Kukui Awana

Kukui Awana has over 20 years of experience in the field of industrial hygiene and workplace safety. They currently hold the position of Director of Industrial Hygiene at Gopher Resource, where they lead the industrial hygiene program and develop strategies to reduce employee exposure. Prior to this, Kukui held the role of Senior Industrial Hygienist at John Deere, where they provided industrial hygiene support to multiple facilities and received recognition for their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kukui also served as the Business Disruption Risk Lead at HMSA, where they developed workplace safety and physical security programs. Earlier in their career, Kukui worked as an Industrial Hygiene Consultant, conducting risk assessments and advising clients on various programs. They have also held management roles at Golder Associates and Aina Environmental Group, Inc., managing industrial hygiene projects and obtaining accreditation for asbestos training courses. Kukui's experience also includes project management and training roles at Globeteck Group, Inc. and teaching as a Foreign English Teacher at Zhenjiang SOPO School. They began their career as a Staff Scientist at EnviroServices and Training Center, where they conducted asbestos and lead air monitoring.

Kukui Awana received a BA in Chemistry from Lewis & Clark College, graduating in 2001. In 2009, Kukui earned an MBA with a focus on Business and Mandarin from Sun Yat-sen University. Kukui also completed a China Focused MBA from the University of Hawai‘i - Shidler College of Business between 2007 and 2009. Additionally, Kukui holds a certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.