Ka‘eo Duarte, PhD
Vice President of Community Engagement and Resources at Kamehameha Schools
Kona, Hawai‘i
Field of study/specialty
Environmental Engineering
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
Growing up farming, fishing and hunting in Kona on Hawai‘i Island, I have always been drawn to ‘āina in all its manifestations. As early as High School I wanted to work on water and other ‘āina-related areas.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Take the time to talk to and learn from your ʻohana, kupuna and community. Don’t underestimate the rich ‘ike around you, and take the time to get off the computer/phone to engage with ʻāina and learn from it. Also, learn to listen and talk to others. The solutions our world needs will not be solved just with science, you must also know how to touch hearts and minds.
Environmental Engineering
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
Growing up farming, fishing and hunting in Kona on Hawai‘i Island, I have always been drawn to ‘āina in all its manifestations. As early as High School I wanted to work on water and other ‘āina-related areas.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Take the time to talk to and learn from your ʻohana, kupuna and community. Don’t underestimate the rich ‘ike around you, and take the time to get off the computer/phone to engage with ʻāina and learn from it. Also, learn to listen and talk to others. The solutions our world needs will not be solved just with science, you must also know how to touch hearts and minds.