ALAKA‘I: Applied Life-Science Academy: Knowledge Advancing Industry

Members: University of Hawai‘i, Hilo, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Solano Biotech Consulting  

Project dates: 2021 – 2024

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center developed course materials for multidisciplinary bioeconomy education and training, with input from the industry and local communities. The materials focus on training high-impact biotechnology professionals, including operators, scientists, managers, policymakers, and advocates. 

 The curriculum includes materials on:  

1. Sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration 

2. Regulatory issues 

3. Soil microbiomes 

4. Feedstock, fermentation, and microbial engineering 

5. Life cycle analysis 

6. Indigenous perspectives on sustainability, culture, and community 

7. Technology implementation and community acceptance 

8. Native American perspectives on sustainability, culture, and community 

The course materials were field-tested at two summer conferences and adjusted based on the feedback from both industry professionals and conference attendees to ensure their relevance. The modules are available to BioMADE members via the Member Portal.

ALAKA’I stands for ‘Aloha Life-Science Academy: Knowledge Advancing Industry’ and represents the Hawaiian concept of leadership or mentorship. Project ALAKAʻI was guided by two overarching objectives: increase familiarity with multiple disciplines at the intersection of biology, technology, and policy to more effectively implement bioeconomy solutions; and redefine “sustainability” by incorporating indigenous Hawaiian and Pacific Island perspectives to ensure that the proposed solutions benefit all. 

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call 1.0