Who are we?
The team conducting this research is a group of Women's Health Scientists at the University of Hawai`i. Find out more about our interests below!
I am a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician, or a 'high-risk' pregnancy doctor. My interest to help populations with health disparities led me to pursue this specialty. Pregnancy complications disproportionately affect minoritized and underserved communities.
As a healthcare provider of Filipino heritage, I have a desire to translate these investigations into further research of mechanisms, identifying modifiable risk factors and molecular targets to decrease adverse pregnancy outcomes for underserved pregnant people in Hawai'i.
corrie miller (she/her)
Aloha mai kākou! My name is Kayleen (she/her), and I’m a proud 2023 graduate of @chaminadeuniversity, where I earned my BS in Biology and a minor in Hawaiian and Pacific Studies. My journey into women’s health began at @millerlab_hawaii during my gap year as a researcher, where we investigated the impact of social determinants and the vaginal microbiome on preterm birth in Hawaiʻi. Now, as I embark on my medical school journey, I'm honored to join the citizen-science Aiona Project. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and research the vaginal microbiome right here in our islands!
Kayleen Lau (she/her)
Aloha, my name is Mercedez (she/her). I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and I am a rising fourth year at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I am studying Microbiology at the School of Life Sciences. I will be working on the Aiona Project as a student researcher helping with recruitment and data analysis. This project is special to me because it gives the community the opportunity to help create change for women's health. In my free time you can find me at the beach with my dogs or reading a book for my next book club.
mercedez swencki (she/her)
Aloha! My name is Landen Kukahiwa (She/Her), and I am originally from Hilo, Hawaii. In 2024, I graduated from Chaminade University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in English. Currently, I'm taking a gap year to explore research as a research coordinator with The Miller Lab. My passion for research stems from its ability to provoke change and enhance our understanding of the world. Outside academics, I enjoy gardening, reading, and fishing at the beach. I'm excited to contribute to the Aiona Project and deepen my knowledge of the vaginal microbiome here in Hawaii!
landen kukahiwa (she/her)
Aloha my name is Kate (she/her). I am originally from Littleton, Colorado. I am currently in my fourth year at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa majoring in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. After graduating I plan to continue my education to become a Physician Assistant. I am involved with the Aiona Project as a student researcher to help with recruitment and data analysis. I am interested in learning about the vaginal microbiome and identifying factors that might influence it. In my free time I enjoy being active through yoga or hiking!
Kate rodriguez (She/her)
(Alumnus!) Aloha, my name is Alexis and my pronouns are she/her. I am originally from Los Angeles and am currently in my fourth year at UH Mānoa studying Marketing at the Shidler College of Business. My contributions to the Aiona Project consist of facilitating the spread of our mission through website and social media management. I look forward to reaching out to as many people as possible about this project and working with a great team of researchers, striving for a healthier lifestyle for women in Hawaiʻi
alexis moguel (she/her)