The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.

See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship

 

As a Kealakehe High School graduate and 2025 scholarship recipient, Maming Bacxa is attending Tulane University. She is a sophomore studying Public Health and Cell and Molecular Biology on the pre-med track. Here is a word from Maming:

My name is Maming “Ming” Bacxa, and I am a Native Hawaiian and Filipino student from the island of Hawai’i. I graduated from Kealakehe High School as valedictorian in 2025, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that being a Paubox Kahikina Scholarship recipient has provided throughout my college journey. Currently, I am writing this blog from Paris, while away on a study abroad program — allowing me to study the healthcare system in France and what can be applied back in America!

I am currently a rising sophomore at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I first arrived in NOLA, I declared Public Health on the Pre-Med track as my academic path. Throughout my freshman year, however, I explored different subjects that quickly became some of my favorite classes. I have always loved history — the ability to learn about the past and understand the diverse experiences, achievements, and cultures of people around the world has always fascinated me. Additionally, I rediscovered my love for biology. While I did not have the strongest experience with biology in high school, one of my professors, Dr. V, completely changed my perspective and reminded me why I loved the subject in the first place.

After exploring these different interests, I decided to combine my passions by double-majoring in Public Health and Cell and Molecular Biology on the Pre-Med track. These fields allow me to understand health from both a community and scientific perspective, which aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a physician.

One of the most meaningful parts of my time in NOLA has been meeting incredible people from across the country and around the world. I am honored to be part of Tulane’s Newcomb Scholars Program, an interdisciplinary research cohort founded in 2009 with gender equity at its core. The program emerged after Hurricane Katrina as an evolution of America’s first women’s college and has since expanded to welcome students from all backgrounds who are committed to equity-centered research. Out of the entire Tulane Class of 2029, consisting of approximately 1,800 students, only 21 students were selected for this cohort.

Beyond the classroom, I have been fortunate to explore new academic and professional opportunities. While living in New Orleans, I quickly realized that access to reproductive health resources and contraceptives was very different from what I experienced growing up in Hawai’i. Seeing these disparities was heartbreaking, especially within communities that continue to experience the lasting impacts of Hurricane Katrina and other systemic challenges.

My time with the Sexual Health Education and Rights (SHER) Lab has given me invaluable skills and experiences that I will carry throughout my career. During my internship, I focused on outreach, research, and advocacy efforts related to sexual and reproductive health education for youth throughout Louisiana and the greater New Orleans area. I conducted outreach to nonprofit organizations, clinics, schools, and advocacy groups while helping expand the project’s organizational network and maintaining communication regarding outreach progress and survey responses.

In addition to my work with SHER, I joined a research lab at Tulane’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. There, I am studying cell culture while learning about the effects of iron and other metals in the Mississippi River and how environmental exposures may contribute to cancer rates along the river. Although I began my position by learning laboratory equipment and assisting with sample collection, I am excited to take on more responsibilities and become more involved in research during the upcoming year.

One of the greatest gifts Tulane has given me has been the people I have met along the way. Adjusting to the culture of the South was challenging at first, but finding hobbies and reconnecting with my culture have helped me stay grounded and connected to my roots. I started working out again and eventually earned a position at Tulane’s Recreation Center to help support my education while gaining professional experience. I am currently completing training to become a Personal Trainer through a program offered by the university — a unique opportunity that allows students to grow professionally while pursuing their passions.

I also joined Phi Delta Epsilon, Tulane’s Pre-Medical Fraternity, which has allowed me to build connections with physicians and surgeons throughout New Orleans. This upcoming fall, I will have the opportunity to shadow an Interventional Pulmonologist, an experience I am incredibly excited about as I continue exploring the medical field.

After graduating from Tulane University, I plan to attend medical school and eventually specialize in cardiology. Learning about the heart and understanding its importance in sustaining life has always fascinated me. In the long term, I hope to return home to Hawai’i and serve my community. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many people faced when trying to schedule medical appointments due to the shortage of physicians in our state. I want to help lessen that burden while giving back to the community that has given me so much.

The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship generously provides $1,000 each year until I graduate, and this support has directly helped me with my tuition expenses. However, this scholarship means far more than financial assistance. It represents belief, encouragement, and the reminder that students like me are capable of achieving our dreams. It proves wrong the people who told Polynesian students that we would never make it beyond Hawai’i. It shows young keiki growing up on the islands that they, too, have the opportunity to pursue higher education and create meaningful futures.

Being part of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship community motivates me to continue pushing forward. Although being away from home can be challenging, knowing that I have a network of people who believe in me and support my journey means the world.

Mahalo nui loa to everyone who has supported and believed in all of the students selected for this prestigious scholarship. Congratulations to the new recipients and to the returning scholars. I cannot wait to read your blogs and see all of the incredible things you have accomplished.

Read: Riding into Sophomore Year at Tulane