UOG students make waves, broaden connections at SACNAS

Uncategorized

More than the experience of attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) event outside the island, the University of Guam delegation also earned accolades, learned more about diversity and expanded their network at the National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) conference in Puerto Rico.

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) organized the event from October 27 through October 29. The conference drew thousands of college-levels through professional attendees from historically excluded communities throughout the states and territories.

The conference seeks to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D. UOG Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability director, Education Workforce and Development coordinator for Guam NSF EPSCoR and SACNAS board member said the conference is the perfect place to expose students to opportunities in STEM. “This is really an important event for our students at the University of Guam. It is the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity conference in the nation. This year, it is the biggest that the conference has ever been. Over half of that are students and over half of them are professionals, and as important, exhibitors who are bringing in opportunities to students in the areas of graduate school or employment in agencies, in nonprofits, in nongovernmental organizations.”

According to Shelton, 51 students and faculty from UOG took advantage of these tremendous opportunities at the conference. Aside from immersing participants in STEM research and professional development sessions, the conference also encouraged engagement in and the sharing of multicultural celebrations and traditions.

Cheryl R. Sangueza, Ph.D. assistant professor of secondary education said attending the conference was a success not only for academic and research opportunities, but also because the Guam delegation left a positive footprint for the island and the university. She believes that the experience “possibly changed life trajectories for the UOG students.

“Our students were engaged in professional networking and found exciting academic and research opportunities, they met new friends and explored new places and cultures, and they were successfully immersed in a culture of scientific research. “Seeing and feeling like they belong at a STEM conference combined with connecting with graduate school and research opportunities illuminated new options and choices for many,” she said.

Sangueza is also the co-principal investigator for the National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance Guam Hub and oversees student experience for NSF Guam EPSCoR.

More than 10 UOG students took part in the poster presentations at the conference. One of the students, Michael Fernandez, received recognition for his undergraduate poster presentation on “Host Tree and Mycorrhizal Diversity of Epiphytic Orchids Native to Guam.”

Alyssa Calalo, an NSF INCLUDES student researcher, also presented a poster on “Assessing the Use of Pre-germinated and Soaked Seed of Native Plant Species for Badland Restoration: Lab and Field Trials.”

The UOG undergraduate in biology described her SACNAS experience as inspirational. “It was eye opening meeting scientists with the same culture and values, and it made me feel seen and motivated to keep going! My presentation revolved all around using native plants important to the CHamoru culture to restore badlands that have been affected by erosion. I conducted my research project at Ugum Watersheds. My presentation was a great experience for me, and I was able to connect with people from different labs and cultures – network and share ideas on how to keep the project going!”

SACNAS fosters the success of underrepresented Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in science, technology engineering, and mathematics, otherwise known as STEM. It is the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization in the United States, serving more than 20,000 students and professionals.

October 27, 2022December 31, 2024

Sustainable Spotlight: Professors share their sustainable home

Uncategorized

A house that sits atop an elevated land in Talo’fo’fo’ attracts passers-by with its unique glass exterior. But beyond its curb appeal, the home has more to offer — it is also a model of sustainable design and function, according to its homeowners, social work professors Gerhard Schwab and Vivian Dames.

Dames said, “People sometimes refer to the house as ‘the boat house or the chapel or the church.’ It has been called many different things because of its modern design.”

Over the years, the house has been retrofitted with energy-efficient features that optimize the use of available resources in the environment. For instance, the house design uses passive ventilation to naturally cool living and workspaces.

“We have ceiling fans in every room. When we built this extension, we designed it so that in the hot afternoon sun, it doesn’t come in in any windows. So, it keeps that side of the house very cool,” Dames said.

Dames and Schwab also invested in a solar energy system that produces enough power for the home and an electric car.

“We have 40 panels out there and that is just enough to cover the household, the fridge, washer and the air conditioner plus our electric car. We have our solar panels covering our entire energy needs,” Schwab said.

The house also has a rainwater catchment system to support the non-potable requirements of the household. According to Dames, the system was designed into the house. In fact, the house has a pitched roof that catches and filters rainwater which feeds into a 2000-gallon fiberglass tank.

“We collect rainwater, and we have two tanks at the back. So, we collect the rainwater and then we pump it back in the house. When we take a shower and wash the dishes, it is all rainwater,” Schwab said.

According to Dames, building a fully sustainable home on island takes a while. “It is important to emphasize that it is difficult on Guam to establish a fully sustainable home environment quickly because it takes time and it takes resources and very importantly, you have to have the external support of people who are experts in the field and the infrastructure. to support sustainable living.” Dames added, “What we have today is something that is the result of years of envisioning and trying things and experimenting.”

Apart from having an energy efficient home, Dames and Schwab also practice sustainable living.

Schwab said, “Guam is very difficult in terms of removing or reducing our ecological footprint. One of my goals is to work on eating more locally produced food and cutting down airline traffic and not flying as much anymore.”

He added, “For us, although the economic savings is nice, trying to live an environmentally conscious life comes out of our fundamental beliefs in a social ecology. It is a framework that comes out of our being social workers and also our faith, our Catholic social teaching about the importance of stewardship. And our responsibility to be good stewards of the gifts of creation.”

September 28, 2022December 31, 2024

Guam Green Growth and Guahan Sustainable Culture confirm newest community garden partnership

Uncategorized

The University of Guam-Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative will break ground on another community garden at the Dededo Sports Complex in October, following the successful launching of the project last year.

G3 collaborated with Guåhan Sustainable Culture, the Governor of Guam, and other multi-agency partners to open or facilitate the development of community gardens in villages all over the island.

Austin Shelton, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant director mentioned the new project at the proclamation signing for Sustainable September, “Our community gardens are beacons of education and food security. Through these community gardens, we are bringing more sustainability to different parts of the island. We now have a garden in the South and another in Hagåtña, and soon, in Dededo.”

Michelle Crisostomo, GSC president and co-founder said that the new garden would make a great addition to the village, “It would be really great to showcase the same things (at the Dededo community garden) that we featured in Hagåtña…It would be another great place where the families can go, where they can also learn about growing their own food and another place where people can live an active lifestyle.”

G3 launched its first community garden in the heart of Hagåtña in August 2021. GSC co-founder and vice president Marlyn Oberiano designed the 1,400 sq.ft. garden while the G3 Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps GSC members, and Pacific Federal Management Inc. built the raised garden beds.

GSC and the AmeriCorps GSC team continues to manage the site and host volunteer days for community groups and organizations. Later, G3 partnered with AmeriCorps to open another garden in January 2022 in the southern part of Guam, this time, at the Jeremy Newby Community Center in Talo’fo’fo’. 

The community garden addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG #2: Zero Hunger, SDG #3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

September 28, 2022December 31, 2024

Corporate responsibility workshop leads social lesson at Innovation Hub

Uncategorized

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub played host to a Corporate Social Responsibility workshop featuring Ericka Anderson, co-founder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative.

According to Anderson, social legitimacy and capital are both key measures of a group’s standing in their community.

“A company exists because society allows it to exist,” explained Anderson. “Social legitimacy is the relationship you have with society, and social capital is more of a manifestation effect.”

Anderson says that organizations can see their social capital levels change throughout their existence.

“You can build social capital, or you could lose social capital,” added Anderson. “You build it by having a positive impact on your society.”

The workshop was a part of an ongoing series of development and education for local businesses offered at the Innovation Hub in the CHamoru Village in partnership with the University of Guam Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Anderson also presented at the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is when corporations and organizations self-regulate themselves as citizens within the community and they aim to contribute to goals of philanthropy, activism and charity,” said Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol. “It’s when a company takes a positive role in the community, and they consider the environmental and social impact of their decisions and practices.”

Ten local businesses and organizations confirmed participation in the workshop and sent representatives who learned about local implementation of CSR strategies and practices.

For more information on upcoming workshop schedules visit www.guamgreengrowth.com.

September 28, 2022December 31, 2024

First-ever Arbor Festival to kick off Arbor Month celebration

Uncategorized

Department of Agriculture (DOAG) Forestry and Soil Resources Division (FRSD), with UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant and several small businesses invites the community to join us at Jeff’s Pirates Cove on October 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Ridge to Reef festivities with ArborFest, a celebration of trees and all they do for our island ecosystems.

We invite the community to celebrate with us! Smokey Bear and friends will be dancing to the music of Joe & Gene.

There will be art and cultural activities, education and outreach information, a native tree maze, readings by UOG Press authors and much more!

Learn how to minimize your carbon footprint with a car show featuring Japanese mini cars. Discover how to make coconut rhino beetle traps from dead coconut trees and rope from pågo trees.

Listen to stories about a native tree and her jungle friends, and purchase arbor art from local artists.

TÅSA will explain how canoes are made, which trees are used, and the process involved. The Marianas Audubon Society will showcase bird nests and talk about the migratory birds that visit Guam every year.

The Guam Beekeepers Association will be there with a taste of Guam honey!

Join the DOAG Hunter Education Program for simulated “Shoot don’t shoot” scenarios, taste tea from DOAG Agriculture Development Services, meet DOAG DAWR’s ko’ko bird, and learn about native trees from DOAG foresters.

The Sea Grant outreach trailer will be there to showcase turtle research along with UOG Marine Lab, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability, and the UOG Community Nutrition Education Program with some tasty treats and recipes.

The UOG Western Pacific Tropical Research Center will show their Forests of Guam Video and have forest health experts there to talk about trees and invasive species.

USDA APHIS will have their demonstration pig corral and some brown tree snakes that want to get up close and personal.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more Arbor Month activities: @doag.forestry @doag.dawr @doag.adsguam @doag.biosecurity.

Bring your personal water bottles to refill at available water stations.

Lunch will be available for purchase at Jeff’s. ArborFest, lunch specials for purchase include: BBQ combo ribs & chicken with red rice, or falafel wrap, or hotdog, or a 1/4lb cheddar cheeseburger all with fries!

There will be raffles and giveaways for attendees, fresh raw honey and produce for sale, seed and seedlings available.

Join us and all our amazing partners on Oct, 1st at Jeff’s Pirates Cove – Biba Arbor Month kickoff at ArborFest!

September 28, 2022December 31, 2024

UOG CIS and Guam Green Growth celebrate Sustainable September

Uncategorized

Joined by her Guam Green Growth Co-chair and president of the University of Guam Thomas Krise, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero proclaimed the month of September to be Sustainable September at a special proclamation signing held at Adelup.

Sustainable September featured events organized by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant along with many Guam Green Growth partner organizations.

Leon Guerrero was in full support of the proclamation as she noted the importance of leading a more sustainable life for future generations.

“I am very honored to proclaim the month of September as Sustainable September,” said Leon Guerrero. “How do we sustain our island moving forward so that our generations are protected? This proclamation provides that tool.”

Leon Guerrero also noted the importance of climate change research for further development of our island.

“Climate change is a big priority of our administration and climate change needs to be addressed,” added Leon Guerrero. “[We need to address] how it’s going to impact our future generations.”

According to Guam Green Growth Action Framework Coordinator Camarin Quitugua, the month of September is also observed by the countries of the United Nations as a month for recognizing the Sustainable Development Goals and demanding urgency to create sustainable solutions for the planet.

“Our partnerships through the Guam Green Growth initiative have led to tangible solutions including the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub established at the CHamoru Village, the G3 Community Gardens in Hagatna, Talo’fo’fo and coming soon to Dededo,” added Quitugua.

Events scheduled for the month included Tree planting events, outreach opportunities, a kick-off wave, tours, exhibits and the first ever ArborFest event to be held on October 1 at Jeff’s Pirates Cove.

August 31, 2022December 31, 2024

G3 Innovation Hub workshop allows community to make art and learn about traditional medicine

Uncategorized

As part of the fourth installment of the Guam Green Growth Makerspace’s “Seed Talk Sessions,” the facility held a printmaking workshop facilitated by Roldy Aguero Ablao, a queer mixed Chamber artist and cultural practitioner who explores culture and identity through printmaking, fashion, and more.

The “Seed Talk Sessions” are a series of developmental opportunities offered by the facility in which industry professionals engage island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship. — As part of the fourth installment of the Guam Green Growth Makerspace’s “Seed Talk Sessions,” the facility held a printmaking workshop facilitated by Roldy Aguero Ablao, a queer mixed Chamber artist and cultural practitioner who explores culture and identity through printmaking, fashion, and more. The “Seed Talk Sessions” are a series of developmental opportunities offered by the facility in which industry professionals engage island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.

The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam.

“Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao. — The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam. “Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao.

As part of the fourth installment of the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub’s “Seed Talk Sessions,” the facility held a printmaking workshop facilitated by Roldy Aguero Ablao, a queer mixed CHamoru artist and cultural practitioner who explores culture and identity through printmaking, fashion, and more.

The “Seed Talk Sessions” are a series of developmental opportunities offered by the facility in which industry professionals engage island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.

The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam.

“Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao. “I found that very sacred, but it also changed the way I related to the land around me. It made me walk a little more gently. It made me breathe a little more deeply because now the land is on me and I am part of the land. We are always part of the land.”

According to Ablao, the steam created by boiling these ferns can help decrease congestion. He added that he would gather these ferns from a friend’s house or a neighbor’s yard and paint them onto shirts to always have a remnant of the land with him.

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk.

After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.

The workshop ended with a chant recited by Ablao and Joseph Certeza, the G3 Makerspace attendant.

When asked about what advice he would give to aspiring creators, Ablao said, “The first word that comes to me is inagofli’e’ which means “to see” or “witness with care.” I want creators to see ourselves with care and know that our stories are worth it even if others do not see that.”

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk. After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.

August 25, 2022December 31, 2024

Sustainability funding, food security, climate literacy and other updates from Guam Green Growth Steering Committee meeting

Uncategorized

At this month’s Guam Green Growth (G3) Steering committee meeting, members reported several current initiatives that support food security, renewable energy, healthy communities as well as upcoming funding opportunities to achieve the action items under the G3 Action Framework.

Austin Shelton, Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability director, started the meeting with an update on the University of Guam Sea Grant institutional status ceremony this month. Shelton, the co-chairperson of the G3 Steering Committee, said the status upgrade will be a game-changer for the University, for the island, and for the region.

“That means we are bringing more resources to better research and understand our marine and our coastal resources on our island and help inform policies and management to ensure that there is a wise use of these coastal resources,” he said, emphasizing that Guam has the most diverse coral reef system in the United States.

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, who co-chairs the G3 Steering Committee with Shelton, reported on the Inflation Reduction Act that was recently signed by President Joe Biden. Tenorio said the landmark law has provisions that support renewable energy projects, tax credits for consumers of energy efficient products, and other initiatives that support G3’s push for one hundred percent renewal energy by 2045.

Guam Economic Development Authority administrator Melanie Mendiola, who co-chairs the Healthy and Prosperous Communities team, provided updates in food security and economic prosperity. “One of the significant events that happened was the groundbreaking of the Guam Fishermen’s Co-op seawall. This will not only strengthen our fishermen economically but also strengthen access and availability to what is grown here as opposed to what is flown here,” Mendiola said. She also reported on the completion of the 8th cohort under the GUMA incubator training last week and the continuing partnership with Maker Space and Innovation Hub.

Vangie Lujan, the co-chair of Thriving Natural Resource team, reported on the partnership between the Micronesia Challenge and Sea Grant for the Young Champion program, which seeks to build a generation of conservation leaders in Micronesia. According to Lujan, they are looking for a UOG or GCC student who is interested in interning with the UOG Sea Grant program. Each champion will receive $5,000 a year to cover internship costs.

Guam Community College President Mary Okada, who co-chairs the Educated, Capable, and Compassionate Island team, reported on the groundbreaking of the newest LEED-certified building at the community college. Regine Biscoe-Lee, who co-chairs with Okada, provided updates on the government’s childcare initiative.

Sustainable Alliances co-chair Carlotta Leon Guerrero provided updates on the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders next month. According to Leon Guerrero, around 20 Pacific government leaders will be at the meeting. Climate change is on top of the meeting agenda.

The G3 Steering Committee is preparing for its next biannual meeting next month. At the meeting, the G3 category of action co-chairs will share their progress in achieving the G3 Action Framework items which are aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

August 25, 2022December 31, 2024

Guam Green Growth shares Sustainable Development Goals with students at Phoenix Center

Uncategorized

A group of lively middle school students at Father Duenas Memorial School gathered in a circle around 17 colorful tiles depicting the United Nations sanctioned Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Guam Green Growth (G3) team was there to interact with the students and get a conversation going on how to adapt the goals for the communities in Guam.

A repurposed milk carton with numbers one to seventeen written on it was tossed to a student who then read a number, which corresponded with the number on a goal. G3 team member Tori Manley asked questions of the student, which developed into a conversation that included everyone. The carton was tossed to the next person and the conversation continued.

The G3 initiative involves partners including the government, non-profits, business community members, and schools becoming involved to help the community by finding practical ways of implementing these goals.

Annania Kemp from team G3 spoke of the need for all communities on the island to work together to make the 17 goals a reality.

The students were very participatory and really enjoyed exploring the subjects that were introduced through the goals such as gender equality, life under the sea, quality education, clean water, and more.

Planting the seeds of SDGs for the youth to nurture will ensure that their children will enjoy a healthy environment, good educational opportunities, and the will to make Guam a sustainable place for all.

August 19, 2022December 31, 2024

Guam Green Growth celebrates Conservation Corps graduates

Uncategorized

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps capped off their five months of full-time hands-on training through a graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, August 18, 2022, at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex (Adelup) in Hagåtña. The ceremony recognized its second batch of conservation corps graduates since the members were recruited in March 2022.

The graduates include Jenelle Aguilar, Rejean Benavente, Johnny Borja, Jacob Concepcion, Remilou Hannigan, Dulce Imbo, Wade Kitalong, Ryan Perez, Christopher Quichocho, Hila’an San Nicolas, and Tre Starr.

Over the course of the last five months, the cohort gained experience through various aspects of sustainability such as agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy and recycling, and renewable energy.

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps capped off their five months of full-time hands-on training through a graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, August 18, 2022, at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex (Adelup) in Hagåtña.

The ceremony recognized its second batch of conservation corps graduates since the members were recruited in March 2022.

The graduates include Jenelle Aguilar, Rejean Benavente, Johnny Borja, Jacob Concepcion, Remilou Hannigan, Dulce Imbo, Wade Kitalong, Ryan Perez, Christopher Quichocho, Hila’an San Nicolas, and Tre Starr.

Over the course of the last five months, the cohort gained experience through various aspects of sustainability such as agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy and recycling, and renewable energy.

“What you’ve done is tremendous,” said UOG President Thomas W. Krise as he addressed the graduates. “You’ve inspired other people just by your efforts. In terms of the cleanups, when you see somebody on the road and improving the road, it deters you from throwing something away as you drive by. You’re helping to change the feeling of how people treat the environment. You’ve done tremendous work and I’m very proud of you.”

During the graduation, Austin Shelton, director of the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant program, highlighted the cohort’s contributions to the community.

“You have this training. You have this awareness and skills that you’ve built over these past five months that you can take into any career that you go into. That’s a very powerful force and you’re a part of this movement and we’re very proud to have you as part of G3. We’d love to continue to support you in any way that you may need in the future,” said Shelton.

From March 14 to August 18, the G3 Conservation Corps:

Collected and recycled 55,618 aluminum cans;
Planted 1,705 food crops and pruned 2,986 trees;
Built 81 feet of erosion control devices;
Removed 321 white goods and bulky waste;

Removed 19 brown tree snakes, 40 invasive frogs, and 27 gallons of invasive algae;
Completed 15 roadside cleanups and 5 beach cleanups;
Participated in 2 painting projects.

During the ceremony, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio commended the cohort for their service to the island.

“The five months you were able to embark and work together collectively not only has benefited yourself, but it has also benefited the people of Guam. For that, I want to thank all of you for your individual role. I hope you’ll be able to maintain that advocacy through your work,” said Tenorio.

Dulce Imbo, a Conservation Corps graduate, was elected as the cohort’s representative to celebrate their completion of the program.

“Sustainability starts within our own lives and habits by knowing and understanding our own story and truth,” said Imbo. “The past five months has allowed us to deepen our own understanding and reflect on who we are as individuals and use our own healing and as a way to propel ourselves in the work that we do.”

About Guam Green Growth

Guam Green Growth (G3) is the island’s most comprehensive public-private partnership created to achieve a sustainable future. Aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, G3 cultivates an ecosystem for transformative action to achieve our island’s sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future. UOG facilitates the island-wide initiative in cooperation with the  Office of the Governor of Guam and the 99 members of the G3 Working Group representing all sectors of our society.   

G3 first launched the Conservation Corps in partnership with UOG Center for Island Sustainability and UOG Global Learning and Engagement department to establish a foundation for workforce development to support an emerging green economy in June 2021.