Keck Observatory is actively seeking matching support to expand the Kamaʻāina Pathways Internship Program, creating more opportunities for Hawaiʻi students to gain hands-on experience and pursue careers in STEM. If you are interested in supporting, please contact Joan Campbell jcampbell@keck.hawaii.edu) or donate online.
Building a strong, Hawaiʻi-grounded STEM workforce begins with creating meaningful opportunities for local students to learn, grow, and contribute. The Kamaʻāina Pathways Internship Program at the W. M. Keck Observatory was created with this goal in mind: helping Hawaiʻi-rooted undergraduates gain hands-on professional experience, mentorship, and technical skills that prepare them for careers in science, engineering, and technology.
This summer marks an important milestone for the program with the selection of its inaugural participant: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa mechanical engineering student Jake Taylor.
The Kamaʻāina Pathways Internship Program is part of Keck Observatory’s broader Hānaiakamālama Curiosity to Career Continuum, an initiative designed to create 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.
The program is made possible through the generous support of a generous donor family who shares Keck Observatory’s dedication to investing in Hawaiʻi’s future.
“The Kamaʻāina Pathways Internship Program reflects our belief that the future of astronomy in Hawaiʻi should include meaningful opportunities for the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco, Community Engagement and Workforce Development Manager. “Programs like this are possible because of individuals who believe in the potential of Hawaiʻi’s students and are willing to invest in their future.”
Designed as an advanced internship experience, the program builds upon Keck Observatory’s existing education and workforce initiatives by offering participants greater responsibility, deeper mentorship, and increased integration into Observatory operations. Interns work alongside professional staff on projects that directly support the Observatory’s mission while developing the technical and professional skills needed for careers in astronomy, engineering, and related fields.
Meet Jake Taylor
Born and raised in Honolulu, Jake is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is entering his third year. He is particularly interested in precision mechanical systems, motorsport design, and engineering processes that transform complex ideas into reliable hardware.
Jake’s connection to Keck Observatory began in 2025 through the Akamai Workforce Initiative, where he interned with the Mechanical Engineering Department. During that experience, he designed and developed a load-testing device to simulate the compressive forces experienced by primary mirror actuators during telescope operations, contributing to efforts to better understand actuator performance and reliability on the test bench before installation.
Since then, Jake has continued to expand his engineering experience through undergraduate research in the Nanosystems Laboratory at UH Mānoa and his involvement with Rainbow Warrior Racing. He also serves as Technical Lead for a multidisciplinary project focused on developing a magnetometer-based parallel manipulator system.
“The Akamai program was a great introduction to astronomy, especially the impact that Mauna Kea Observatories make in scientific and local communities. Returning to Keck gives me the opportunity to work on projects that promote safe working environments and reliable operation of mechanical systems on the summit.” said Jake. “I’m excited to see how much I’ve grown over the last year, and how much more I can learn through these meaningful projects and from experienced mentors across the observatory.”
Equally important to Jake is giving back to the community that has supported his educational journey. He hopes to one day mentor future engineering students and contribute to the next generation of innovators in Hawaiʻi.
Engineering Projects with Real-World Impact
Throughout the summer, Jake will work closely with mentors Jonathan Steiner and Jason Worden on projects that support telescope operations, safety, and reliability.
One project builds upon last summer’s project, adding additional dimensions of load testing for primary mirror actuators. By more accurately replicating real-world operating conditions, the system will improve engineers’ ability to identify potential failures before components are installed on the telescope. Through this work, Jake will gain experience in requirements development, engineering analysis, design reviews, technical drawing creation, and fabrication processes.
Jake will also design and prototype OSHA-compliant bogie wheel covers for the Observatory’s LRIS and MOSFIRE instruments. This project addresses workplace safety by reducing pinch-point hazards during instrument moves, while providing hands-on experience in SolidWorks, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.
As the first participant in the Kamaʻāina Pathways Internship Program, Jake represents an important milestone in Keck Observatory’s ongoing investment in local talent and Hawaiʻi’s future workforce. By creating opportunities for students to develop skills, gain experience, and build professional networks close to home, the program helps ensure that future generations of scientists, engineers, technicians, and leaders can contribute to Hawaiʻi’s growing STEM community.
“Through mutual stewardship, we are investing in a Hawaiʻi-grounded workforce by helping local students gain experience, build professional networks, and develop the skills needed for rewarding STEM careers,” added Kenika. “Jake represents the tremendous talent that exists across our islands, and we’re proud to support his journey while helping create pathways for those who follow.”
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What is the Hānaiakamālama Curiosity to Career Continuum?
Named for the Hawaiian constellation Hānaiakamālama (Southern Cross), Keck Observatory’s Curiosity to Career Continuum provides intentional pathways for Hawaiʻi students to explore STEM, develop professional skills, and pursue meaningful careers in science, engineering, and technology.
The name reflects the Observatory’s commitment to hānai (nurture, raise, and support) and mālama (care for and steward) the next generation of local talent. Like the constellation that guided Pacific voyagers across the ocean, the continuum is designed to help guide students from early curiosity and learning experiences through college, internships, careers, and leadership opportunities.