CIS2025 MONDAY: Collaborative, innovative solutions at Conference on Island Sustainability

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University of Guam leaders and partners discuss the shift towards a solution-oriented theme focused on multi-sector collaboration and innovation during a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, highlights a shift in focus at this year's conference, moving from understanding sustainability challenges to actively seeking solutions for our future. The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant held a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, emphasizes the university's commitment to generating knowledge and creating practical solutions for island sustainability. The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant held a press conference on April 7 for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. This year’s conference, themed 'Solutions for Our Future,' will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Over 90 speakers from around the globe will gather this week for the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability to explore practical solutions to sustainability challenges.

During a press conference on Monday, April 7, at the Hyatt Regency Guam, university leaders and partners discussed the shift towards a solution-oriented theme that emphasizes multi-sector collaboration and innovation.

This year’s conference, themed “Solutions for Our Future,” will take place from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, highlighted the university’s role in generating knowledge and developing practical solutions for island sustainability.

She said, “We are a hub for research, education, and innovation. This conference will showcase our capabilities, and we aim to facilitate collaborations that lead to projects and policy recommendations that can be implemented across the region.”

She stressed the urgency of taking a proactive approach to secure a sustainable future for both the island and the wider Pacific region.

For Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who co-chairs the conference with Borja Enriquez, this year’s conference presents an opportunity for consolidating past conference discussions.

“Sixteen years is a great advancement in what we are doing today. We’ll talk about solutions: how do we drive abstract ideas, academic ideas, and research into solutions? We need to think what that method should be,” said Leon Guerrero.

Austin Shelton, PhD, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, pointed out that in past years, the focus has largely been on understanding the science behind sustainability challenges. However, this year, the university is fast-forwarding to focus on solutions for our future.

Shelton noted that featured speakers this year include incubators addressing business solutions to current challenges faced by islands, such as seeking funding support beyond grants and government assistance. There will also be discussions on leveraging indigenous solutions and creating tech industries tailored for the islands.

“As we’ve discussed in previous conferences, sustainability encompasses everything. It’s interdisciplinary, connecting aspects of human society, the economy, and the environment. There’s an intersection where everyone has a role to play, including our business communities,” Shelton added.

For Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, who co-chairs the G3 Steering Committee with Shelton, some of the best innovations are happening in the small islands. “This is the baseline for us to figure out how we can empower ourselves, learn from others and really chart a course for, not just reviving, but thriving,” he said.

Building on the theme of collaboration, Maria Eugenia Leon Guerrero, chairperson of the Island Sustainability Community Advisory Board, remarked, “I think we can all agree that collaboration between government, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and academia is essential to create practical and impactful solutions to our sustainability challenges.”

In line with the conference theme, presentations, workshops, and discussions will cover topics aligned with the Guam Green Growth’s five categories of action for sustainability on islands:

Healthy and Prosperous Communities
·Educated, Capable, and Compassionate Islands
·Sustainable Homes, Utilities, and Transportation
·Thriving Natural Resources
·Sustainable Alliances

The UOG Conference on Island Sustainability is an annual event that brings together island leaders, scientists, policymakers, and community members to discuss and collaborate on solutions to the unique sustainability challenges facing island communities.

The first day of CIS2025 included pre-conference events including the Guam Power Authority’s POWER Symposium, the Guam NASA EPSCoR Research Summit and an Educator’s

March 28, 2025March 31, 2025

University of Guam opens CHalan Deskubre Hub, bringing place-based science to youth

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Elementary school student Naomi Grapa is in awe while learning about the animals of Guam and looking at preserved specimen at the launch of the Chalan Deskubre Hub at the University of Guam. Grapa also contributed a drawing of a Sihek for display. The Hub is open to the public via reservations and can host students, small groups and individual visitors.

UOG students are inspired while looking at the Guam star map exhibit at the CHalan Deskubre Hub. The map was developed based of the lessons of Master Navigator Larry Reigetal who teaches traditional navigation. The Hub is located on the second floor of the post office building at Dean Circle at UOG and is open for tours via reservations.

The Communications and Community Engagement team at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant created the hub exhibits with the contributions and support of the researchers of the UOG CIS and Sea Grant, UOG Marine Laboratory, Guam NSF EPSCoR and more.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG) officially launched the CHalan Deskubre Hub, an interactive science learning center designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Guam’s youth. The hub, located at Dean Circle, above the post office at the UOG campus, brings the colorful and engaging pages of the popular place-based children’s magazine, CHalan Deskubre, to life.

The grand opening was met with enthusiasm from community members eager to explore the hub’s exhibits. The CHalan Deskubre Hub aims to provide a hands-on, immersive learning experience, inspired by place-based material with the natural wonders and environmental challenges specific to Guam.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero at the opening said that we needed new and innovative ideas to bring education to the students of today. She acknowledged the UOG CIS & SG for finding methods that continue to attract new participants and for thinking outside the box.

“This hub is more than just a science center; it’s a gateway to understanding our island’s unique ecosystem,” said UOG CIS & SG Director Austin Shelton Ph.D. “We wanted to create a space where children can explore, discover, and connect with the science that surrounds them every day.”

The hub features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to engage young learners. Visitors can explore displays highlighting Guam’s diverse native and local plants, learn about the life cycle and conservation of sea turtles, and delve into the intricate world of coral reefs. Interactive displays illustrate the importance of healthy watersheds and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and human well-being.

One of the most popular features of the hub is the microscope station, where children can examine specimens up close and discover the microscopic world around them. This hands-on experience allows them to witness the intricate details of nature and encourages a deeper understanding of scientific observation.

“CHalan Deskubre has always been about making science accessible and engaging for our children,” explained UOG CIS & SG Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. “This hub takes that mission to the next level, providing a dynamic space for learning and discovery complete with awesome visuals from our science communications team and amazing research from our partners at the UOG Marine Laboratory, Guam NSF EPSCoR and here at the UOG CIS & SG including our GROW, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Turtle teams.”

The CHalan Deskubre Hub is open to school groups and the general public on a reservation basis, offering guided tours and educational programs designed to complement classroom learning. UOG hopes the hub will serve as a valuable resource for educators and families, inspiring the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and community leaders.

The University of Guam invites everyone to visit the CHalan Deskubre Hub and embark on a journey of scientific discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique natural heritage of Guam.

To schedule a tour, email Gabby Topasna, outreach coordinator, at topasnag15513@triton.uog.edu today.

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025

PI-CASC to host student research symposium at 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability

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Students, staff, and directors of the 2022 PI-CASC Graduate Student Research Symposium are pictured on the beachside of Hyatt Regency Guam. The symposium will return to Guam on April 8 for the 2025 University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability. Photo courtesy of the University of Guam

Flyer for the 2025 PI-CASC Graduate Student Research Symposium

The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) is thrilled to once again host the Graduate Student Research Symposium in Guam on Tuesday, April 8. The symposium is a preconference event of the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

Graduate students from UOG, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will share progress on their PI-CASC supported research projects across a range of topics, including coral reef management, invasive species, native bird populations, and remote sensing technologies to aid natural resource management. These projects identify environmental needs and issues within Pacific Islands communities through the lens of climate adaptation and sustainability.

“This symposium is an opportunity to exchange locally relevant research to our islands’ unique environmental issues, from wildfire damage to coastal inundation to species conservation. We are excited to showcase the different PI-CASC student fellowship programs across the Pacific, and we encourage everyone to come by, listen, and provide feedback to help our students fine-tune their research,” said Dr. Ryan Longman, PI-CASC University Consortium program director.

The symposium is free and open to the public for in-person or online attendance. Lunch will be provided to in-person attendees at noon, limited to the first 60 registrants. Register at bit.ly/SymposiumCIS25 to reserve a seat or to receive a link to the event livestream. For updates on this event, please visit picasc.org or check our Facebook and Instagram pages under the “@pacificcasc” handle.

The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability is an annual gathering for researchers, policymakers, and community members dedicated to building a more sustainable future for island communities. It will be held from April 7 to 12 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. For more information and to register for the conference, visit uog.edu/cis2025.

Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) is a collaborative partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and a university consortium hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and the University of Guam, designed to support sustainability and climate adaptation in communities across the Pacific Islands. Our organization’s focus is to develop science, knowledge products, and opportunities like the PI-CASC Student Research Symposium to meet the needs of island communities in Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands.

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025

UOG announces RMI President Heine as Keynote Speaker for this year’s Conference on Island Sustainability

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The University of Guam is excited to welcome President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine as a keynote speaker for this year’s Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025) to be held at the Hyatt Regency Guam from April 7-12.

With her Pacific homeland in jeopardy of being swallowed from seas rising around it, Heine, an educator and second-time president of the RMI, is spearheading innovations to secure the future of her country and people.

She will deliver her keynote remarks in line with the conference theme of “Solutions for Our Future,” on Thursday, April 10 on the main stage of CIS2025.

As the first female leader of any sovereign nation in Micronesia, Heine has become a prominent voice on climate change, sustainable development, education, and cultural preservation and has captivated and enlightened audiences on the biggest stages of the world.

“Like most of our sister nations in the Pacific, we expect research, knowledge and understanding on how to address the pressing issues of climate change so that we can continue to call these islands our home – not in the nostalgic sense of a displaced person, but as a people actively developing and living in the country,” Heini said in an address to graduates of the University of the South Pacific in Marujo.

Heine joins a growing list of presenters and speakers appearing at CIS2025, the 16th installment of the conference, co-chaired by UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez and Governor of Guam Lourdes Leon Guerrero.

Austin Shelton Ph.D, the Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, the facilitators of the conference, says that Heine will represent the critical and unique perspective of Micronesia in the quest for a global sustainable future.

“President Heine is a trailblazer and an inspiration for islanders and our allies everywhere. Her leadership in government and academia, along with her dedication to protect her people and island, will bring a keynote perspective that will resonate with all who have the opportunity to hear her. We cannot wait for her to share her insights with participants who will join us for CIS2025 from all over the world,” said Shelton.

Registration for the CIS2025 is open now. Interested attendees can find more information and register at uog.edu/cis2025.

March 10, 2025March 11, 2025

Mayors eager and excited for fifth season of Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

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The Mayors Council of Guam is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming launch of the fifth season of the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC). The program, known for its impactful island beautification and conservation efforts, has garnered strong support from both incumbent and newly elected mayors across the island.

The G3CC, a vital initiative of the Guam Green Growth Action Framework, provides members with valuable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. In addition to the daily workforce development modules the members go through, the program’s commitment to completing at least one island beautification project within each village, in partnership with each mayor, has been a cornerstone of its success.

Incumbent mayors including MCOG President Jesse Alig, Mayor of Piti, who have witnessed the positive impact of the G3CC firsthand, expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership.

“The Mayors are excited to work with the Conservation Corps on projects in the village that we could not accomplish on our own. We enjoy the continued partnership and success of this program for the good of our island and her people,” said Alig.

The program not only beautifies the island but also provides young adults with valuable skills and experience in conservation, circular economy, and community engagement. The G3CC’s focus on collaborative projects fosters a sense of community ownership and pride while showcasing opportunities in Guam’s emerging green economy..

“This season, we will continue to grow opportunities for Corps members through stronger partnerships with our community partners who have supported the program since its inception, including the Mayors Council of Guam,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., director of the UOG CIS & SG who facilitate the G3 Initiative. “The graduates of this program head into the green workforce with essential skills thanks to hands-on training with a variety of partner organizations.”

The fifth season of the G3 Conservation Corps is set to launch in the coming weeks, promising another round of impactful projects and community collaboration. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on project schedules and opportunities to get involved.

Guam Green Growth is supported by the Office of the Governor and the University of Guam. Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for Guam Green Growth and the Conservation Corps.

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

UOG innovates for new conservation funding strategies, seeks community input

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Before planting trees for the GROW initiative, volunteers are given a quick training. Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees have been planted to combat erosion.

Guam’s green economy continues to grow with innovations by the University of Guam. As part of its Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS&SG) is seeking Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification for its tree planting efforts in southern Guam.

Carbon credit certification will provide a revenue generating method to support the planting of trees, reduction of land erosion, protection of freshwater sources, and the improvement of downstream coral reefs and essential fish habitat.

UOG CIS& SG will hold a community meeting to share about the process of obtaining Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification and invite community input. The meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6pm at the Hyatt Regency Guam as a pre-meeting of the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

The GROW Initiative restores eroding hillsides in southern Guam, known as badlands. Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees were planted in the past six years to improve watershed ecosystems.

“Tree planting efforts are important for our community, ecosystems, and economy,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of UOG CIS & SG. “Through seeking Gold Standard carbon credit certification, we are working diversify funding sources beyond grants to ensure this important work can always continue. Please join us at the community meeting to learn, engage, and help shape the future of this important project.”

Through this certification process, the project will establish measurable carbon sequestration benefits that will generate income that will support local conservation and sustainability efforts.

“This project is a model for community-driven conservation,” said Fran Castro, Associate Director for Operations and Development of UOG CIS & SG. “By securing carbon credit certification, we are not only protecting Guam’s natural resources but also creating long-term financial sustainability for this initiative. The input from this meeting will be essential to ensure the project benefits both the environment and the community.”

Hā Sustainability, a Hawai’i-based consulting firm specializing in environmental and climate initiatives, is guiding UOG CIS & SG through this process. Funding for this project is provided from the U.S. Climate Alliance.

The event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Registration is encouraged to secure your seat as space is limited. Attendees can register at https://bit.ly/UgumCarbon.

For more information, please contact Clementine Schnabel at schnabelc@triton.uog.edu.

March 7, 2025March 10, 2025

UOG’s Guam Green Growth Makerspace celebrates CHamoru Month with cultural workshops

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Lia Barcinas, local artist and weaver, will be teaching the workshop on woven hat making to be held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Barcinas returns to the Hub after a successful debut last year.

The March G3 CHamoru workshops will celebrate cultural artforms including weaving and kamyu making. Registration is open for these classes and can be found at guamgreengrowth.org.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub is set to host a series of workshops throughout March in celebration of CHamoru Month. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for the community to engage with traditional CHamoru crafts and practices, promoting both cultural preservation and sustainable living.

The G3 Makerspace, located at the CHamoru Village in Hagåtña, is dedicated to fostering a circular economy in Guam, with these workshops moving to blend that mission with the celebration of the island’s indigenous culture. By offering hands-on experiences with traditional crafts, the makerspace aims to connect the community with the island’s heritage while also encouraging them to think creatively about resourcefulness and sustainability.

“We are very excited for this month’s line up of workshops. Our people are always looking for resources to learn how to do the things that our ancestors did to sustain themselves over centuries, and those resources are not as available as they used to be,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. “I hope people come to these workshops, learn, and help teach these practices to future generations.”

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

· FINA’NAGUEN TINIFOK: COCONUT HAT WEAVING WORKSHOP: This workshop will teach participants the intricate art of coconut hat weaving, a traditional CHamoru craft on Thursday, March 13 at 5pm.

· KATUPAT WEAVING: This workshop will teach attendees how to weave a katupat, the traditional mechanism for cooking rice. It will be held on Thursday, March 20 at 5pm.

· BUILD YOUR OWN KÅMYU WORKSHOP: This workshop will instruct attendees on how to build their own traditional Kåmyu, the tool used by CHamorus to grate the meat of the coconut in preparation for food or oil making. It will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 5pm.

These workshops not only provide valuable skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for CHamoru traditions. The G3 Makerspace encourages everyone to participate and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Guam.

“Weaving is a fun way to connect with our traditions. I hope that workshop participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, as well as a deeper respect for one of our island’s most valuable natural resources: I Trongkon Niyok – our coconut trees, the tree of life,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Abby Crain.

For more information and to register for the workshops, please visit the Guam Green Growth website at guamgreengrowth.org.

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

New Guam Green Growth Art Corps Mural Unveiled in Hagåtña, Celebrating Sustainability and Island Culture

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Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino stands in front of his creation at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. The mural highlights the need for local innovation as a part of Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrustructure.

Community leaders stand in support of Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. From Left to right: UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Kyle Mandapat, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Fran Castro, G3 Program Coordinator Joseph Certeza, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton Ph.D., UOG SVP and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., Senator Joe San Agustin, Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Aquino, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, Senator Tina Muna Barnes, Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Senator Shelly Calvo, and Hagatna Mayor Michael Gumataotao.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) program unveiled their latest Art Corps mural at the CHamoru VIllage in Hagåtña.

The mural, designed and painted by Kamaka Aquino, highlights the need for local innovation in line with Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

According to Aquino, a prominent feature of the installation is a lightbulb, which illuminates the entire mural, symbolizing the local spark that must spread through all aspects of business and innovation on Guam in order for long term generational prosperity.

“This is a testament to why sustainability will always be relevant. No matter when priorities change, sustainability will always matter. That’s because the whole definition of sustainability is living on our island like we intend to stay here. That’s never going out of style,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the G3 initiative. “Leaving can never be the priority because we all love our island so much, and we want our future generations to continue to be here and to thrive.”

The G3 Art Corps initiative engages local artists in creating public art that promotes environmental awareness and social change. Through these murals, G3 aims to inspire dialogue and action on critical sustainability issues facing Guam.

Hagåtña mayor Michael Gumataotao was excited about the mural in the island’s capital saying that the village is the center of the island and it continues to be a shining example of CHamoru culture. He said, “Today we are about to add to that story with the unveiling of this mural here in CHamoru Village. This mural is a reflection of the talent of our local artist and a symbol of our shared vision for a sustainable future.”

UOG Senior Vice-President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., lauded the great impacts of the G3 program and the dedication the university has to the community.

“I know that we all recognize the value that UOG brings to our island and the value that we bring to individuals who move on to their home islands. Our footprint is definitely in Hagatna but our footprint also extends to Micronesia,” added Santos-Bamba.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives from Guam Green Growth with Chairperson for the Committees on the Arts and Culture in the 38th Guam Legislature – Senator Shelly Calvo expressing her support for the program and excitement for future mural reveals.

This latest mural joins a growing collection of G3 Art Corps projects across the island, transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases for environmental advocacy.

The murals serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement in building a sustainable future for Guam.

February 7, 2025February 10, 2025

UOG Student Researcher presents innovative solution for vape battery waste at G3 Makerspace Science Café

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UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and Guam NSF EPSCoR student research intern Carlo Tapia presented his project during a special Science Café event held at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Tapia successfully created a power bank charger with the use of old vape batteries, providing a sustainable means of dealing with and reducing the waste.

Tapia successfully created a power bank charger that he can use for his mobile phone with the use of used vape batteries. He presented his work and results during a special Science Café event held at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Carlo Tapia, a student intern researcher with the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS and SG), recently presented his research on converting used vape batteries into functional power bank chargers at a Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace Science Café event. The presentation highlighted a potential solution to the growing problem of electronic waste, particularly the disposal of vape batteries, which contain hazardous materials.

Tapia’s research explores the feasibility of repurposing the lithium-ion batteries found in disposable vapes, which often end up in landfills, posing environmental risks. His project focuses on extracting the usable components from these batteries and integrating them into a design for a portable power bank, offering a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.

“My angle for this is to bring a bit more awareness to vape batteries, the lithium ion, despite being disposable, can still be used for other things,” said Tapia. “I wanted to focus on power banks because here on Guam we have a lot of typhoons and this idea can help.”

The Science Café event, held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub, provided a platform for Tapia to share his findings with the community and engage in a discussion about sustainable solutions. Attendees included fellow students, faculty, environmental advocates, and members of the public.

“To see the work that our students are doing here at the University of Guam and the improvements the results can help develop for our community is inspiring,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D. the director of the UOG CIS and SG. “Our programs are here to support our local student researchers across their science disciplines and help them develop their work.”

The G3 Makerspace, a hub for innovation and sustainability, provides resources and equipment for individuals and organizations to develop and test sustainable solutions. The Science Café series is one of several initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Guam.

Tapia is also a former Guam NSF EPSCoR student researcher. He participated in the program’s Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) and recently presented at the National Diversity in STEM conference hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) in Phoenix, Arizona.

According to Tapia, his research is ongoing and he hopes to further refine his design and explore the potential for scaling up the process. He expressed his gratitude to the CIS and Sea Grant for their support and mentorship.

February 7, 2025February 10, 2025

UOG EPSCoR and INCLUDES introduce 2025 undergraduate fellows

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Above, the eight undergraduate research fellows for the Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES student research programs are together with their family, friends, and research mentors at the family orientation meeting in January.

Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., associate professor of bioinformatics and co-principal investigator of Guam NSF EPSCoR, meets with the student researchers under his mentorship. The Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES program recently introduced eight fellows for the 2025 Student Research Experience (SRE) and undergraduate fellowship programs at a family orientation meeting in January.

Robert Lasley, Ph.D., curator of crustacea with the University of Guam’s biorepository team, meets with the student researchers under his mentorship. The Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES program recently introduced eight fellows for the 2025 Student Research Experience (SRE) and undergraduate fellowship programs at a family orientation meeting in January.

The University of Guam has announced the selection of eight students from diverse STEM fields as the 2025 undergraduate research fellows for the Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES programs.

The undergraduate fellows were introduced at a family orientation meeting held in January. Among the eight students, four are part of the NSF EPSCoR Student Research Experience (SRE), while the other four are part of the NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES undergraduate fellowship.

Here are the 2025 research undergraduate fellows:

Archancel Abellera (INCLUDES)
Azer Bilimon (INCLUDES)
Kiaza Jerao (INCLUDES)
Cameron San Agustin (INCLUDES)
Napu Camacho (EPSCoR)
Ale’a Duenas (EPSCoR)
Maya Flores (EPSCoR)
Diego Quioge (EPSCoR)

Both programs encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. As part of their experience, students engage in research projects with various mentors who possess expertise in areas ranging from marine biology and plant conservation to engineering.

Some students have participated in other NSF EPSCoR or INCLUDES programs, such as Bilimon from the Marshall Islands, who worked with UOG Civil Engineering assistant professor Ernesto Guades, Ph.D., on research exploring the potential of coconut fibers as a construction material. Bilimon mentioned that he will continue working under Guades’ mentorship for his undergraduate fellowship.

Reflecting on his fellowship, Bilimon, who is enrolled in the civil engineering program at UOG, stated, “Science has always piqued my curiosity, thanks to my love for sci-fi movies, and I was part of the STEM students at my previous institution.

Especially since the Marshall Islands has been struggling with climate change, I want to learn more to find solutions that can improve my community.”

For Jerao, being selected as a 2025 undergraduate fellow marks a significant step in her STEM career. She is eager to grow academically, professionally, and personally through this opportunity.

“What interests me in STEM is how it pushes the boundaries of what we know and can do. Whether it’s exploring new scientific principles or solving real-world problems, STEM allows us to translate complex ideas into practical solutions that can truly make a difference,” Jerao shared.

Duenas, a previous SEAS Island Alliance undergraduate fellow, has returned to the program, this time as a Guam NSF EPSCoR researcher under the mentorship of Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D. She explained, “I chose to pursue another student research experience to explore a wider range of opportunities beyond fisheries and gain exposure to different areas of research.”

Now that she has a better understanding of what to expect from the experience, Duenas is determined to make the most of her time in the program. “I hope to spend as much time as I can in the lab to learn new things beyond the scope of my project,” she said.

Quioque, whose mentor is Robert Lasley, Ph.D., from the Guam EPSCoR GECCO Biorepository, hopes the skills he acquires from the research experience will bolster his confidence in pursuing a career in biology.

“My inspiration for applying for the student research experience was to push myself out of my comfort zone,” said Quiogue, a junior majoring in Applied Biology. “I also wanted to gain valuable skills and experience.”

The undergraduate research programs offer participants a chance to collaborate with experienced researchers and benefit from ongoing mentorship. Through near-peer sessions, the participants can learn from individuals who have recently completed their fellowship.

Participants also receive a monthly stipend to support their work in the program. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to attend national STEM conferences, allowing for networking and the exchange of knowledge.