Marine Option Program Peer Advising

What is Peer Advising?

Peer Advising uses experienced Marine Science and MOP students who are well versed in using STAR and GPS, and in navigating the ins and outs of planning schedules and working towards a degree (and maybe minor and MOP Certificate). The Peer Advisors will be available during office hours every week to offer assistance to MOP and MARE students.

What kinds of assistance can I get via Peer Advising?

You can get help learning to use STAR and GPS; learning the difference between a BA and BS; looking at your transfer credits; tracking your progress towards your degree so far and making a schedule for your remaining classes; learning about the MOP Certificate and how to get involved in MOP activities and events; finding out about minors and other Certificate programs; and finding out about other resources on campus to help you answer questions you may have.

Where is the MOP Office and when is it open?

The MOP office is right across from Hale Kauanoe dorm, in the middle of campus. At the moment, it is also in the middle of the Life Sciences construction zone(!) - but it is still open for business, Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm. From Kauanoe Dorm, cross Nowelo street (which runs through the middle of campus) and look for the open gate in the middle of the green construction fence. You'll see the MOP Office ahead and to your right - look for the sharks and other marine life painted on the building. The first door is the MOP Office, and the other door is the UH Hilo Dive Safety Office. The door may be closed, to keep in the air conditioning - but just come on in. Here is a map for reference.

Who are the Peer Advisors and what kind of training do they have?

Our 4 Peer Advisors for this semester are Carey Demapan, Michelle Nason, Michaela Setzer, and Rosie Lee. They have been trained in using STAR and GPS, FERPA (student privacy policies), and planning course schedules.

Carey Demapan

Aloha! My name is Carey Demapan and I am excited to be one of your peer advisors this semester! I am currently a senior working on my B.S. in Marine Science. I am originally from the island of Saipan and I transferred to UH Hilo in 2016. Prior to moving here, I got my Associate's Degree in Natural Resource Management. Please come see me to plan out classes, learn about MARE programs, or discuss transfer procedures. All class levels are welcome and you can email cdemapan@hawaii.edu to set up an appointment.



Michelle Nason

Aloha! My name is Michelle Nason. I am a senior in the Marine Science Department. I transferred to the University of Hawaii at Hilo from Hawaii Community College here in Hilo. In addition to working towards my Bachelor's of Arts degree, I am also currently working towards my Certificate with the Marine Option Program. Please feel free to email me for an advising appointment at nason@hawaii.edu or stop by the MOP Office during my office hours. Monday 8 am to 10 am and Friday noon to 2:30 pm.



Rosie Lee

Aloha! My name is Rosie Lee and I am pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Marine Science and a certificate in the Marine Option Program (MOP). I am a senior at UH Hilo and also the student coordinator for UH Hilo MOP and the Marine Science Department's Peer Advisors. Both the Marine Science Department and MOP have provided me with career changing opportunities, from the QUEST field school to a scientific diving internship with NOAA. From my time here, I have extensive familiarity with these programs and I am happy to help develop multi-semester schedules, navigate STAR GPS, and answer any other questions about the Marine Science Department and Marine Option Program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at mopstco@hawaii.edu or catch me around campus.




Michaela Setzer

Aloha! My name is Michaela Setzer, and I am a transfer student from Corning Community College in upstate New York. Prior to arriving here at UH Hilo I received my Associate's in Environmental Science as well as my Associate's in Mathematics and Sciences. I am currently working towards my B.S. in Marine Science in addition to my MOP certificate. I understand that the transfer process can be difficult, so I'm happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have, as well as all those general questions which come along with planning your time here at UH Hilo. Additionally, I'm always very excited to help explain the fantastic opportunities available through both Marine Science and MOP. Please feel free to reach out at msetzer2@hawaii.edu with questions or to schedule an advising appointment.