2025 Internship Partners

Our Industry Partners

NexLAB

Dylan Bulseco

Fully Remote

https://partners.waveshi.org/nexlab/

Hands-on experience with modern programming technologies like React and Firebase

Generative AI tools such as Large Language Models (LLM), Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and Agentic Workflows.

Contribute to building an AI tutor for NexLAB, working primarily with Python while learning best coding practices, evaluation metrics, and collaborative development.

Jake Linsky

Hawaiʻi Institute Marine Biology/Elizabeth Madin Lab

In-person

https://partners.waveshi.org/himb/

Jake’s work includes tracking animal movement with biotelemetry, analyzing whale foraging and physiology, and developing satellite-based models to estimate whale abundance

Possible project elements:

  • Focus on marine mammal health and ecology

Possible skills learned during internship:

whale health assessments, drone photography, biopsy collection, GIS analysis, and AI training, providing exposure to cutting-edge marine research and fieldwork.

Some fieldwork available (boats, drones) if student is interested.

XRIO: Nina Faye Linn & Dave Mills

Fully Remote

https://partners.waveshi.org/xrio/

Immersive technology and gaming to revolutionize education by integrating Extended Reality (XR), AI, and 3D asset development into learning experiences

 

Empower aspiring digital artists and developers with essential 3D skills, preparing them for the evolving digital job market.

Possible project elements:

Coding

3D Animation

AR/VR dev environment

2D-3D asset creation

Hawaiʻi Green Growth: Cyrus Howe

In-Person

https://partners.waveshi.org/hgg/

Student interns will support the Follow the Drop team in conducting rainwater assessments using advanced STEM tools to recommend optimal green stormwater infrastructure for capturing runoff before it reaches waterways and the ocean.

Possible project elements:

Fieldwork

3D Printing

PICHTR: Keith Matsumoto

In-person

https://partners.waveshi.org/pichtr/

Support programs in agriculture, clean energy, climate resilience, technology development, and more. 

Helped small businesses commercialize dual-use technologies in areas such as disaster mitigation, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. 

Students will engage in a specialized AgTech project

Possible project elements:

3D printing

Agricultural research

Adapting “food jukebox” to cultivate limu

Hawaiʻi Biotech: David Clements

In-person

HBI develops vaccines and drugs to combat infectious diseases that currently lack effective treatments 

Vaccine technology utilizes recombinant proteins from stable insect cell lines, producing high-quality immune responses comparable to or better than traditional methods 

Advancing small molecule drugs to treat Anthrax and botulism intoxications, addressing critical gaps in available medical countermeasures

Possible project elements:

lab work

PCR

antibody production

Hohonu: Noah Pentelovich

In-person

Hohonu develops smart flood monitoring solutions using sensors and applications to predict and track flooding, tidal fluctuations, and water levels. 

Their technology helps cities and communities respond to rising flood risks by providing real-time data for emergency response and resilience planning. 

Additionally, Hohonu collaborates with Loko I’a to support the restoration of Hawaiian fish ponds through water level monitoring.

Potential project elements:

3D Printing

Sensor housing assembly

Fieldwork at sensor sites (all around Oʻahu)

Some programming

HIMB: Andrew Pettit

In-person

  • Investigates how human disturbances, particularly fishing pressure, alter coral reef ecosystems by influencing predator-prey dynamics and the overall reef structure. 
  • Focus on the impact of losing predatory fishes and the subsequent disruption of the “landscape of fear,” which normally helps regulate prey behavior and maintain reef balance. 
  • Assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas and examine global fishing trends to inform sustainable fisheries. 

By integrating remote sensing, machine learning, and mathematical modeling, our research provides novel insights to advance marine conservation strategies.

Possible project skills:

Fieldwork (talk story with lawaiʻa in Kailua)

Collect samples of fish fins for DNA analysis

Remote sensor placement, monitoring, data analysis

AcquiLingua: Sean & Mark Feeney

Remote

AcquiLingua is an innovative language-learning app that uses AI-driven conversational technology to create personalized and immersive experiences, supporting both widely spoken and lesser-known languages. 

Students will gain hands-on experience with machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) tools that adapt dynamically to user progress, enhancing language acquisition. 

This exposure also provides insights into broader STEM applications, including translation services, conversational AI, and content generation.

Possible project elements:

LLM, RAG, AI

NLP & Machine Learning

App development

Start-up business development

Ourspace: Darren “Dyo” Yomogida

In-person

Makerspace that blends technology, creativity, and social impact, providing resources and education to help individuals develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Focused on tech-based print and prototype production, it is now expanding into emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and AR/VR. 

This presents a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in building and operating a creative tech space in Honolulu while networking with professionals and entrepreneurs actively using these technologies in their careers.

Possible project elements:Makerspace design

Equipment purchasing

Mentorship for future business professionals

AI, AR/VR, Robotics