Twelve University of Hawaii at Manoa doctoral candidates are being recognized by the Honolulu Chapter of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation.

Cell and molecular biology Ph.D. candidate Jason Higa is receiving the scholar of the year award and $6,000 to further his research.

Higa is studying potential therapeutic applications of an extract from a species of bamboo. He has already published findings on the extract’s ability to counter inflammation in cells and inhibit tumor development in rats. He started the research because it dealt with breast cancer, a disease that’s affected two of his aunts.

The other 11 recipients are researching topics ranging from native plant preservation to incorporating behavioral learning into the development of robots.

They will each receive $5,000 to further their research.