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. 

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.

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub recently participated in the Tiyan High School Business Arts and Information Technology (BAIT) Boot Camp Fair, igniting a spark of creativity and entrepreneurship in the island’s future leaders.

The G3 Makerspace, a hub for innovation and sustainability, showcased its cutting-edge equipment and resources, demonstrating how students can transform waste into valuable products. Participants experienced the results of sustainable plastic repurposing like plastic fusing and 3D printing, learning about the circular economy and its potential to create a greener future for Guam.

“It was so great to be out here with the students today talking about what they can do in the field of sustainability and the circular economy,” said Abby Crain, G3’s circular economy coordinator.  They had the opportunity to learn about the pathways into local business ownership and the benefits of that for the community.”

The BAIT Boot Camp Fair provided students with an opportunity to explore various career paths in business, arts, and information technology. The G3 Makerspace’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in these fields.

“The students were more aware of the opportunities that are available now in the STEM field,” said science communicator Louella Losinio who also presented at the event. “They learned that there are options for being someone who works behind the scenes and not just the classic research path.”

The G3 Makerspace is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Guam. By partnering with schools and organizations, the Makerspace is empowering individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a circular economy.

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub is located at the CHamoru Village in Hagåtña.