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!
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Corrie Miller, DO MSCR
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.
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Mercedez Swencki, BS
Aloha, my name is Mercedez (she/her). I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and I am a recent Microbiology graduate from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I lead the Aiona Project 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.
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Asiya Sharipova
Aloha! My name is Asiya (she/her). I’m from Oahu, Hawaii and am a rising junior at UH Manoa. I am a chemistry major on a pre-medical track. I am contributing to the Aiona project as a student researcher to help with recruitment and data analysis. I’m especially excited to deepen my understanding of the vaginal microbiome and to help destigmatize vaginal health. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the beach, snorkeling, and gardening!
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Kyra Tran
Aloha! My name is Kyra Tran, and I am from Honolulu, Hawai'i. I am currently in my second year at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa as a Biology major on the pre-medical track. In my role as a student researcher with the Miller Lab, I am both grateful and excited to play a part in helping not only better understand but also spotlight impactful and meaningful exploration of the microbiomes unique to the populations of women across the Pacific Islands.
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Nicole Tang, BS
My name is Nicole (she/her) and I was born and raised in Southern California. I recent graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. I am so excited to explore the vaginal microbiome through the Aiona project as a Post-bacc researcher while I apply to medical school and hope to learn about the various factors that influence the vaginal microbiome and women’s health. In my free time, I enjoy running and embroidery which help me stay balanced and creative!
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Arhyen Flores
Arhyen is a Biology and Philippine Studies Major
Previous aiona project researchers
(Alumnus!) 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, I am a Medical Student at A.T. Still University of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona.
Kayleen Lau (she/her)
(Alumnus!) 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. 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 am now looking forward to applying to Vet school!
landen kukahiwa (she/her)
(Alumnus!) Aloha my name is Kate (she/her). I am originally from Littleton, Colorado. I graduated from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa majoring in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. Now 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)