Author: Marco Leon

Erin Turban

Erin Turban is a 36-year-old former KCC student from ‘Ewa Beach who has begun her first semester at UH Mānoa for Fall 2019.

She originally started taking nursing classes, and one of those prerequisites was John Berestecky’s Micro 130 class. She “found it really interesting” and is now pursuing a BS in Microbiology. 

Erin enjoys hanging out at KCC.

“I love it here!” she said.

She can be found working alongside a research team investigating Campylobacter spp., a bacteria that is commonly found in poultry. 

“We are looking for a specific gene that Campy has,” she said. “It’s the type VI secretion system, the hcp gene. This gene provides cells with a needle like method of passing on its genetic information to other cells.” 

Turban got involved in research by joining the on campus organization, Kapiʻolani Association of Research in Microbiology (KARM).

“KARM has been a supportive environment,” she said. :This will for sure help me with my Microbiology degree. I get to work with the equipment and learn techniques from Becky Kanenaka [a mentor for KARM], JB [Berestecky] himself, and my lab mates.”

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    Lahela Kauihana is a first-year student at KCC and intends to major in Travel and Tourism. She’s worked in the tourism industry for a number of years, and currently is a reservationist and customer service specialist for the Maitai Catamaran which is operated by the Sheraton in Waikiki. The Maitai Catamaran docks at Waikiki Yacht Club next to Gray’s Beach. Lahela began to immerse herself in Japanese culture and language in 2011 while working in Waikiki, and more study of the language, coupled with a degree in Travel and Tourism will hopefully enable her to move overseas for work and future career opportunities. Growing up in large, multi-generational family in Waimanalo, Lahela at one point counted up to 30 family members living on a single property with a few different homes onsite. While she is invariably busy with full-time work and classes (most free time is dedicated to her studies), she maintains a strong work ethic and drive to succeed because of her family. Says Lahela, “it’s my nieces and nephews. The kids in my family drive me.” Her emoji-themed backpack was given to her by her nieces and nephews for her birthday, and came complete with with school supplies for her first semester at KCC.

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