Matthew Platz is a Vice Chancellor for Academic affairs at UH-Hilo.  A native of New York city, he has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale University and has won awards in distinguished teaching and research.  Matt's research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  UH is fortunate to have been selected by NSF as one of a few selected states to participate in NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).  One of Hawaii's EPSCoR projects is Ike Wai, a project to advance the state of knowledge of "blue gold", our precious water resources.  At the UH-Hilo, Ike Wai research occurs on the Mookini Library 3rd floor.  There is a large high resolution screen to view data collaboratively.  The research challenge is data mining.  UH-Hilo will soon offer a Data Science certificate to prepare students in this emerging field of opportunity.  Internship opportunities are available in the natural and social sciences to address the history of water usage and policies, water security, and water quality.