FACULTY
FELLOWS
Empowering UH faculty, staff & researchers to integrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-engaged design thinking into teaching and research.
PROGRAM
In partnership with the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Societal Impact, the Faculty Fellows program connects UH faculty committed to weaving innovation and entrepreneurship into their courses and research. Fellows gain a shared toolkit of innovation frameworks and concepts, building a common language that strengthens collaboration across campus. By cultivating faculty as “train‑the‑trainer” leaders, the program lays the groundwork for a strong entrepreneurial mindset at UH and equips faculty to mentor students pursuing innovation.
COMMITMENT AND GOALS
- Build a network of UH faculty committed to innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Integrate design thinking and real-world problem solving into courses.
- Develop faculty leaders to mentor students and support innovation initiatives.
- Foster collaboration through immersive experiences and partnerships.
- 5 month commitment (1 day per month).
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Innovation curious faculty, staff & researchers in STEM & Humanities eager to bring innovation into their work, collaborate across disciplines, and turn ideas into real-world impact.
BENEFITS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Learn from experienced leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship
COLLABORATION & NETWORKING
Access ongoing networking and collaboration opportunities beyond the program
INNOVATIVE IDEAS
Gain exposure to innovative classrooms, programs, and teaching practices
SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
+
ongoing access to support and resources
August
Introductions and exploring innovation & design thinking frameworks
October
Example: Engaging researchers & faculty at UH West Oʻahu/Leeward CC
December
Closing Hōʻike with presentations, keynote, and celebration
September
Example: Fireside chat exploring UH Mānoa’s innovative environments
November
Support and Resources
INNOVATION
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
The program piloted with six faculty from the College of Engineering at UH Manoa who have a track record of high-impact teaching practices and transformative approaches in the courses they currently teach. Each engage in areas that warrant new approaches to addressing pressing challenges for industries of our future.
OCEANA PUANANILEI FRANCIS
Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering +
Sea Grant College Program
AARON OHTA
Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
TYLER RAY (Faculty Lead)
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering +
JABSOM Cell and Molecular Biology
LIN SHEN
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
ZAC TRIMBLE
Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering
JEFF WELDON
Associate Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
CONNECT
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Office of Innovation and Commercialization
2425 Campus Road Sinclair 10
Honolulu, HI 96822
Funding for this initiative is through a federal grant from the Office of Naval Research.