Teaching is at the heart of The MFT Lab’s mission. We are committed to fostering the next generation of professionals dedicated to strengthening relationships, families, and communities in Hawai‘i. As part of this commitment, we proudly support student organizations like Phi Upsilon Omicron, which provides leadership, service, and professional development opportunities. Under the guidance of the gracious and gifted Dr. Eng, this group exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and lifelong learning that defines our work. Together, we create a thriving ‘ohana where students can grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact.
Research is most powerful when it is rooted in collaboration. At The MFT Lab, we are dedicated to working alongside the community to develop research that improves the lives of individuals, families, and broader systems throughout Hawai‘i. By bridging academic inquiry with real-world challenges, we strive to create culturally responsive, ecologically valid solutions that support the well-being of all who call these islands home.
Giving back to our island home is a core value of The MFT Lab. Volunteering at Ka Papa Lo’i o Punalu’u is one way we honor our commitment to mālama ‘āina (caring for the land) while recognizing that healing extends beyond individual families; it includes our connection to the land, our communities, and our shared history. Just as we nurture the lo‘i to sustain life, The MFT Lab is dedicated to strengthening all family systems, creating spaces for growth, resilience, and reconnection.