Kamaʻāina students contribute to cutting-edge observatory systems through hands-on summer projects
This summer, the W. M. Keck Observatory is proud to welcome two outstanding students, Edinn Kitagawa and Elizabeth Young, as participants in the renowned Akamai Workforce Initiative. Through hands-on engineering projects embedded within active observatory systems, both interns are contributing to real-world solutions that support Keck’s scientific mission while gaining invaluable technical experience.
The Akamai Workforce Initiative connects students from across Hawaiʻi with opportunities at leading observatories and STEM organizations, helping build a strong local workforce in science and engineering. With more than 500 alumni, many now working in STEM careers, and 64 interns hosted at Keck Observatory to date, the program continues to play a vital role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future innovators.
“Our longstanding partnership with Akamai is one of the most consequential ways we invest in Hawaiʻi’s future,” said Ilihia Gionson, chief public affairs officer for the Observatory. “By providing hands-on, real-world experience, we’re not only supporting student success, we’re helping create pathways for kamaʻāina and Native Hawaiian students to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology right here at home.”
“Akamai internships are designed to immerse students in meaningful, hands-on work from day one,” added Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco, education and workforce development manager. “By pairing each intern with dedicated mentors and projects tied to real Observatory systems, we create an environment where students build confidence, develop technical skills, and see the direct impact of their contributions.”
Engineering for Precision: Supporting Critical Observatory Systems
During their time at Keck, both of this summer’s interns are working on projects that directly enhance the Observatory’s instrumentation and operational capabilities, demonstrating the program’s emphasis on meaningful, applied learning.
Under the mentorship of Mechanical Engineer Truman Wold and Staff Astronomer Josh Walawender, Elizabeth Young is contributing to the design and installation of a remotely operated latch for the Solar Calibrator (SoCal) Lid—an autonomous rooftop system that tracks the Sun and feeds disk-integrated sunlight into the Keck Planet Finder (KPF). This system allows astronomers to calibrate the spectrograph and better understand how stellar phenomena, such as sunspots, can introduce false Doppler shift signals, ultimately enhancing observational precision and efficiency.
Originally from Honolulu, Elizabeth recently earned her Associate of Science degree in Natural Science (Engineering track) from Kapiʻolani Community College and will continue her studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, pursuing Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in aerospace. Her experience includes CAD design, 3D printing, programming, undergraduate research, and STEM outreach, as well as participation in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars program, where she worked on a simulated Mars mission.
“Interning at Keck Observatory through the Akamai Program is a wonderful opportunity to obtain a very unique experience,” said Elizabeth. “Participating in Akamai allows me to explore beyond a strictly academic setting. Through this program, I am greatly learning about technical concepts and developing professional skills and making valuable connections.”
Across the Observatory, Edinn Kitagawa is applying his electrical engineering skills to a project that supports safe and reliable telescope operations. Mentored by Electrical Engineer Ed Wetherell, Edinn is working on the implementation of an elevation interlock system for the Keck I telescope laser, an important safeguard that helps ensure proper system alignment and operational safety.
Born and raised in Hilo, Edinn graduated as valedictorian from Waiākea High School and is part of the inaugural pre-engineering cohort at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He will continue his studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he plans to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Edinn brings a strong blend of technical and leadership experience. As Project Lead for the ʻAlalā Conservation Project, he has designed electrical systems to support the release of the endangered Hawaiian crow. He is also the founder of EYK Designs, where he develops custom solutions using CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, and rapid prototyping. His work spans electrical design, fabrication, troubleshooting, and product development—skills he is now applying in a world-class observatory setting.
“Being at Keck has been a surreal experience so far, and I am grateful for all the folks that helped and gave me this chance to grow,” says Edinn. “I hope to learn a lot about my technical field in Electrical Engineering and learn to be a part of the wonderful community Waimea has to offer. And to everyone who has helped me in some way in the past, I thank you for allowing me to get to the place I am today. I look forward to what the future has in store for me.”
From Learning to Impact
By engaging directly with the observatory’s infrastructure—from solar calibration systems to laser safety mechanisms—Akamai interns at Keck gain more than technical experience. They become active contributors to the tools and systems that enable groundbreaking astronomical discovery.
These projects not only strengthen practical engineering skills, but also foster problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation—core competencies for careers in STEM. For Keck Observatory, the program represents a continued investment in Hawaiʻi’s students, ensuring that local talent remains at the forefront of science and technology.
The Akamai Workforce Initiative is led by the Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators (ISEE) at the University of California Observatories. ISEE prepares current and future professionals for impactful careers in astronomy, engineering, physics, and STEM fields through innovative workforce development programs. Funding for Akamai is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and others.
Hosting Akamai interns is a key part of Keck Observatory’s Hānaiakamālama Curiosity to Career Continuum, a curation of intentional pathways for local students from early STEM engagement through internships and into professional careers and leadership opportunities.
ABOUT HĀNAIAKAMĀLAMA CURIOUSITY TO CAREER CONTINUUM
The W. M. Keck Observatory’s Hānaiakamālama Curiosity to Career Continuum is a curation of intentional pathways for local students from early STEM engagement through internships and into professional careers and leadership opportunities. Inspired by the Hawaiian constellation Hānaiakamālama, a navigational guide for Pacific voyagers, the continuum reflects the Observatory’s commitment to nurturing and supporting Hawaiʻi’s next generation of STEM professionals.