AISES awarded Dr. Kelsea Kanoho Hosoda (Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian)) the 2025 Blazing Flame Award, which is presented to an individual who “blazes” a path for Indigenous people in STEM careers. This award recognizes individuals with 10 or more years of professional experience with significant accomplishments in advancing STEM education and careers.
Meet Dr. Kelsea Kanoho Hosoda, a leading voice in bringing Indigenous knowledge into STEM education. As director of the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, she supports more than 100 Native Hawaiian medical and pre-med students.
A founding teacher at Mālama Honua Public Charter School, Dr. Hosoda developed K–8 STEM curriculum rooted in Kanaka ʻŌiwi culture, including lessons inspired by ocean-voyaging canoes.
Her work continues to blend culture and science to reimagine education and empower future generations.