Misaki Takabayashi
University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Hilo, HI USA
"I still don't know if I've discovered my entire self-identity because it's a complex thing for everybody."
Career Roadmap
Misaki's work combines: Science, Environment & Nature, and Teaching / Mentoring
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Know that you can do anything you set your mind to no matter what!
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Molecular Biology
University of Sydney
Graduate Degree
Marine Sciences
University of Sydney
Doctorate
Marine Sciences
University of Queensland
Associate's Degree
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Hawaii Community College
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Grew up in Australia; her and her friend were the only two women of color in their entire school.
2.
Says since she was little, she knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up—she’s always been into “ocean stuff.”
3.
Earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Sydney.
4.
Then she earned her Ph.D. in marine studies from the University of Queensland.
5.
She’s taught marine biology at the University of Hawaiʻi for over 12 years.
6.
Her research revolves around coral disease and coral bleaching throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago.
7.
While in college, she realized that she was starting to “leave behind” her Japanese heritage when she went to class.
8.
That started her interest in the study of identity; she recently earned an associate’s degree in Hawaiian studies.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You need to blend in more and not stand out.
How I responded:
You have to bring all of yourself and not compartmentalize the different pieces of who you are. You can only succeed if you are a whole person.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I don't let it become a handicap or an excuse for people to treat me differently.
I had to learn English as a third language.