Misaki Takabayashi
Interim Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
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.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMisaki Takabayashi
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Grew up in Australia; her and her friend were the only two women of color in their entire school.
Says since she was little, she knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up—she’s always been into “ocean stuff.”
Earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Sydney.
Then she earned her Ph.D. in marine studies from the University of Queensland.
She’s taught marine biology at the University of Hawaiʻi for over 12 years.
Her research revolves around coral disease and coral bleaching throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago.
While in college, she realized that she was starting to “leave behind” her Japanese heritage when she went to class.
That started her interest in the study of identity; she recently earned an associate’s degree in Hawaiian studies.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Interim Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
I am a marine biologist and associate dean who supports the academic needs of students at UH Hilo.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Environment & Nature
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I select recipients of scholarships.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for middle school students
Know that you can do anything you set your mind to no matter what!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You need to blend in more and not stand out. "
Challenges I Overcame
LGBT
First-Generation Immigrant
Interviewed By
Setting Course
Science, tech, engineering, arts, and math careers in Hawaii
