UOG CIS2026 to proceed in Guam following Sinlaku, will highlight storm resiliency

The University of Guam and Northern Marianas College have confirmed that the Conference on Island Sustainability will proceed with its original schedule on Guam next week. CIS2026 will have a particular focus on storm resilience featuring presentations and panels with key recovery representatives on Guam and CNMI.

The University of Guam will move forward with its flagship Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2026) this year following the passing of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, underscoring the event’s regional importance and resilience in the face of severe weather.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), who produce the annual event, announced that all Guam-based sessions of the 2026 conference will proceed as scheduled, and that the previously announced CNMI sessions would be shifted towards assisting with recovery efforts.

The annual conference draws researchers, policymakers, and community leaders from across Micronesia and beyond to address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges unique to island communities. This year’s gathering will include presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, food security, sustainable development and more with the theme — Illuminating the Path to Prosperity.

There will also be a particular focus on storm resilience featuring presentations and panels with key recovery representatives on Guam.

Conference co-chairs UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez D.B.A and Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero both agreed to proceed with the conference as planned, emanating from the Hyatt Regency Guam in Tumon from April 20th to the 24th.

Galvin Deleon Guerrero Ed.D, the president of the Northern Marianas College, a partner for this year’s conference, says that proceeding with CIS2026 needs to happen.

“With the utter devastation wreaked by Super Typhoon Sinlaku on the Marianas, there are some concerns about moving forward with events like UOG’s Conference on Island Sustainability. Those concerned worry that proceeding with the conference might be perceived as tone deaf while many in the Northern Marianas have lost their homes, are enduring the complete collapse of basic infrastructure, and are suffering without power, running water, and basic necessities. However, that suffering should not be an excuse to stand down but, rather, a reason to stand up,” said Deleon Guerrero. “Now, more than ever, we must maintain vigilance against ignorance and politics by calling attention to the tragic impact that human-caused climate change is having on the most vulnerable, marginalized communities in the world. Now is the time to stand in solidarity with all victims of climate injustice by speaking truth to power and telling the world our story: a story of fierce, resilient people who are tired of being victimized and are stepping up to take charge of their own destiny. Now is not the time to fall silent; now is the time to speak up and fight.”

Despite the disruption, the situation highlights the very issues at the heart of the gathering—namely, the vulnerability of island communities to extreme weather and the urgent need for coordinated regional responses.

Preconference events including the Guam Power Authority’s Power Symposium, The Micronesia Challenge Regional Meeting, the Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District’s Guam Educators Conservation Summit and Guam NSF EPSCoR Grant Writing Workshop are all slated to proceed as scheduled as well.

The Conference on Island Sustainability remains one of the premier forums in the Pacific for advancing research and solutions tailored to island environments, and organizers say this year’s modified focus will continue to foster collaboration across the region—even as communities contend with the realities of a changing climate.

Registration is open with special rates for students and teachers from all over Micronesia.

Online registration, the CIS2026 agenda and more information is available online at UOG.edu/cis2026.

April 19, 2026April 19, 2026

Seed Talk lineup announced for UOG’s 2026 Conference on Island Sustainability

UOG has confirmed the return of Seed Talks, during a free and open to the public, opening day of the 2026 Conference on Island Sustainability. Seed Talks are designed as short, high-impact presentations that introduce fresh ideas and emerging leaders to the broader conference audience. Speakers confirmed for this year are Kallen Perez, Leilani Sablan Naden and Frank “The Crank” Camacho.

The University of Guam has announced three dynamic voices set to take the stage as this year’s Seed Talk presenters at the Conference on Island Sustainability, spotlighting emerging community leaders whose work reflects the conference’s theme, “Illuminating the Path to Prosperity.”

The annual conference, scheduled for April 20–24 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, is the university’s flagship sustainability gathering, convening researchers, policymakers and community advocates from across the Pacific and beyond to address climate resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable development challenges unique to island communities.

This year, the conference will take a closer focus on island resilience as Guam and the CNMI recover from the recent wrath of Supertyphoon Sinlaku.

According to Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), the producers of CIS2026, this year’s Seed Talk lineup is intentionally diverse, bringing together innovators from grassroots activism to creative entrepreneurship.

“We are excited to welcome this amazing group of presenters, all with their own story, all with their unique vision of what prosperity for island people looks like,” said Mandapat. “Their presentations will inspire viewers and really help to cultivate new ideas into tangible solutions for our communities.”

CIS2026 Seed Talk Presenters:

Kallen Perez, a rising environmental advocate, has built a reputation for youth-led sustainability initiatives on Guam. Perez’s work centers on mobilizing young islanders around conservation and climate awareness, often blending education with hands-on community projects.

Leilani Sablan Naden represents a new generation of cultural and environmental storytellers. Her work and research with island fishers and conservationists have helped to inform public policy and frameworks designed to ensure resources for generations to come.

Rounding out the group is Frank “The Crank” Camacho, a personality known for his unconventional approach to advocacy and public engagement. Camacho is a mixed martial arts icon and a small business owner. His culturally based approach to business can bring many lessons for those working to increase the state of the future economy of islands.

Seed Talks are designed as short, high-impact presentations that introduce fresh ideas and emerging leaders to the broader conference audience. The format complements the conference’s broader program of panels, workshops, and research presentations, which typically draw more than a thousand participants annually over the course of the one-week gathering.

According to Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of UOG CIS & Sea Grant, CIS is a hub for collaboration—where academic research meets community-driven solutions.

“Along with Seed Talks, the entire opening day of CIS2026 on Wednesday, April 22, will be open and free for the entire community to attend,” said Shelton. “We invite everyone to join us and be a part of this community working towards Guam’s sustainable future.”

Shelton says that CIS2026 will help to continue and expand the discussion, especially given the recent concerns Guam and the CNMI have faced including deep sea mining, safe water, and typhoon resiliency. He said, “We are always moving for a broader push to make sustainability conversations more inclusive and community-centered, particularly on an island where climate impacts and resource management are everyday concerns.”

Now in its 17th year, the Conference on Island Sustainability has grown into a cornerstone event for the region, fostering partnerships and surfacing solutions tailored to island environments.

The opening day festivities begin at 4pm with the ceremonial start, followed by a co-chair conversation featuring UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A and Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, an opening panel, Seed Talks and culminating with CIS Community Night featuring local vendors, performers and research presentations.

This year’s Community Night will also serve as the launch for the University of Guam’s relief efforts for those affected by Sinlaku on Guam and in the CNMI. Raffle tickets will be given to attendees who make a contribution of goods or money that will be donated to relief programs facilitated through partners including Northern Marianas College.

For the entire agenda and to register for the entire conference, visit uog.edu/cis2026.

April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Over three hundred Guam students vie for top prizes at islandwide science fair

Over three hundred Guam students vie for top prizes at islandwide science fair

The overall winners of the Island Wide Science Fair were announced at the end of the day-long event at the University of Guam Science Building. Public, private, charter and DoDea schools were all represented during the event which welcomed over 300 participants this year.

Students, educators, and families gathered this past weekend at the University of Guam (UOG) Science Building to celebrate innovation and discovery at the 48th Guam Islandwide Science Fair, marking another successful year for one of the island’s longest-running academic events.

Held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, the fair featured a full day of project exhibitions following a Friday evening setup that transformed the venue into a hub of scientific exploration. Participants from across Guam—representing elementary, middle, and high schools—presented research and experiments spanning a wide range of disciplines.

Over 314 projects competed in categories including ecology and earth science, physical science and mathematics, biology and medical science, chemistry, energy and sustainability, and computer science, aerospace, robotics, and engineering.

Judges evaluated entries based on scientific rigor, creativity, and real-world application, with many students demonstrating not only technical skill but also a strong understanding of issues impacting island communities.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) director, Guam NSF EPSCoR co-principle investigator and event committee member Austin Shelton, Ph.D., noted strong participation this year even with storm preparation at the top of community priorities.

“The fair continues to align with international standards, offering top performers pathways toward higher-level competitions,” said Shelton. “This fair has opened the doors for many students over the years, including myself, to opportunities that can really have a huge impact on their futures.”

The top winner of the science fair would qualify to win a trip to NASA Space Camp and also represent Guam on the international science fair stage.

“Beyond the awards, we really like to emphasize the broader impact of the fair,” said Interim Associate Director of agInnovation Research Center at UOG Land Grant Frank Camacho, Ph.D. “Fostering curiosity, building confidence, and encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is a mission we take very seriously and look forward to continuing here at UOG.”

Overall winners for this year’s competition are:

A. Division I (Primary): Grades K, 1,

- - Joseph Choi: Tamuning Elementary School
    PROJECT TITLE: “Why Did My Soccer Ball Pop?”

B. Division II (Elementary): Grades 3, 4, 5

- - Thomas Kurian: Harvest Christian Academy
    PROJECT TITLE: “Evaluating Glucose Lowering Effect of Soluble Fibre”

C. Division III (Middle School): Grades 6, 7, 8

- - Derrick Yan: St. John’s School
    PROJECT TITLE: “Mechanical Properties of Recycled Glass Concrete for Erosion Control Structure”

D. Division IV (High School): Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

- - Alexander Cruz: Father Duenas Memorial School
    PROJECT TITLE: “A Novel PLLA-PCL Composite with Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles for a Biodegradable Radiopaque Stent Material”

Cruz described his winning project, “Essentially, I investigated a new material that meets the characteristics of being biodegradable, radiopaque, and durable enough to function as a stent in medical applications.” He explained that stents are used in angioplasty to improve blood flow.
On winning the overall award at the science fair, he said, “I feel excited. I’m also relieved that I was able to win again, a second time at the Guam Science Fair. At the same time, I know there’s still more to be done, especially with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) coming up in May. I’m looking forward to it.” Cruz won 4th place at ISEF 2025.

The chief judge for the science fair was Philip A. Dauterman, MD, who has over 30 years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology. Dauterman has served as a key pathologist for Guam and Saipan, conducting autopsies and assisting with forensic cases. His participation highlights the growing regional partnerships of the fair.

As the 2026 competition concluded, the commitment to continuing the growth of STEM opportunities and building capacity for Guam students remained strong with organizers as they confirmed planning for next year’s competition will begin immediately.

April 6, 2026May 5, 2026

Local famålao’an filmmakers set to launch Film Fiesta at Guam Museum

animation of young woman sitting on small outrigger boat under starry night sky.

Local famålao’an filmmakers set to launch Film Fiesta at Guam Museum

A surrealist collage features an older woman and a young girl sitting at a dinner table placed in an outdoor grassy field. A framed portrait of a man, a grandfather clock, and a large fly are floating in the scene, while an airplane flies through a dark, rainy sky in the background. — Tonya Dee McDaniel’s “Åguguat” will be screened as a part of the film fiesta being held at the Guam Museum. Interested community members can secure seats via Eventbrite.com with no cost.

A digital animation frame of a young woman with dark, wavy hair and wide, expressive eyes looking upward in wonder. — The Film Fiesta will feature a mix of different animation styles including stop-action and even 2D drawn animaltion. “Zenith” by Trinity Feliciano will be featured during the showcase.

A collective of local famålao’an filmmakers have partnered with the Guam Museum’s HITA Talk series and will debut the Film Fiesta’s 7 short films at the museum’s indoor theater on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2pm.

The free event will be held in collaboration with the Heritage, Ideas, Traditions, Arts (HITA) Talk series held monthly by the Guam Museum Foundation.

The Film Fiesta is made up of works from local artists Tonya Dee McDaniel, Maria Sol Dueñas Marques, Yusra Khuja, Hokule’a Naomi Santos, Trinity Cando Feliciano and Dawn Lynne Fortuna Pechberty.

According to McDaniel, the presentation will showcase the diversity of Guam’s talent and people while highlighting the depth of art and storytelling our culture is known for.

“We liken our collection of short films to the variety of dishes that you’d find at the modern CHamoru fiesta table which come together to create an all-encompassing and unique experience,” said McDaniel. “This will be a multimedia showcase featuring digital collage, stop-motion animated, 2D digitally drawn animated and live-action short films.”

According to the group, the 7 short films will center on CHamoru cultural values such as environmental stewardship and seeking guidance from our asaina or ancestors in the hope of inspiring and creating solutions for our manhoben or youth.

Following the screenings a facilitated panel will be hosted featuring the filmmakers with an open questions and answers format included.

The group hopes that the event will create a space to empower film makers on Guam and to showcase the artistic expression of our cultural pride.

The event is presented by Guam Green Growth and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), Prutehi Guahan, and The Guam Bus.

UOG CIS & Sea Grant director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., underscores the importance of the arts in the movement for sustainability on Guam.

“Sustainability was our ancestors’ way of life,” said Shelton. “The storytelling of these films reconnect us to our ancestors and inspire pathways to our sustainable future.”

Entry is free to the public and refreshments will be available following the screening. While not required for entry, the group is kindly asking anyone planning on joining to confirm their attendance at their Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hita-talk-a-short-film-fiesta-tickets-1984279750148?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, contact Tonya Dee McDaniel at 671-685-5247 or via email at tonyadee.mcdaniel@yahoo.com.

March 27, 2026April 9, 2026

UOG brings critically endangered håyun lågu back to the wild

UOG brings critically endangered håyun lågu back to the wild

UOG CIS and Sea Grant team members, volunteers and community members partook in the planting that happened at the Atantåno Heritage Preserve in the village of Santa Rita.

One of the reasons the håyun lågu is critically endangered is because of damage done by insects and pests. Members of the UOG CIS and Sea Grant’s Natural Resources’ Island Conservation Lab erected protective structures that will help to address these issues. The team will monitor the plants in order to give them the best chance of survival.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) Natural Resources division, alongside the Guam Preservation Trust (GPT) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), hosted an outplanting event at the Atantåno Heritage Preserve in the village of Santa Rita.

The planting event focused on bringing the critically endangered Serianthes nelsonii, an endemic tree species found only on Guam and Rota, back to the wild. Locally, it is known as “håyun lågu” in Guam and “tronkon guåfi” in Rota.

Associate Director for UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s Natural Resources division, Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D., has been working alongside her team in the Island Conservation Lab (ICL) to return the Serianthes nelsonii seedlings back to its natural habitat.

“Our program manager Vince Fabian and I acquired tronkon guåfi seeds from the island of Rota with the help of Rota Forestry, who were instrumental in our team being able to bring these seedlings to Atantåno,” said Demeulenaere.

Additionally, Demeulenaere says that although the Serianthes nelsonii in both Guam and Rota are similar, they have unique genotypes that differentiate those found on one island from the other.

According to Fabian, Serianthes nelsonii once grew throughout southern Guam but today, are critically rare due in part to heavy damage from insect pests that attack the trees at vulnerable stages.

“The team added pest cages around every single tree to give them a fighting chance,” said Fabian. “Interns play an important role in this effort, helping monitor the trees regularly and contributing to the long-term recovery of the species.”

According to Demeulenaere, partnerships and collaborations with sustainability partners like Rota Forestry, GPT and the community at large are imperative to the success of projects such as this. “Public access and regular hikes at Atantåno help connect people with the islands’s natural resources and strengthen stewardship.”

Senator Sabina Perez joined the planting of the trees, marking the occasion with personal significance. She shared that she feels a special connection to this species because her mother grew up in the Tarague area and often told her stories about the tree. Planting one herself was a meaningful moment, she said, as it reconnects her to her roots and honors her cultural heritage.

“This is really our plantcestor. When we talk about håyun lagu, håyun means wood and lagu means north, but it can also carry the meaning of something that comes from afar. When we think about it in this way, it becomes a symbol of our origins,” added Perez.

As the new year unfolds, the UOG CIS & SG’s Natural Resources division will continue introducing more endemic plant species to the Atantåno Heritage Preserve, following earlier outplantings of Cycas micronesica or fadang.

More information about the program and the work of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant can be found online at uog.edu/seagrant or on social media @uogcis or @uogcis.islandconvervationlab on Instagram.

March 18, 2026April 8, 2026

EPSCoR E-RISE welcomes its first graduate research assistant cohort

Mark Galang, Alex Loria, and Joe Epler, Dr. Hyunjin Oh, Dr. Bastian Bentlage, Dr. Michalis Mihalitsis, and Dr. Leslie Aquino

EPSCoR E-RISE welcomes its first graduate research assistant cohort

Guam National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR) E-RISE welcomes four University of Guam graduate students to its inaugural Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) cohort.

The Graduate Research Assistant program provides UOG-enrolled graduate students with support for three years in their pursuit of a master’s degree. This support includes a tuition waiver of up to 12 credits, research training, faculty mentorship, possible travel opportunities, and a monthly stipend. One of two projects under the Guam NSF EPSCoR umbrella, the E-RISE RII project (Research Incubators for STEM Excellence) specifically aims to support students interested in marine biology and ecosystem research.

This first ever E-RISE GRA cohort includes Mark Galang, Alex Loria, Joe Epler, and Robert Babac.

Under the faculty mentorship of Professor of Mathematics Hyunju Oh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics Leslie J.C. Aquino, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Physics Joo-Chul (J.C.) Yoon, Ph.D., both Galang and Babac will be focusing on machine learning and A.I. to build a model that categorizes images based off visual features.

“I’ve been doing research with these mentors for the past couple years, I first started as a researcher back in summer 2024, and then I became a research assistant for summer 2025,” Galang explains. “They asked me if I wanted to join in this very big project, I was like, “sure, why not,” because I want to see some cool things with this research,” he said.

Loria will be working under Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., associate professor of bioinformatics, at the UOG Marine Lab to look at coral reef succession. Originally from Virginia with a degree in wildlife conservation from Virginia Tech, Loria has been working and doing research on Guam and the Mariana Islands for the past couple of summers.

“I like the wildlife, the people, and the culture, so I knew I wanted to make this my home at least for a little while,” Loria shares. “I’m also passionate about research and furthering my research experience, so the UOG Marine Lab is a great fit,” he says.

Michalis Mihaltisis, Ph.D., assistant professor of vertebrate morphology, will be mentoring Epler at the UOG Marine Lab, where they will be focusing on the cryptobenthic reef fish species found here in Guam. “I wanted to be able to be a full-time student and just focus on my classes, and then eventually also my field work, so I’m glad I was able to get this where I could not also have to work a part-time job the same time,” Epler explains.

Throughout the program, these GRAs will also be assisting undergraduate students who may be working under the same faculty mentors as part of other various student research programs, including the EPSCoR E-CORE Student Research Experience (SRE) program.

Undergraduate student researchers under EPSCoR grants often take part in Near-Peer mentoring sessions overseen by Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., in which they reflect on shared experiences within the program. This cohort will instead be taking part in GRA Mentoring sessions to be conducted by Christina Mantanona, the newly appointed Research Mentoring Lead for Guam NSF EPSCoR E-RISE. Regarding these mentoring sessions, the Research Mentoring Lead will “be doing a lot of surveying, finding out what’s valuable, what do you folks need so you’re not going to something that’s like perfunctory, you’re going to a discussion that has meaning and value for you,” Sangueza explains.

March 16, 2026April 8, 2026

GDOE librarians explore innovation and learning resources at the G3 Makerspace

Abby Crain and Francesca De Oro, provides an overview of G3 Makerspace to GDOE librarians.

GDOE librarians explore innovation and learning resources at the G3 Makerspace

Guam Department of Education (GDOE) librarians examine products created using the various tools available in the G3 Makerspace studio. The group toured the facility at CHamoru Village in February as part of the 2026 GDOE Annual Library Conference.

Guam Department of Education (GDOE) librarians explore the different spaces at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub at CHamoru Village during a February visit as part of the 2026 GDOE Annual Library Conference.

School librarians from across Guam visited the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village as part of the 2026 Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Annual Library Conference, a professional development event designed to strengthen library services and expand learning opportunities for students across the island.

Organized under the leadership of conference chairperson Dolores Rosario, a librarian at Tiyan High School, the annual conference provides librarians with opportunities to learn about new resources, explore innovative tools, and build partnerships that support student learning.

The G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub is supported in part through the Guam NSF EPSCoR program and serves as a collaborative space where community members, students, and educators can access tools, training, and resources that encourage innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.

According to GDOE, the Annual Library Conference focuses on enhancing library services, integrating technology into the curriculum, and fostering community connections. Past conferences have featured themes such as “Community Through Connection” and have explored topics including makerspaces and CHamoru literature.

The visit allowed librarians to learn about educational and community resources available to students, educators, and families.

The group also toured the CHalan Deskubre Hub at the UOG Dean’s Circle. “We learned that there’s a lot more information that can be available to our students at the actual hub. We know that it’s a resource that they and their families can go to,” Rosario said.

She added that it was encouraging to learn that the hub is accessible to schools interested in organizing visits. “It’s great knowing that the hub is open and available to schools,” Rosario said. “If they want to do group tours, small scale or even a little bit larger, they can accommodate different activities.”

Rosario said the visits were included in the itinerary of the GDOE Annual Library Conference to help librarians discover resources they can integrate into their school programs. “What we do is we try to learn more about information and resources that we can bring back to help improve our programs and deliver services to students,” Rosario said.

Many school libraries across Guam are expanding their offerings to include makerspaces—creative areas where students can experiment, build, and explore hands-on learning. “Librarians have an annual library budget, and we offer makerspaces in our libraries,” Rosario said. “If students want to come into our libraries, we offer resources that support their learning. Sometimes students need to build things, and sometimes they need resources.”

Some secondary school libraries are already equipped with tools such as Glowforge machines, a tool capable of cutting and engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and paper. “We’re going around seeing what can be done with the equipment that we are receiving through funding and the things that we can make or have students learn to make,” Rosario added.

During their visit to the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, the group toured several areas including the G3 Green Store and the Plastics Resource Center.

G3 Makerspace coordinator Emily Wendte and G3 Circular Economy coordinator Abby Crain provided an overview of the programs and resources available to the community. At the Plastics Resource Center, they highlighted initiatives designed to divert plastic waste from the local landfill.

During the tour, some librarians were especially impressed by refurbished school desks displayed at the hub. The desks were created using basic metal desk frames combined with tabletops made from recycled plastics. The project was developed by Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz, who is piloting the initiative at Maria Ulloa Elementary School. The desks demonstrate how recycled materials can be transformed into durable, functional furniture for classrooms.

Wendte and Makerspace staff member Shawn Garcia also guided the librarians through the Makerspace studio, where members can access a variety of tools and equipment to bring their ideas to life. The facility includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, a CNC router, woodworking tools, and other fabrication equipment. Members receive training before operating machines independently, while staff remain available to provide guidance and support.

The librarians expressed strong interest in the available equipment as well as the trainings and workshops offered through the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, recognizing the potential to connect these opportunities with hands-on learning experiences in Guam’s schools.

March 13, 2026April 9, 2026

Guam EPSCoR Students celebrate science with community at UOG Charter Day

GRA Diana Noto shows students a blue sea star and other marine organisms

Guam EPSCoR Students celebrate science with community at UOG Charter Day

EPSCoR_20260305_58thUOGCharterDay_EPSCoRExhibits-92

EPSCoR_20260305_58thUOGCharterDay_EPSCoRExhibits-111

Science was front and center during the University of Guam’s Charter Day festivities as students from the Guam NSF EPSCoR program helped spark curiosity among hundreds of visiting students from across the island.

Throughout the day, Guam EPSCoR student researchers hosted interactive outreach booths at the UOG Marine Laboratory, welcoming groups of elementary, middle, and high school students and the greater community, eager to learn more about the island’s unique marine and environmental ecosystems.

The outreach activities were designed to make science accessible and engaging. Visiting students explored hands-on demonstrations that introduced them to topics such as marine life, environmental monitoring, and the role of science in protecting Guam’s natural resources. EPSCoR students guided participants through experiments, answered questions, and shared their experiences pursuing careers in science and research.

The event created a rare opportunity for younger students to interact directly with college-level researchers working on issues relevant to Guam and the broader Pacific region.

For the EPSCoR student Diana Noto, the outreach was just as meaningful. Noto was excited to share her work and encourage the next generation of scientists.

“Seeing all the students make a connection with the marine life was a real win for me,” said Noto. “There were students who were really reluctant in the touch tank, and it was very rewarding to see the students interacting with the animals after they learned more about them.”

By the end of the day, the Marine Lab had welcomed hundreds of students from schools across Guam, many leaving with a deeper appreciation for the island’s marine environments—and a new curiosity about science.

The Guam EPSCoR program supports research and workforce development in STEM fields across the island, helping build local capacity in areas such as environmental science, data science, and sustainable resource management.

Through events like Charter Day, the program not only advances research but also connects young learners with the scientists and discoveries shaping Guam’s future.

March 12, 2026April 9, 2026

UOG EPSCoR and SEAS INCLUDES welcome undergraduate fellows for 2026

Students and faculty research mentors all together

UOG EPSCoR and SEAS INCLUDES welcome undergraduate fellows for 2026

A total of 20 students across both the University of Guam and Guam Community College will spend their year as undergraduate student research fellows for the Guam National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR) E-CORE (Optimizing Research Infrastructure on Guam)/ GECCO (Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals and Oceans) and INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance programs.

The Student Research Experience (SRE) provides students with interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) the opportunity to work alongside a faculty research mentor and receive guidance for their own research projects, with the support of a monthly stipend. This program is designed to build sustainable research infrastructure cores within NSF EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions to improve the overall research ecosystem, foster innovation, and promote economic growth.

This year’s undergraduate student researchers include:

E-CORE:

- - Leeana Jackson (GCC)
  - Ashley Gim (GCC)
  - Mykaila Charfauros (UOG)
  - Reggie Waiti (UOG)
  - Azer Bilimon (UOG)
  - Paris Borja (UOG)
  - Erica Garcia II (UOG)
  - Jarome Scott (UOG)
  - Juliana Valencia (UOG)

GECCO:

- - Kåna Sgambelluri (UOG)
  - Kiaza Jerao (UOG)
  - Ariel Santiago (UOG)
  - Sean Fabian (UOG)
  - Cameron San Agustin (UOG)
  - Jesse Carpo (UOG)
  - Nicolas Ubaldo (UOG)

INCLUDES:

- - Diego Quiogue (UOG)
  - Shannah Solamillos (UOG)
  - Allysa Calilung (UOG)
  - Segundo Garrido (UOG)

Throughout the program, student researchers will meet with faculty mentors on a recurring basis to engage in various research projects. This includes lab and field work ranging from plant pathology, marine biology, entomology, civil engineering, and more. This year’s SRE cohort will be working under the following faculty mentors:

- - Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D. – Bioinformatics (GECCO)
  - Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D. – Biology & Social and Behavioral Sciences (E-CORE)
  - Nestor Guades, Ph.D. – Civil Engineering (E-CORE, INCLUDES)
  - Alfred Daniel Johnson, Ph.D. – Entomology (E-CORE, INCLUDES)
  - Rob Lasley, Ph.D. – Crustacea, (GECCO, INCLUDES)
  - Christopher Lobban, Ph.D. – Biology (E-CORE, INCLUDES)
  - Michalis Mihalitsis, Ph.D. – Vertebrate Morphology (GECCO)
  - Bindu Poudel-Ward, Ph.D. – Plant Pathology (E-CORE)
  - Brett Taylor, Ph.D. – Marine Biology (GECCO)
  - Wei Xiao, Ph.D. – Biology (GECCO)
  - Rui Zeng, Ph.D. – Civil Engineering (E-CORE)

Throughout the year, the cohort will attend monthly Near Peer sessions. These sessions, overseen by Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., bring student researchers together to reflect on the program as it happens in real time. “We talk about your research experiences and how they impact your sense of belonging in science, your identity, and how that breathes into science communication, and just your place in space in science,” Sangueza explains. “We bridge what you’re doing with the research to who you are as scientists,” she says.

This year’s SRE iteration also introduces the first cohort for Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE, a project that holds a strong focus on creating self-sustaining research ecosystems. E-CORE RII ORIG (Optimizing Research Infrastructure on Guam) aims to build upon the foundation developed by the previous research project GECCO. The research project is a product of collaboration by UOG and GCC, working in synergy with the Guam Science & Technology Steering Committee (STSC) to expand Guam’s research ecosystem, diversify its STEM workforce, and advance science and technology initiatives.

Alongside working with faculty mentors on various research projects, student researchers will also be trained to present their work at STEM conferences. These primarily include the annual UOG Conference on Island Sustainability happening on Guam at the end of April, as well as the annual SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) NDiSTEM Conference happening in Long Beach, California at the end of October. Student researchers may also be chosen to present at other STEM conferences on Guam or abroad depending on their respective grant support. They will be trained to present their work in various ways, including poster presentations and/or panel participation, and will get the chance to network with like-minded STEM enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world.

March 10, 2026March 11, 2026

UOG introduces 2026 REEF fellows and G3 Circular Economy interns

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Mentors, interns, fellows, and the UOC CIS & Sea Grant leadership team began another cohort of the Research, Education and Extension Fellowship and Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Internship gathered for an informational kick-off of the cohort at the UOG campus.

UOG CIS and Sea Grant Program Leader Phillip Cruz, PMBA, welcomes new interns and fellows of the REEF and G3 Circular Economy Internship during the kick-off at the UOG campus in Mangilao. The group is the second cohort of the program.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has announced six students selected for the 2026 Research, Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) and Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Internship. Over the coming months, these students will bridge the gap between classroom theory and hands-on practice, gaining professional experience in fields ranging from coral reef ecology to the island’s circular economy.

“These programs are funded under the UOG Sea Grant Omnibus, which supports undergraduate fellowships and workforce development internships. Together, these opportunities equip students with a strong toolbelt of practical skills, research experience, and professional mentorship that prepare them for careers in sustainability and beyond,” said UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Project Leader Phil Cruz at the event announcing the new program participants.

The REEF Program pairs students with mentors working in the sustainability field to conduct research or extension projects that address regional sustainability issues, including conservation. The fellowship runs 20 weeks from the start date, and interns are required to present their research at a G3 Science Café event at the conclusion of the program.

Selected as 2026 REEF fellows are Dominic Torres, Angelie Donguines, and Ale’a Duenas, all majoring in Integrated Biology at UOG. They are mentored by Peter Houk, Ph.D., at the UOG Marine Lab, where research is being conducted in the areas of coral reef ecology, fisheries, and climate change research.

Dominic Lubas, who is training in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) at the Guam Community College (GCC), is also a REEF Fellow hosted by the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Duenas shared that she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of the ocean, particularly coral and reef ecology. “To also be more well-rounded in what I already know, and to practice these skills,” she said.

Donguines joined the program to pursue her interest in marine science. Though she was initially unsure of which direction to take her major, her positive experience during a previous internship with Dr. Houk led her to return to his lab to focus on coral research.

Torres added that his interest in spearfishing sparked his curiosity about reef ecosystems. “So, I wanted to learn more about the reef, stuff like that. I’m excited to be a part of the team. I hope we get to go scuba diving and do all those fun things along with the data collection and whatnot,” he said.

Lubas shared that he wanted to learn how to operate machines at the Makerspace and understand how they are integrated into recycling efforts on Guam. “I wanted to involve myself in that process… and see how I can use the skills that I learned during my time and transfer them to other career opportunities in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the G3 Circular Economy Internship focuses on recycling reclaimed plastics at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Interns gain hands-on experience operating equipment such as laser engravers, routers, CNC machines, and lathes while working closely with mentors to meet shared objectives. The internship runs from February to May or upon completion of 150 hours.

Selected as G3 Circular Economy interns are Francisco Egurrola and Camia Wy, both Civil Engineering majors at UOG. They are mentored by the G3 Makerspace Team led by G3 Makerspace project lead Emily Wendte, along with Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz and Makerspace staff Shawn Garcia.

Wy said the internship has expanded her experience beyond research and design by giving her hands-on exposure to machines and plastic recycling. “It’s been an eye-opener; you get to see how much plastic we have on island,” she said.

Egurrola said his interest in sustainability led him to apply. After completing research projects in high school, he wanted hands-on experience and a better understanding of waste management on Guam. He said contributing to efforts that address plastic waste and support a circular economy is meaningful to him.

​​UOG CIS2026 to proceed in Guam following Sinlaku, will highlight storm resiliency

Seed Talk lineup announced for UOG’s 2026 Conference on Island Sustainability

Over three hundred Guam students vie for top prizes at islandwide science fair

Local famålao’an filmmakers set to launch Film Fiesta at Guam Museum

UOG brings critically endangered håyun lågu back to the wild

EPSCoR E-RISE welcomes its first graduate research assistant cohort

GDOE librarians explore innovation and learning resources at the G3 Makerspace

Guam EPSCoR Students celebrate science with community at UOG Charter Day

UOG EPSCoR and SEAS INCLUDES welcome undergraduate fellows for 2026

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UOG CIS2026 to proceed in Guam following Sinlaku, will highlight storm resiliency