2024 HAPI Scholarship Recipients

Ruimin Lin
Ruimin is a sophomore at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), College of Engineering pursuing a degree in transportation engineering. She is concerned about degraded asphalt roadways not only affecting drivers, but cyclists as well. Biking is a common mode of transportation among students, but uneven roadways create hazards that discourage those interested in biking out of concern for their safety. She plans to explore the diverse types of asphalt compositions that produce the most durable mix that can withstand the pressures that Oahu’s transit networks unload on roadways.

Justin Kawamura
Justin is a second time HAPI scholarship recipient and a senior at Boise State University majoring in civil engineering. Receiving the scholarship for the first time got him interested in the asphalt industry. The education he has received thus far, along with the firsthand training only furthers his interest in this field. The invaluable information learned about asphalt mix types, the design of highways, and road specifications has given him a better understanding of the client’s needs. Working at the Pi’ilani Highway (on Maui) roundabout helped him see the product of roadway construction, and putting late-night studying and grueling classroom work behind him has resulted in him deciding to pursue a career in construction..

Mackelan Dax Mitchell
Mackelan is a second time HAPI scholarship recipient and a senior majoring in civil engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), College of Engineering. During his summer with Geolabs Hawaii he was given the opportunity to do more than just laboratory work. He went out into the field to conduct concrete tests, compaction tests, and asphalt tests. He also obtained his certification to use a nuclear gauge to assess the compaction of soils and asphalt pavements. Receiving the scholarship the first time was a major motivator for him “to know that people in the asphalt industry are interested to see me succeed and start my career.” Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree.

Saroj Pathak
Saroj is pursuing his doctorate degree in transportation engineering at the College of Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) . His academic background in material science and pavement engineering has prepared him to tackle the challenges associated with modern pavement engineering. His prior research includes a master’s thesis on neural networks for pavement moduli parameter back calculation. The dynamic interplay of materials, design, construction, and maintenance within the asphalt industry presents an engaging and ever-evolving challenge that he is eager to further explore in the future.