Yoshimi M. Rii

Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology

Dr. Yoshimi M. Rii, or Shimi which is her preferred name, serves as an Assistant Specialist at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology and research coordinator for the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). While she leads and coordinates research that supports the restoration of Indigenous resource management practices, Shimi’s impact extends far beyond her formal responsibilities. She has cultivated a vibrant network of partnerships among community organizations, cultural practitioners, government agencies, and academic researchers, grounded in trust, reciprocity, and a deep respect for ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge).

A dedicated advocate for equitable, place-based science, Shimi integrates Native Hawaiian knowledge with academic research to advance biocultural restoration and promote a Hawaiian sense of place within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is widely recognized for her ability to foster meaningful collaboration, mentor students with empathy and intention, and create opportunities for community-engaged learning. Through innovative courses, service-learning initiatives, and mentorship, she has shaped a generation of scholars committed to ethical, community-centered research.

Shimi’s service is both broad in scope and deeply personal, ranging from leading major collaborative research initiatives to supporting students and community members through everyday acts of kindness and care. Her leadership has influenced research practices, strengthened community-campus relationships, and contributed to policy and decision-making at local, national, and international levels. Through her humility, creativity, and unwavering commitment to pono relationships, Shimi exemplifies the highest ideals of community service and sets a powerful example for others to follow.