Irisela Martinez, MA

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Hi! My name is Irisela Martinez, and I’m an Academic Advisor for the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I’m proud to be a first-generation college graduate. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and my Master's from Loyola Marymount University (LMU).

Before joining UH Mānoa, I worked as a Resource Specialist Program Teacher and Case Manager at the high school level, supporting students with mild to moderate learning disabilities in the Special Education Department. My passion for education drives me to help students navigate their academic path and achieve their goals.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, discovering new places, and indulging in sweets and spicy food. Spanish is my first language, and speak it fluently. I want to learn how to sign, in the process of that!

I’m excited to be part of the UH Mānoa community and look forward to supporting students as they pursue their academic and personal goals!

To schedule an appointment, log into your STAR Balance account.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 002L

Kamana Seymour, M.P.A

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Aloha mai kākou!

My name is Kamana Seymour and I joined the College of Natural Sciences Student Academic Services Center in late 2022.

My professional background includes over ten years of service at UH Manoa working primarily within the Office of Residential Life and Student Housing Services. There, I worked directly with residential students and student staff to support their educational experiences and provide direct supervision and paraprofessional training. I also had extensive experience with student resourcing as well as facilities management.

My personal background includes being born in Honolulu and being raised on both Oahu and Hawaii island. I attended public schools on Oahu and began my higher education journey at Kapi’olani Community College before transferring into UH Manoa. I am a proud two-time graduate of UH Manoa, with a BA in American Studies and a Master of Public Administration. In my spare time I enjoy community service, cultural advancement, martial arts, travel, and other hobbies. I strongly believe that our students thrive when supportively engaged by faculty, staff, peers, and educational and professional resources.

I am excited to work with you in your academic journey and am committed to helping you have the best overall experience at UH Manoa! Go Bows!!!

To schedule an appointment, log in to your Star Balance account.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 002M

Jordan E. Abanto, M.Ed.

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Hello everyone! My name is Jordan Abanto and I joined the team in late Spring 2023.

I earned my Master of Education in Educational Administration & Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and Accounting here at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. I previously worked as an Admin and Fiscal Support Specialist at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. In my free time, I enjoy trying out places to eat, gaming with friends, and catching up on books I planned on reading a while ago.

I look forward to advising you and helping you throughout your academic journey here at this University!

To schedule an appointment, log in to your Star Balance account.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 002H

Amanda Ponce

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Amanda Ponce is a Chicana from Omaha, Nebraska, where she has made a deep-seeded commitment to working with communities in education, social work, as well as improving her community civically. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate at University of Nebraska-Omaha. Post undergrad,she completed a Public Policy fellowship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington D.C. Returning to Nebraska she served at the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Juvenile Services as a Juvenile Service Officer and Caseworker.

Over the past decade, Amanda has supported and advocated for first generation, low-income and under-served students and families by providing college access, during her tenure at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska. In addition to breaking down systemic barriers in education; she has helped run political campaigns, created and supported organizations who are civically engaged. Amanda loves traveling, dancing, digging deeper into her cultural heritage and connecting with Mother Nature.

Scholars, I look forward to being a part of you becoming the best version of yourself and assisting you in reaching your goals here at UH Mānoa.

To schedule an appointment, log in to your Star Balance account.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 002H

Stephanie Kraft-Terry, Ph.D.

Interim Director of Advising

I am currently serving as the Interim Director of Advising for the College of Natural Sciences. In addition, I advise undergraduate students in Zoology (no longer accepting new students).

I am originally from Hillsboro, Oregon. I completed my BS in Chemistry with a minor in Art at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. I then moved to Omaha, NE where I completed my PhD in Experimental Neuroscience in 2011. I studied the effects of HIV-1 on the brain using proteomic techniques. I moved to University of Hawaiʻi as a postdoctoral researcher in 2011, where I focused on HIV-1 clinical research before starting my current position in the Department of Biology in the summer of 2012.

I am eager to work with students to align their educational pathway with their personal and professional goals. Coming from a science background myself, I understand the unique needs of science majors and work to ensure that the College of Natural Sciences Advising Unit meets these.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 117

Max Lee, M.A.

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Study Abroad Advisor

Hello! I joined the College of Natural Sciences team in June 2018, but I’ve been an advisor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Study Abroad Center since 1997. I received a double BA in Japanese and French, and an MA in French language and literature, both from UHM. While a student I studied in Germany, Argentina and France. Besides English, I speak Japanese, French, Spanish and German, at various levels. The skills I learned while navigating different languages and cultures still serve me professionally and personally.

I encourage all students to consider participating in a study abroad program while at UHM. It doesn’t have to delay graduation and can be a truly fulfilling experience.

To schedule an appointment, log in to your Star Balance account.

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Room: Hamilton Library 002C