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Officers (Spring 2013 Academic Semester)


The following officers are currently in charge of organizing the meetings, discussions, and events of the Zen Philosophy Club. Questions may be directed to any of them via the Contact Us page. Discussions are led by the President and Vice President.

Owen Shieh, President

Born and raised in Florida, Owen was exposed to Buddhism at an early age through his family. After college at Cornell University, he continued his studies in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Hawai'i. Owen studied at Buddha Mind Monastery for several years, which inspired him to pursue Zen philosophy alongside his training as a scientist. He studied under the guidance of Ven. Jian Hu who inspired him to become one of the founding members of ZPC, and now studies under Ven. JianYing. His other interests include hiking, camping, meditation, writing, and the musical arts (piano and trumpet).

Mike Wright, Vice President

Mike was originally introduced to Zen practice through the martial arts, and began serious study of Buddhism after learning Vispassna meditation from Bhante Katugastota Uparatana. He studied under the guidance of Ven. Jian Hu who inspired him to become one of the founding members of ZPC, and now studies under Ven. JianYing. Mike is originally from Alaska, has lived and studied around the globe, and currently resides in Hawaii where he is both a teacher and a student. His interests including being outdoors/in the ocean, meditation, technology (specifically teaching and coaching robotics teams), philosophy, and volunteering.

Shima Kawasaki, Secretary-Treasurer

Shima was born and raised in Japan but has lived in Honolulu for over a decade. Although she grew up in an environment that was greatly influenced by Buddhism and has had a life-long interest in its teachings, she did not engage in any serious study of Buddhism until recently when she began seeking a practice and way of life that would bring true happiness. She became involved with ZPC shortly after its founding, and now studies under the guidance of Ven. JianYing. Shima's interests outside of ZPC include reading, cooking, volunteering, traveling, cultural events, hiking, and meditation.