Evolutionary biologist Cheryl Hayashi, a 1985 'Iolani School graduate, was among 24 people awarded $500,000 unrestricted fellowships this year from the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

An associate professor of biology at the University of California-Riverside, Hayashi won for her research work involving spider silks.

The MacArthur Foundation said on its Web site that Hayashi's research could lead to "a variety of applications, from biodegradable fishing lines to medical sutures to protective armor cloth.

"With a deep understanding of spider biology, Hayashi is contributing to a fundamental rethinking of arachnid phylogeny and revealing key information about spider silks to support the development of new synthetic materials."

Hayashi, 40, is the daughter of Harold and Shirley Hayashi, of Wahiawa.

"I'm still in shock," she said yesterday in a telephone interview from Riverside.

She plans to use part of the money to further her research.

"It allows me more freedom to pursue international projects and riskier projects," said Hayashi, who plans to continue teaching. "There's only so much research you can do. I think the greater influence is working with graduates."

Since 1981, the MacArthur Foundation has named 756 fellows. None of the winners know who nominated them.

"I don't know who nominated me, but I want to thank the people who recognized my work," Hayashi said. "This is really a recognition for me, my family and every teacher I've ever had."

Her mother, Shirley, a retired principal of Mililani Uka Elementary School, described her daughter's achievement as "above and beyond what we would ever dream for her."

Cheryl Hayashi recalled her interest in biology was kindled by 'Iolani teacher Jack Kay.

"He made it so alive and exciting, it was my favorite class at 'Iolani," Hayashi said of an advance-placement biology course she had under Kay.

In his 46th year of teaching at 'Iolani, Kay recalls Hayashi as the kind of student "you don't forget."

"Her lab skills were unreal," said Kay, who has read Hayashi's doctorate and loosely followed her career.

Hayashi earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Yale University and has been teaching at Riverside since 2001.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.