Year: 2018

Dr. Nasir Gazdar, who is the only lecturer on the geology of the Hawaiian Islands. Despite being a lecturer for 25 years at over 70-years-old he is not a full time professor. Gazdar got his PhD from Texas but came back to the islands to teach as he finds the Hawaiian Islands to be the best ecological environment. Though he feels lucky to be able to teach classes at KCC, he also gets invited to share his knowledge and learn at other conventions and universities, sometimes on other islands such as Maui.

In addition to his classes, he does lectures on the importance of earthquake and tsunami safety once a year in the Lama library. Gazdar heralds the importance of dropping down low, taking cover under something sturdy, and holding on during earthquakes. During this special annual lecture, he also hands out pamphlets that inform you of which supplies are needed and recommended to have in case of tsunamis.

Cara Pairmore is a 22 year old student majoring in natural sciences. She was born in Georgia, but moved to O‘ahu several years ago from North Carolina because her father is stationed at Schofield. She plans to transfer to UH Hilo next semester.

Cara likes painting, hiking, and reading. You can usually find her doodling in her notebooks, the artwork matching the subjects she is taking notes on. She’s currently working towards achieving a sustainability certificate because she also enjoys nature.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to finish out my college career in such a culturally and biologically diverse place that has such a strong focus on conservation and sustainability,” she said.