Jane Chung-Do

Professor, Public Health Sciences

Dr. Jane Chung-Do of UH Mānoa’s Public Health Sciences, is a public health educator whose work is grounded in community-based participatory research and decolonizing methodologies. Guided by the University of Hawaiʻi’s vision of becoming a Native Hawaiian place of learning, her teaching centers on social justice, critical consciousness, and the creation of “brave spaces” where students can engage in honest, reflective dialogue about health disparities and the structural forces that shape them.

Her courses emphasize place-based, experiential learning that connects students directly with community partners across Hawaiʻi. Through collaborative, project-based work, students engage with real-world public health challenges, designing research, building relationships, and contributing to meaningful community outcomes. Signature courses integrate critical service learning, encouraging students to prioritize pilina (relationships), cultural humility, and ethical engagement over extractive research practices.

Dr. Chung-Do believes in the development of long-standing community partnerships, including initiatives that blend community knowledge with innovative health interventions. Her mentorship extends beyond the classroom, supporting student research, co-authored publications, and professional development, with many students earning prestigious awards and recognition.

Deeply committed to reciprocity, care, and equity, she exemplifies teaching excellence by bridging university and community, empowering students to become compassionate, socially responsible public health leaders dedicated to advancing health equity in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

“Dr. Chung-Do was the most valuable aspect of the course. I’ve never had a professor be so prepared and knowledgeable about the course content. She is nerdy about the subject matter in a cute way. Her love of what she does is inspiring. She is kind, compassionate and sincere. Love her.”

“Compassionate kind approach that connected us as a cohort and invited perspectives that support success, sustainability, and ways forward. Slideshows and the way they were presented, too, were very valuable. The course instructor was very valuable. Overall, this course perfectly supported the research practicum experience.”