Lauren Van Heukelem

Occupation: Junior Faculty and Community Education Coordinator at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology
College: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
What school you grad? Hilo High ‘08
Location: Kāneʻohe, HI 

Lauren Van Heukelem grew up in Honomu on Hawai‘i Island and is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her academic background and research experience reflect a deep commitment to marine conservation and education in Hawai‘i. As a graduate student, Lauren focused her scientific research on biological control methods for managing invasive algae species within the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District. Following her graduate studies, Lauren worked at the Waikīkī Aquarium before going back to Hawai‘i Island to contribute to conservation efforts involving the ‘īlio holo I ka uaua (Hawaiian monk seal). In 2023, she returned to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and joined the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology as the Program Lead for the Center for Community Education. In this role, she is dedicated to bridging access to HIMB for communities and K-8 students across Hawai‘i by creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities to engage with cutting-edge marine research.

She attended Le Jardin Academy, Kailua Elementary, Chiefess Kapiʻolani Elementary School, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High School. She served as the water polo coach for one year at Waiākea High School before moving for a job.

Q: What was your journey like after high school?
A: After graduating from high School, I attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Marine Biology. During graduate school, I researched the dietary preferences of the native collector urchin (Tripneustes gratilla), deepening my appreciation for our island’s unique marine ecosystems. 

Following graduate school, I began my professional career at the Waikīkī Aquarium as the volunteer coordinator. I then returned home to Hawaiʻi island to serve as the Response Coordinator at Ke Kai Ola, the Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital, helping to conserve one of Hawaiʻis most engaged marine mammals. Today, I am proud to work at the University of Hawaiʻi, where I continue to support education, research and opportunities that promote the conservation of our marine natural resources. 

Q: What are you up to these days?
あ: These days, I have the privilege of leading the Center for Community Education at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Biology. In this role, I welcome students, teachers, and community to explore the cutting-edge marine science research being conducted at the University. Through hands-on, place-based educational experiences, we connect people with Hawaiʻis unique marine ecosystems while helping them to understand the importance of protecting them.  

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. Whether students are simply discovering a love for the ocean or considering a future career in marine science, I hope to show them that they have a place in this field and there are opportunities.

Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: Growing up, I was surrounded by the ocean and inspired by my family. Both of my grandfathers had careers in marine science, and my father is a lifeguard on Hawaiʻi Island. So caring for the kai (ocean) has always felt like the right path for me. I spent my childhood snorkeling, swimming, playing water polo, and enjoying the beach, which only strengthened my connection to the ocean. Today, I love that my career allows me to combine my passion for marine science with education. 

Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud?
A: I am #PublicSchoolProud because Hawaiʻi public schools helped to shape who I am today. Several of my science teachers encouraged me to challenge myself and pursue my passion for marine science, especially Kristine Takata and Michael Pacheco III at Hilo High School. Their enthusiasm, hands-on teaching, and ability to connect science to real world examples made learning exciting and kept me on this career path. I hope to provide that same sense of inspiration and opportunity through my work.

Q: Favorite subject in school?
A: Science and physical education.

Q: What type of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: During High School I was on both the swimming and water polo teams for Hilo High School. 

Q: What was your favorite school lunch or breakfast?
あ: I have to admit, I usually skipped school lunch. My friends and I had a tradition of walking down to Kozmic Cones after school to grab a chicken plate before swim practice started. 

Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank?

A: Kristine Takata and Michael Pacheco III at Hilo High School.
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: If you are excited about a career but feel intimated by math or science, do not give up. Everyone learns differently, and you may just need to find the approach that works best for you. Science and math surround us, we use them everyday, often without realizing it. Look for opportunities to learn through hands-on, real-world experiences, stay curious, and do not be disheartened. Once you get the basics down you will be able to apply those skills to almost any job! 

One of the best pieces of advice I received is to say yes to opportunities, especially while you are young! Even if they do not seem like the perfect fit for your long term goals, every experience helps to build new skills, relationships, and perspectives that will serve you throughout your career and life. Sometimes the path you end up on is different from the one you originally imagined and it may turn out to be even more rewarding!