Kealakehe High School she got awards in both math and physics, along with being a valedictorian.  After high school Michelle went off to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.  There she tried a number of different classes before taking an introduction to computer science course.  There was no going back after that and today Michelle currently will be majoring in computer science with a minor in math. (Top)

Jianwei Zhou, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Site for Internship: Subaru Telescope
Project:
Mentor: Steve Colley

Jianwei Zhou was born and raised in Zhongshan, a small city in Southern China. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2006. He is currently a junior at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, majoring in electrical engineering. His current interest lies in signal processing and telecommunication. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, video games, watching movies and listening to music. He is excited about the Akamai Internship, which will allow him to apply his knowledge to real-life practice. (Top)