News - Guam Green Growth

Guam’s premier farm-to-table culinary event returns with Maila’ Ta Fan Chesa

Kyle Mandapat — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:07:40 +0000

Guam's premier farm-to-table culinary event returns with Maila' Ta Fan Chesa

Guam’s vibrant culinary scene takes center stage once again as Maila’ Ta Fan Chesa returns on Thursday, August 27, 2026, bringing together some of the island’s most talented chefs for an unforgettable evening celebrating Guam’s local flavors, agriculture, and culinary creativity.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Recognized as Guam’s premier culinary event, Maila’ Ta Fan Chesa showcases the connection between local farmers, fishermen, food producers, and chefs through innovative dishes crafted with ingredients grown and harvested on Guam. Guests will experience a unique farm-to-table culinary journey while celebrating the island’s rich agricultural heritage and the people who make it possible.

This year’s event will feature an exceptional lineup of local chefs, each creating signature dishes inspired by Guam’s fresh produce, locally sourced seafood, and island-grown ingredients. The evening highlights the importance of supporting Guam’s agricultural community while demonstrating the incredible diversity and quality of locally produced food and will benefit the capacity building and student development programs of the Micronesia Chefs’ Association (MCA) and the American Culinary Federation Guam Chapter (ACF Guam).

“Maila’ Ta Fan Chesa is more than a culinary event—it’s a celebration of Guam’s food system, our local producers, and the creativity of our chefs,” said MCA president Peter Duenas. “Every dish tells the story of our island and the partnerships that help strengthen food security and sustainability throughout our community.”

The event is made possible through the collaboration of numerous community partners committed to advancing local agriculture, culinary education, and sustainable food systems, including the Micronesian Chefs’ Association, American Culinary Federation Guam Chapter, University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Guam Community College, University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service, and Farmer Focus.

Guests can look forward to an evening filled with exceptional cuisine, community connection, and a celebration of Guam’s unique food culture.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant aquaculture specialists will also be on hand to discuss aquaponics on Guam and the Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems program. They will also be giving away a free aquaponics setup to a lucky winner. Aquacultured tilapia will also be featured on this year’s proteins list for competitors.

“Last year’s event was an amazing night of fun and delicious out-of-this-world food,” said Marsha Cruz who attended last year’s event. “Seeing local chefs make magic with local ingredients and teach the kids at the same time, it gave me a great sense of pride for our people. I am excited about this year!”

Tickets are available now for eighty-five dollars at Meskla, Tools of the Trade, IDI, and through all MCA members and includes entry, unlimited servings of all dishes, votes for competitions and special showcase offerings from sponsors.

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SMRE final presentations: Students combine mathematics and marine science to study coral microbiomes

Louella Losinio — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:52:02 +0000

SMRE final presentations: Students combine mathematics and marine science to study coral microbiomes

The 2026 cohort of the Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE), supported by the University of Guam’s (UOG) NSF EPSCoR E-RISE, completed the program by presenting findings that apply mathematics and data analysis to a select research study focused on corals.

The SMRE program offers undergraduates advanced math research experience under UOG faculty mentorship. Students enhance problem-solving and analytical skills while working on projects with real-world applications.

The 2026 SMRE cohort expanded on a 2025 study led by Colin Lock, with co-authors CJ Anthony and E-RISE principal investigator and SMRE mentor Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., which examined how microscopic algae (Symbiodiniaceae) and bacterial dynamics influence the transplantation survival of key reef corals (Porites lobata and Porites cylindrica) in Guam. The study found that algal and bacterial communities vary by coral species, individual colonies, and planting sites.

Both teams emphasized the importance of the conservation of reef corals, noting decreases in coral coverage and biodiversity over the years.

The first SMRE student team, consisting of Lance Asistores (GCC, Nursing), Andre Bocatija (UOG, Computer Science & Math), and Jay Redila (UOG, Civil Engineering), used mathematical models to assess the bacterial and algal communities in the corals.

The team investigated whether coral algal and bacterial connections represent real biological relationships or statistical noise to help guide future reef restoration. They concluded that while strong algal-bacterial links show promise, careful statistical testing is required before drawing firm conclusions.

The second SMRE team, including Raelyn Babac (UOG, Secondary Education with emphasis in Mathematics), Angel Samaniego (GCC, Liberal Studies and Human Services), John Paul Labadan (UOG, Civil Engineering), and Patrick Sumbo (UOG, Civil Engineering), looked at datasets from the coral transplantation study.

Using graph theory, the team measured key metrics to track how bacterial families interact, connect, and serve as “keystone” drivers within the community. They visualized these metrics with graphs to map changes in microbial relationships as corals adapted during transplantation.

Mentor Hyunju Oh, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at the College of Natural & Applied Sciences (CNAS), observed that through collaboration with peers, mentors, and research assistants, the students gradually build confidence and developed research skills.

Oh noted significant improvement in the SMRE students’ communication skills throughout the program. Weekly presentations helped students share ideas, overcome challenges, and gain confidence in presenting their research. “I saw that they improve every week. So presentation skills are better, better.”

First time mentor Joo-Chul (J.C.) Yoon, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, guided students in exploring how mathematical modeling and analysis support scientific research.

Yoon noted that, despite the challenges of research, SMRE enables students to explore new fields, develop skills, and gain insight into the work of researchers. “This is a good opportunity to see what researchers in the research field could do if they get involved in research. So this is actually a good opportunity for the students.”

Through his team’s mathematical assessment of biological data, Redila learned that research is not always about finding a single answer, but about carefully evaluating results and understanding the underlying process.

He said,“Coming into this, I thought I would have a bigger answer by the end of it, but it taught me the importance of just assessing your answer to see if it’s even correct and how important those steps are, even if it doesn’t give a big answer.”

Meanwhile, Babac saw her team’s project develop from an initial idea into a completed presentation. “I think it was really challenging, but in the end, it was really worth it to see our research come together.”

Sumbo recognized that research involves uncertainty, problem-solving, and discovery. “I think my number one takeaway from this research was the fact that we actually didn’t even know anything…But towards the end, it felt like it kind of all came together.”

For Bocatija, SMRE offered firsthand experience with the research process, which encouraged him to explore further. “I think, it’s just about getting out of your comfort zone and trying to experience new things.”

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Mentorship Matters: Bastian Bentlage is helping shape Guam’s next generation of scientists

Kyle Mandapat — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:57:20 +0000

Mentorship Matters: Bastian Bentlage is helping shape Guam’s next generation of scientists

Every great scientist can trace their journey back to someone who believed in them.

For Bastian Bentlage Ph.D, providing that belief to students is a responsibility.

As a researcher at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory and principal investigator of the Guam NSF EPSCoR E-RISE grant, Bentlage has built a reputation for advancing marine science and biodiversity research.

That is not his only legacy. Another aspect of his performance and personality may have an even greater long-term impact on Guam: investing in young scientists and helping them discover their own potential.

In laboratories, on research vessels, and in the field, across the EPSCoR programs over the years, or through the SEAS Alliance fellowships, Bentlage has made mentorship a central part of his work. His approach reflects a simple but powerful philosophy: scientific discoveries are important, but developing people is what ensures those discoveries continue for generations.

“I mentor because I want to pass on the support and guidance that others have given me over the years, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” said Bentlage.

Building science, scientists and culture

Island communities face some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—from coral reef conservation and biodiversity loss to climate resilience and sustainable resource management. Solving these complex issues will require more than today’s experts. It will require tomorrow’s leaders.

That is why mentorship is so essential.

“Bastian is an effective mentor because he recognizes his mentees as people first. He takes the time to build meaningful relationships with his mentees and offers constant support. While Bastian encourages his mentees, he also empowers them to surpass their goals,” said student Anela Duenas, who is also a Bentlage mentee. “Bastian leads by example and often participates in the field alongside his students. His ability to create a safe and open lab space is truly inspiring.”

Rather than simply assigning tasks, Bentlage encourages students to ask difficult questions, think critically, and become independent researchers. Students are treated as collaborators, not just assistants, gaining firsthand experience in designing research, collecting data, presenting findings, and communicating science to diverse audiences. He works to help with experiments, even when they go off course.

“Things went wrong with my experiment but he was able to problem solve and guide me throughout each issue. He is also able to meet people at their level and guide you in the most effective way possible that works best for you. I was able to understand the importance of my project and all the logistics of it easily when he would explain it,” explained Ale’a Duenas, another Bentlage mentee. “He also cared about our input as students and asked us what we thought about our own experiments and what our interests were. He created a lab environment where I felt welcomed and where I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and ask for guidance.”

The result is confidence.

Young researchers begin to see themselves not simply as students, but as contributors capable of making meaningful discoveries.

Setting up a foundation for growth

Mentorship is one of the highest-impact investments any scientist can make. A published paper advances knowledge. A well-mentored student advances an entire field. Each student who develops into a scientist has the potential to mentor dozens more throughout their career. That ripple effect extends far beyond a single laboratory, strengthening research institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, classrooms, and communities across Guam and the Pacific. According to Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D.,co-principal investigator on the SEAS Islands Alliance Guam programs, who has worked with Bentlage on many mentorship programs, that mindset has led to developments with both mentees and fellow mentors with Bentlage. “Bastian efficiently creates a mentoring ecosystem for his mentees, to show that he understands people with different experiences and different levels of experience are just as valuable a mentor as he is,” said Sangueza. “I’ve personally seen the range of high school, undergraduate, grad, post docs and him serving as a blend of mentees and mentors in his lab.” Bentlage’s work demonstrates that the true measure of scientific leadership is not only what is discovered today, but who is prepared to make the discoveries of tomorrow. “Mentoring helps students build the confidence, judgment, and practical understanding they need to navigate their careers. And those are things that are often not really taught in the classroom,” said Bentlage. “This is really where mentoring and the relationship between students or trainees and their mentors, including me, comes in.” Where Bentlage’s career and research may take him next is unknown, but one things is for sure, he will not stop helping to develop students and leaders of tomorrow, wherever that may be.

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UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation

Louella Losinio — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:49:51 +0000

UOG’s G3 graduates join green workforce as Conservation Corps marks first joint graduation

Over 130 Guam residents have graduated from the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps in hopes of pursuing green careers or continuing their education in sustainability-related fields, underscoring the program’s impact in developing Guam’s sustainability workforce.

The G3 Conservation Corps is a program of the University of Guam’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant that prepares participants for careers in the green economy through hands-on training, mentorship, and paid service opportunities.

The milestone was highlighted by UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., during the joint graduation of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps cohort and the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps—the first youth conservation corps of its kind on Guam.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of both cohorts while recognizing the continued expansion of Guam’s green workforce development efforts. The G3 Conservation Corps, now in its sixth season, provides participants with paid, hands-on experience in conservation, sustainability, and climate-related projects that support Guam’s natural resources while preparing them for careers in the green economy.

Members of the Conservation Corps work on projects that include watershed restoration, invasive species management, circular economy initiatives, food security, aquaculture, agriculture, and community education. The program stresses leadership, teamwork, and community engagement while equipping participants with practical, job-ready skills.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, encouraged the joint graduates to apply the lessons they learned through the program into their careers and communities, reminding them of their responsibility as future environmental leaders. “You serve as the ethical conscience in every space you walk into. Be bold. Make sure that everything that you’ve learned is put into practice… continue to promote as conservation warrior ambassadors.”

During the ceremony, Shelton reflected on the program’s impact, “So now, over six years, in season six of this Conservation Corps, we have over 130 graduates from all of our different programs, and a great percentage of them are now in some type of green job or they went back to school to get further training in the green economy field,” Shelton said. He noted that the conservation corps workforce training helps position Guam to benefit from the rapidly expanding global green economy.

The graduation also added a new milestone with the completion of the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps, the program launched by G3 and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant in partnership with the Guam Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) and the Office of the Governor.

The youth corps introduced eight high school students participating in the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program to careers in sustainability, expanding G3’s workforce development efforts by creating an early pathway for Guam’s next generation of environmental leaders.

Graduates of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps were Abcde Tapia, Aubrey Kneppler, Richard Ragadio, Audrey Taylor, Boyka Mark, Robert Quintanilla, Isaiah Madlutk, Anthony Jack Meyers, Leah Tabunar, and Allen Kakas.

Taylor delivered remarks on behalf of the sixth G3 Conservation Corps cohort: “Beyond developing career skills, we deepened our understanding of Guam, strengthened our appreciation for our natural and cultural resources, and learned from one another in ways that will stay with us long after today.”

Members of the inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps included Julius Tabunar, Andrei Destor, Lily Bordallo, Alana Kahele, Maggie Guzman, Kmaryn Ruta, Liam Charfauros, and Dionne San Nicolas.

Ruta said, “This experience has allowed me to learn valuable skills, grow both personally and professionally, and contribute to meaningful projects…Being involved in the program has helped me develop a strong work ethic, build confidence, and gain a better understanding of teamwork and responsibility.”

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What is a green job?

Kyle Mandapat — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:27:09 +0000

What is a green job?

The graduates of the 2026 Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps piled into a room at the UOG School of Business and Public Administration on their final day, knowing only one thing: they were going to a Green Job Fair.

These corps members have been heavily involved with several partners throughout their tenure of this five-month workforce development program.

They came from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different educational foundations, but one thing they had in common was their resolve to make a difference for our island community.

Enter the Green Job.

The question on the minds of many people is simple. What is a green job? Is it a vegetable thing? Is it a cannabis related affair? Is it something you need special credentials for?

The simple answer: yes.

Industry leaders describe green jobs as a job or career that focuses on the natural processes and resources of a community.

They can be in conservation, preservation, or the circular economy. This includes work in the environment, jobs that help conserve or reduce waste of natural resources, or jobs that do not necessarily require much in terms of wasteful resources.

In the room, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) was on hand to discuss their jobs in the landscaping and environmental management sector of their mission.

“We believe our greatest investment is in our people. What stood out most today wasn’t just the training these individuals received—it was their genuine passion for Guam. That passion is the foundation of destination development,” said GVB Personnel Services Administrator Taryn Guzman.

“By investing in local talent and supporting the growing green economy, we’re creating meaningful career opportunities while building a more resilient, sustainable tourism industry that preserves the beauty of our island for the future.”

“Green jobs are great because they are positions and careers that we need not only to help make and support the lives of our families, but they also help the island and help the community take care of what we have,” said G3CC member Isaiah Madlutk.

Phillip Cruz, program leader of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, believes that green jobs and sustainability tie hand in hand in working toward a prosperous future for Guam.

“These green careers help to grow the people of our island and our communities, while making sure that we are also responsibly taking care of our natural resources,” said Cruz.

While different career paths rely on trends and the topic of the month, green jobs are rooted in the land and the culture of a place – two things that are only strengthened by participation and growth in this sector.

Are you ready to explore life in the green economy?

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Ambassador-maxxing (How I accidentally locked in to STEM engagement)

Jeremie Charfauros — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:40:49 +0000

Ambassador-maxxing (How I accidentally locked in to STEM engagement)

Building bridges through STEM! Participants from Navigating Home and partner organizations strengthen their science communication and community engagement skills during the STEMAP Design and Engage Workshop on July 23–24.

My name is Kira Reklai. As a Navigating Home Fellow, I had the unexpectedly fun experience of joining the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Ambassador Program (STEMAP). This program helps STEM professionals connect with the community through different engagement activities.

In STEMAP, each participant picks a focus group as the main audience for the activities we design during training. A big part of the program is learning how to understand the values and needs of the communities we serve.

All our training had been online, so the session during the last week of July was our first in-person meeting as a group. Corinne, the program facilitator from the University of Utah, led our two-day workshop.

For me, the best part was sharing ideas with other STEMAP participants and building my skills in community and relationship development. For my focus group, I chose cultural knowledge experts on Guam, including yo’amte and their apprentices. Because they are experts themselves, my project aims to honor their traditional and cultural knowledge. I hope to work with them to create educational materials that support their needs and values, as well as contribute to the efforts of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant Science Communication team.

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More than Science: Learning to connect with communities

Matt Zapata — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:03:52 +0000

More than Science: Learning to connect with communities

What is the value of communication and engagement between scientists and non-scientists working in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and the communities they serve?

A group of participants from the Navigating Home program and partner organizations explored that question during the STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP) Design and Engage Workshop held on July 23–24, organized by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

Through the support of the University of Utah, STEMAP Manager Corinne Ryan facilitated the two-day workshop, introducing participants to the process of designing engagement activities that build trust, encourage dialogue, and foster stronger connections between STEM professionals and the communities they serve. Participants explored techniques for developing engagement objectives, crafting compelling narratives, and creating projects tailored to the interests and values of specific audiences.

According to Ryan, successful science engagement goes beyond simply sharing information. Participants were encouraged to tell stories with clear settings, characters, and meaningful takeaways while designing activities that invite collaboration and mutual learning.

As part of the workshop, participants developed community engagement proposals addressing local issues. Taya Hawley, who participated with colleagues from the UOG’s Island Conservation Lab, said her team plans to build on a previous reforestation partnership with Astumbo Middle School by creating a two-day workshop that introduces students to native and invasive plant species, incorporates traditional ecological knowledge, and culminates in planting a tree on campus.

Meanwhile, Navigating Home Fellows Mercy Gilniy and Enqi Yang proposed an activity highlighting Guam’s marine life through guided beach experiences designed to inspire youth and older adults to appreciate the island’s coastal ecosystems.

“Our engagement project is really to showcase some of the beautiful Guam marine life, like different kinds of fish and crabs, and just to showcase their colors and how they swim. We want to tailor this towards younger people who don’t usually spend enough time outdoors going to the beach.”

Gilniy said one of the workshop’s biggest takeaways was learning how to communicate scientific concepts in language that is accessible to people without STEM backgrounds. “The people that we interact with the most are not experts in the things that we’re introducing…It’s really important that we learn how to communicate these types of terminology to them in a way that they can understand.”

Participants will continue refining their engagement proposals through one-on-one mentoring with STEMAP staff before implementing their community projects later this year.

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UOG’s Guam Green Growth, GTA partner to host Storm Smart Workshop on generator maintenance and emergency preparedness

Kyle Mandapat — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:38:21 +0000

UOG’s Guam Green Growth, GTA partner to host Storm Smart Workshop on generator maintenance and emergency preparedness

As Guam continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness efforts, Guam Green Growth (G3) and GTA are inviting the community to learn how to safely maintain generators and stay connected during emergencies through a Storm Smart Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The one-hour workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Chamoru Village Center Court and is designed to help residents prepare for typhoon season by learning proper generator maintenance, safe operation, and practical ways to maintain communications before, during, and after severe weather events.

“We have seen so much happen during storms and communication with your loved ones is so important,” said Chelsea Paulett, GTA Community Relations Specialist. “We are always looking for ways to help our community stay connected as best as possible, even in the aftermath of a storm and in this case, in preparation for any potential storms that could pose a threat to our island.”

Hosted through the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub in partnership with GTA, the workshop aims to provide hands-on knowledge that can help families become more resilient when power outages occur.

“This year’s storm season has already been very eventful,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Abby Crain. “This workshop will help to provide the community with more education and preparation that can help protect their families and businesses.”

As an added incentive, everyone who attends will be automatically entered for a chance to win an EcoFlow River 2 Power Station.

The workshop is open to the public and is intended for homeowners, renters, business owners, and anyone interested in improving their emergency preparedness. Registration is available by donation and can be done by visiting the Workshop tab at guamgreengrowth.org/makerspace or Eventbrite.

Limited spots are still available for the workshop and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Guam Green Growth is facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant with partners including Guam NSF EPSCoR, who have helped to create Guam’s only public makerspace and innovation hub at the CHamoru Village.

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1 Island, 1 Future: Inside the UOG CIS and Sea Grant REEF program, building capacity in our students

Kyle Mandapat — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:43 +0000

1 Island, 1 Future: Inside the UOG CIS and Sea Grant REEF program, building capacity in our students

The three student fellows celebrated the completion of their term with Dr. Peter Houk at a presentation held at the UOG CIS and Sea Grant Shark Tank. The group explained their contributions and projects worked on during the fellowship.

During the presentation, the group discussed the work they did with reef and coral research and conservation throughout Micronesia. The fellows monitored corals in Guam, Palau, Yap and other islands in the Pacific.

Dominic Torres, a fellow from the CNMI partook in training that provides the opportunity to conduct field research off Guam’s shores. This training was pivotal in the process and assisted in the work he participated in.

The fellows conducted the research with the help of the Micronesia Coral Reef Monitoring program. The data used for the monitoring was collected over years with the help of the CoralNet platform.

Three undergraduate students, Angelie Donguines, Ale’a Duenas, and Dominic Torres participated in the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s Research Education and Extensive Fellowship (REEF) program in Dr. Peter Houk’s lab at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory. Through hands-on projects involving coral skeleton identification, benthic image analysis, and contributing to regional datasets, the interns worked with the Micronesia Coral Reef Monitoring (MCRM) program and learned how to use scientific data and technology to support the protection and monitoring of coral reef ecosystems.

MCRM compiles and visualizes data from reefs across Micronesia. This platform was developed through the University of Guam, Micronesia Resource Agencies, and conservation partners, with Dr. Houk serving as the key scientific lead. The goal of this website is to assess and improve the effectiveness of marine conservation across the region by evaluating the overall reef ecosystem. MCRM does this by tracking benthic cover, composition, and fish populations. Additionally, the website tracks disturbance events and can identify potential reef health trajectories.

In Dr. Peter Houk’s lab, data is collected through benthic surveys conducted by research divers. In this process, divers lay out lines called transects and take photos at every meter for 250 meters, which can be distributed over several lines. The underwater photographs are uploaded to Coral Net for species identification. One intern, Dominic Torres, took part in a scientific diving course through the American Academy of Underwater Science. The class is centered around dive safety and rescue in case of an emergency. Through this certification, he can have a more active role in research and data collection.

To read the full story, click the link below:

Inside the UOG CIS and Sea Grant REEF program, building capacity in our students

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Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer math program welcomes first community college participants

Louella Losinio — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:47:39 +0000

Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer math program welcomes first community college participants

2026 Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) cohort poses with faculty mentors during the program's orientation in June at the UOG Science Building. This year's cohort marks a milestone with the participation of two students from Guam Community College, expanding undergraduate research opportunities beyond the University of Guam.

Michael L. Chan, Ed.D., Dean of the School of Technology & Student Services at Guam Community College and Co-Principal Investigator for Guam NSF EPSCoR E-RISE, speaks at the orientation for the 2026 Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) program. This year's cohort marks a milestone with the participation of two students from GCC.

Leslie Aquino, Ph.D., a mathematics professor at the University of Guam and one of three faculty mentors for the Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE), welcomes students during the program orientation. This year's cohort includes seven students, including two from Guam Community College participating in the program for the first time.

Participants of the 2026 Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) listen during the program orientation. The SMRE program allows undergraduates to experience advanced math research under the guidance of UOG faculty mentors.

The University of Guam’s (UOG) NSF EPSCoR E-RISE program has started this year’s Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) and for the first time, welcomed participants from Guam Community College (GCC).

The SMRE program allows undergraduates to experience advanced math research under the guidance of UOG faculty mentors. Aside from helping them improve their problem-solving and analytical skills, they gain hands-on experience by working on projects with real-world applications.

“We’re super excited because this is our first summer to have GCC participate in our summer math research program,” said Leslie Aquino, Ph.D., a mathematics professor at UOG and one of three faculty mentors for the Guam NSF EPSCoR SMRE program. Aquino said in total, seven students joined the SMRE program this year, including two from GCC.

The 2026 SMRE cohort includes:

- - John Paul Labadan – UOG, Civil Engineering
  - Patrick Sumbo — UOG, Civil Engineering
  - Andre Bocatija – UOG, Computer Science and Mathematics minor
  - Lance Asistores – GCC, Nursing
  - Jay Redila – UOG, Civil Engineering
  - Raelyn Babac – UOG, Secondary Education with emphasis in Mathematics
  - Angel Samaniego — GCC, Liberal Studies and Human Services

As part of the experience, participants conduct research through small-group collaboration. They work together on focused research questions, exploring diverse areas of mathematics, and its applications in a constructive learning environment.

For Samaniego, this is a good opportunity for GCC students such as herself to gain exposure to research. “I’d really love to pursue a doctorate after my undergraduate studies in clinical psychology. And I found that I really want to get as much research experience as possible in my undergraduate studies,” she said.

For Asistores, another GCC student, the SMRE program is a move in the right direction. “I am grateful for being accepted to this program and being accepted to be able to gain this experience. As a recent transfer student and as someone who recently started back at school, this would be a pretty big step forward for me.”

Meanwhile, UOG student Labadan said, “I’d really love to build my skills in programming, especially considering my background in geospatial data processing and historical coral specimens. I did that in my first year, and I really just hope this program will help me.”

The expansion of GCC participation reflects the growing collaboration between GCC and UOG through the 2+2 Transfer Programs, which allow students to complete their first two years at GCC before seamlessly transferring to UOG, to finish their bachelor’s degree as juniors.

Michael L. Chan, Ed.D., Dean of the School of Technology & Student Services and Co-Principal Investigator for Guam NSF EPSCoR E-RISE, said GCC’s participation in SMRE developed organically through efforts to strengthen these transfer pathways, beginning with Computer Science and expanding over time as students became increasingly involved in research opportunities.

As he describes it, “it evolved into this partnership where it was just one of those things where it just came around where, hey, our students are coming here to do the 2 plus 2 program, so why not get them involved in the research already?”

The program is not limited to computer science. Chan said it intentionally includes students who are still exploring academic and career interests. He said this makes the program a bridge experience that allows students to explore research exposure across disciplines before deciding on their long-term academic paths.

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