Maui High students take to the skies with NASA

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A team of four Maui High School students have captivated the bright minds at NASA through their experiment to measure how plastic degrades and releases greenhouse gasses.

In fact, their experiment was so good, it was selected by the Cubes in Space program, in partnership with NASA, to fly on a high-altitude balloon.

The goal of the experiment is to determine ways to reduce the impacts plastics have on the environment.

The students have been working under the guidance of University of Hawaii professors since November of last year, and in late August/early September, it will all come full circle.

“I am so glad that we have been provided with so many opportunities despite the difficulties that our year has had,” said student Holden Suzuki. “After the Lahaina fires many of us lost out on not only instructional time, but also projects and homes, so it is so important that we have been provided some kind of reprieve.”

The UH Manoa faculty members met with the students in-person on Maui and over Zoom in the spring semester to come up with a proposal and on-time submission despite the challenges created on Maui.

“Collectively as a team, we’ve had the lucky opportunity to continue a passion project of ours through the guidance of Dr. Chyba and Dr. Mileyko,” said student Wilson Lau. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience first-hand research that will encompass my educational passion within STEM.”

Student Joshua Mori added, “Working with Dr. Chyba and Dr. Mileyko and their exceptional team has been an amazing experience for my academic journey. These amazing mentors have given me so much hope for the future, and I feel excited to tackle more challenges in the future.”

To learn more about the project and team visit the UH Manoa News website.