Louella Losinio - Guam EPSCoR

February 7, 2025February 7, 2025

UOG EPSCoR and INCLUDES introduce 2025 undergraduate fellows

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

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 aim to 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., the curator of crustacea of 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.

January 15, 2025January 28, 2025

UOG workshop reveals findings on tackling crown-of-thorns outbreaks

Dr. Ciemon Caballes, a senior research associate at the University of Guam's NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab, presented findings from a study during the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.

Insights into reproductive trends, predation patterns, and climatic triggers observed before a crown-of-thorns (COTS) outbreak are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to protect coral reefs, according to Ciemon Caballes, Ph.D., a senior research associate at the University of Guam’s NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab.

Caballes shared his insights during the “Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy” workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.

COTS are marine invertebrates known for their predation on corals. They can cause devastating impacts on coral reefs by depleting coral populations. They are found in reefs across the Indo-Pacific region.

Caballes’ research, supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in collaboration with UOG’s NSF EPSCoR and Sea Grant, and other local and federal resource management agencies, focuses on understanding and mitigating these outbreaks.

“When we try to catch a serial predator, like the crown-of-thorns starfish, we need to build a profile,” Caballes said noting that understanding COTS and the trends leading to an outbreak is crucial for an effective mitigation strategy.

Caballes outlined several hypotheses regarding the formation of COTS outbreaks. The first suggests that outbreaks are a natural biological predisposition, given the species’ high fertilization rates.

According to Caballes, even a single mating pair can initiate a population surge. He said a female starfish could potentially produce over 100 million eggs in one spawning season while a male can produce around 50 billion sperm.

Surprisingly, he pointed out that, despite a male-skewed sex ratio, crown-of-thorns starfish maintain high fertilization rates, achieving up to 30% success even when separated by significant distances.

The second hypothesis links outbreaks to the overfishing of natural predators, leading to the release of COTS from predatory pressure and triggering a trophic cascade.

He also discussed the nutrient hypothesis, which posits that elevated nutrient levels from river runoff result in increased phytoplankton densities. Since phytoplankton provide a source of food for COTS larvae, the spike improves their survival and development rates. However, he also said recent findings indicate that excessive phytoplankton might lead to overfeeding, affecting larvae survival negatively.

Caballes also recalled several significant outbreaks, particularly one in 2009, and noted the possible influence of temperature and strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on COTS populations. He illustrated the correlation between high precipitation and river discharge events, such as those in 2003 and 2004, and subsequent COTS outbreaks in 2006 and 2007.

Caballes noted, “With back-to-back coral bleaching events compounded by COTS outbreaks, corals are struggling to recover.” He emphasized the need for effective management strategies to address these dual threats.

“This workshop is the culmination of our work since 2022. The project began in March of that year to assess the crown-of-thorns starfish populations around Guam and explore the feasibility of coral rehabilitation in these reef areas.” Caballes stated.

Caballes described their research efforts, which included testing various plots to determine if culling crown-of-thorns starfish would enhance the survival of transplanted corals.

Input from workshop participants have been integrated into the Guam COTS Outbreak Strategic Management Plan, which will be available to the public and distributed to all local and federal partners.

Fran Castro, associate director for operations and development at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, participates in the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.

The Crown of Thorns Starfish has been reproducing at high levels causing trouble for coral reefs surrounding Guam. The workshop held at the UOG Marine Lab aimed to provide updates on the growing population and their affects on the marine ecosystem of the island. Photo courtesy of GuamReefLife.com and David Burdick.

Fran Castro, associate director for operations and development at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, highlighted the significance of the project in addressing COTS. She described multi-agency efforts that involved training local agencies and coordinating monitoring efforts.

November 25, 2024January 15, 2025

UOG-hosted town hall explores ocean energy for aquaculture, island power-source

Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.

While ocean energy system technologies are still in the development stage, their potential as a renewable energy source is promising, according to a technical report from a study developed by a team from the University of Guam, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Sandia National Laboratory.

The findings presented at a November town hall meeting, “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture,” focused on utilizing ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and wave energy conversion (WEC) technologies to power a proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center and, potentially, as a renewable power source for Guam.

UOG hosted the town hall with the support of Guam NSF EPSCoR and the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, during which PNNL, the lead entity for the project, presented the findings and gathered feedback from community participants to inform future research.

Since the performance of OTEC and WEC systems is site-specific, they examined two potential locations for the proposed aquaculture center: Tanguisson on the west side of Guam and an area near the UOG Marine Lab on the east side, according to Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab.

“One of the questions we asked is what are the options for powering an aquaculture facility using renewable energy that harvest the power of waves or thermal gradients between surface and deep-sea waters,” Bentlage said.

Bentlage explained that UOG’s primary role in the project was to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying these ocean energy systems. He emphasized the importance of including team members familiar with Guam’s unique landscape and marine environments.

Bentlage and David Crisostomo, an aquaculture specialist with the UOG Sea Grant Program, are leading the research at UOG for this project.

Crisostomo described the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry. He stated that the center will serve as a research hub for cultivating local species. Additionally, it could provide a business incubator setup for individuals interested in entering the aquaculture industry.

At the town hall, the project leads presented the benefits as well as the infrastructure, environmental, and economic impacts of OTEC and WEC.

In her presentation, Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at PNNL, highlighted the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. She stated that OTEC can provide baseload power, which helps stabilize the grid and supports black start capabilities. The ocean’s depth near Guam is ideal for the technology, and the consistently warm surface temperatures ensure an adequate temperature differential. Additionally, OTEC, once deployed, will create jobs in installation and maintenance, among others.

However, there are challenges to consider. For OTEC, further research is needed to assess water temperatures and depths accurately, and environmental protection requires additional study. The permitting process remains unclear among various agencies, and shore-based plants must be designed to withstand natural hazards.

Regarding WEC, de Peralta presented assessments by Sandia that indicate Guam possesses substantial wave resources. However, ensuring a reliable survival strategy for installations is essential, and deployment can be costly, necessitating a careful balance of cabling and mooring expenses with location choices.

De Peralta noted, “Outreach engagements with the Guam community and stakeholders is an important part of our project to gain insights on the use of marine energy systems as a clean energy power source and considerations on the potential impact on the island, environment, culture, and livelihood of the island’s communities.”

Peralta, who grew up in Guam, said that the information shared during the town hall discussions will inform further assessments and the development of ocean energy systems.”

Meanwhile, Charles Gunzel, a program manager at PNNL, also emphasized the importance of community feedback, which ocean energy system designers should consider.

“It’s extremely satisfying to engage with the residents of Guam, learning their unique concerns, so these can be made known to the planners, designers, and manufacturers of tomorrow’s ocean energy systems,” Gunzel said.

According to Bentlage, a significant outcome of this project is the strengthened partnership between UOG and the two National Laboratories that lead in renewable energy research and development.

“We intend to build on this relationship to enhance research capacity in this area, supporting informed decision-making as Guam works to diversify its economy and transition to renewable energy,” Bentlage stated.

The project commenced in early 2023 after receiving funding from the US Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO).

Charles Gunzel, a program manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, highlights the importance of community feedback in designing and developing ocean energy systems. Gunzel participated in the "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture" town hall meeting in November.

At the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November, presenters shared findings on ocean energy systems from a technical report by the University of Guam, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory. The focus was on OTEC and WEC technologies to power the proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center and support renewable energy efforts for Guam. They also gathered feedback from members of the community.

David Crisostomo, aquaculture specialist at UOG Sea Grant, describes the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry at the November town hall meeting, "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture."

Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.

November 1, 2024December 3, 2024

UOG EPSCoR graduate students spotlight coral research at national conference

During the 28th National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) conference, graduate students from the University of Guam presented research that may contribute to coral reef restoration and recovery efforts on the island.

The graduate research assistants or GRAs, all supported by Guam NSF EPSCoR, participated in the research poster presentations at the October 13 to 16 event in Omaha, Nebraska.

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan served as keynote speaker, delivering the talk ‘Innovation Anywhere, Opportunities Everywhere: Accelerating Science and Technology Through Talent, Ideas, and Innovation.”

“The representation of our island at the NSF EPSCoR National
Conference is important because it highlights the growing capacity of our university to conduct research in marine and coastal sciences, as well as to train and mentor a new generation of scientists who possess a deep understanding of our land and ocean resources,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA.

“Participating in this conference every year positions us as a
thriving research hub for Guam and the entire region,” she added.

For Guam NSF EPSCoR Principal Investigator and Project Director Terry Donaldson, PhD, the Guam NSF EPSCoR team showcased innovative research in one of the nation’s most diverse and intricate marine and coral ecosystems. He said the conference also highlighted the increasing participation and representation of UOG students in STEM.

“This achievement was made possible through the support of the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR Program, which has been instrumental in fostering research and collaboration in Guam and the region. The conference also provides, through networking opportunities, pathways for student advancement in post-graduate training and entry into the workforce,” Donaldson said.

The following Guam NSF EPSCoR GRAs presented at the conference:

Xavier De Ramos
Anela Duenas
Nikko Galanto
Lauren Kallen
Reilly Kleven
Diana Noto
Andrew O’Neil

Kallen’s poster, titled “The genetic characterization of Drupella fragum outbreaks on Guam,” focused on Drupella fragum, a sea snail that feeds on reef-building staghorn corals.

In the abstract, Kallen highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of Drupella fragum population outbreaks, as these outbreaks have the potential to decimate coral colonies rapidly.

While the causes of these outbreaks “remain poorly understood,” the research theorizes that they may be linked to temperature stress and overall reef health, among other factors.

Galanto’s research on “Investigating thermal resilience of Symbiodiniaceae among staghorn Acropora spp.” aims to investigate the thermal resilience of Symbiodiniaceae, a type of alga that has a symbiotic relationship with staghorn corals.

“Some corals are more tolerant to rising sea surface temperatures than others, and some of these disparities may be attributed to thermally tolerant Symbiodiniaceae,” Galanto’s research states.

Like Galanto, Anela Duenas’ poster presentation, “Ecophysiology of coral species replacement in reef flats of Guam,” examines the effects of thermal stress on coral species with Symbiodiniaceae.

“Over the last decade, reefs in Guam have been impacted by coral bleaching events, causing a significant decline in live coral cover,” Duenas says in the abstract. “This research project will contribute to management and restoration efforts by providing crucial information on the role of Symbiodiniaceae in thermal stress on Guam’s reefs.”

According to Bastian Bentlage, PhD, UOG associate professor of bioinformatics and Guam NSF EPSCoR co-principal investigator, the conference poster presentations exposed the team to diverse scientific research.

“Our team presented mostly on climate change impacts on our natural resources, particularly the marine sciences. The poster sessions are quite different from other subject matter conferences because it ranges the whole gamut,” Bentlage said.

For Cheryl Sangueza, PhD, associate professor at the UOG School of
Education and student program coordinator for Guam NSF EPSCoR, empowering the students to participate in the EPSCoR National Conference not only enriches their academic journey but also amplifies their unique voices in the scientific community.

“When these young scholars share their insights and innovations,
they demonstrate that diverse perspectives are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and progressive world of research. What I enjoy most is seeing how our University of Guam students represent our grants, our university, our island, and our region! Our students leave a memorable impression of our university and our island, and we take
great pride in their work,” she said.

The national conference brought together hundreds of participants, including students, scientists, and administrators from 28 states and territories receiving research funding from NSF EPSCoR.

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024

Guam EPSCoR students gearing up for SACNAS 2024

From corals to crabs, a group of Guam NSF EPSCoR students are preparing to present posters of their research at the 2024 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference.

The multi-disciplinary and multicultural event, scheduled for October 31 to November 2 in Phoenix, Arizona, aims to foster diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

A total of 46 attendees from Guam, including 34 students, will be participating in the conference.

The students are supported by various grants and scholarships from the Guam NSF EPSCoR, NSF INCLUDES SEAS, Navigating Home, SLOAN, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), as well as travel scholarships from SACNAS, Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (COLOR), and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.

During the conference, the participants will attend workshops, present research, and connect with officials from schools nationwide for research experience opportunities.

Mya Ngemaes, a senior biology major, is one of the nine students supported by Guam NSF EPSCoR.

Her poster presentation focuses on the impact of heat stress on the respiration and photosynthetic efficiency of Guam’s dominant shallow corals, Acropora speciosa and Porites cylindrica.

Ngemaes conducted a tank experiment to simulate heat stress conditions and compare the performance of corals under both ambient and elevated temperatures.

“I’m really excited because this is the work that I have been doing for a whole year,” Ngemaes said. “Being able to talk about it to other people and sharing what we do here at UOG is something I feel super excited about.”

Daniel Urbano, majoring in applied biology, will present his research on true crabs and macroalgae on Guam.

“We have been surveying macroalgae (sargassum) in the Pago Bay reef flat outside Marine Lab. There are very few surveys done of this type, and more so, all have been done in temperate waters. Guam’s waters are tropical, and they are full of life. So, we are recording this biodiversity,” Urbano said.

Urbano looks forward to his first SACNAS presentation. “I haven’t presented anything in a conference this size. The biggest one that I had was the CIS (UOG Sustainability Conference) early this year. This is a huge step up basically.”

Nicole Pineda, a senior majoring in biology, is excited to attend the conference and meet new people from different STEM disciplines and backgrounds. She believes that the conference will provide opportunities for networking and learning. “It is nice to see and be part of a conference that is so diverse and has a lot of different cultural aspects to it,” she said.

Anela Duenas, a Guam NSF EPSCoR Graduate Research Assistant, participated in the SACNAS conference twice. This year, she is coming back as a lead for the NSF Guam EPSCoR students attending SACNAS.

“It feels nice to help other students go through things that I went through,” she said. “Cause I have now some knowledge – like how I can help them prepare. How can I help them be better during the conference.”

At the Near Peer orientation welcoming the student SACNAS delegation and their parents, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos Bamba emphasized the importance of the students’ participation in the conference. “SACNAS is an amazing opportunity,” she said. “You will be representatives of this institution. But larger than that, you will be representatives of the island.”

SACNAS was founded 51 years ago to foster the success of underrepresented Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in STEM.

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024

UOG’s 4th conservation corps boasts diverse lineup

Members of the 4th cohort of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps hold signs representing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. They are joined by UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos Bamba, and UOG Global Learning and Engagement Director Carlos Taitano, MBA.

Members of the 4th cohort of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps pledge their commitment to protect the environment and promote sustainability at an event launching the new members on Tuesday, February 27th, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps member Hannah Perez, with a background in human resources, shares her motivation for joining the program at an event launching the new members on Tuesday, February 27th, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps member Tristan Quintanilla, a policy analyst for four years, shares his motivation for joining the program at an event launching the new members on Tuesday, February 27th, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

What do an accountant, former on-air personality, architect, and a human resources professional have in common?

They are passionate about the future of our island and entered the newest cohort of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps, a workforce development program by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, and the G3 initiative.

Now on its 4^th cycle, the program introduced its 12 new members on Tuesday, February 27, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

Addressing the new G3 Conservation Corps, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos Bamba, Ph.D. said, “You represent the next generation of environmental leaders. Your enthusiasm commitment, and thirst for knowledge inspire us all. The next five months will be a journey of discovery, hard work, and profound personal growth.”

Most members of the 4th cohort come from industries outside the environmental and conservation sectors. Some of them have already established careers in their respective fields but are interested in exploring opportunities within the emerging green economy. 

The members of the new G3 Conservation Corps are:

Nate Aguon (Barrigada)
Thomas Benavente (CNMI, Tamuning)
Makeo Blas (Mangilao)
Telel Blesam (Palau)
Jaevynn Cruz (Talo’fo’fo)
Rico Lizama (Yona)
Beato Manglona (Tamuning)
Jem Miller (Dededo)
Hannah Perez (Barrigada)
Tristan Quintanilla (Hågat)
Emma Sánchez (Dededo)
Loren Villanueva (Yigo)

At the event, the G3 Conservation Corps members shared their motivation for joining the program.

Quintanilla, a policy analyst for four years, stated, “I believe that this is a way to merge the past and the future. As a researcher, I would often look at problems, and search for solutions. However, I noticed a significant difference between learning about things and being able to practice them. So, I am looking forward to that.”

Perez, with a background in human resources, expressed, “Ever since I was younger, I’ve been passionate about addressing climate change because I know it directly impacts our island. Rising sea levels, and trash in the ocean, you see that every day.”

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., told the new G3 Conservation Corps that diverse opportunities are available to graduates of the program. 

“Whether your interest lies in aquaculture, agriculture, or even nighttime efforts to catch brown tree snakes, there are immediate job openings in these areas. Many opportunities are available right here at the Research Corporation of the University of Guam, as well as through our various local and federal agency partners,” he said.

Shelton added that most of the members of the previous cohorts had achieved success in pursuing their aspirations after the program. “Over 70 percent of our graduates have transitioned into green jobs or have chosen further training, all closely aligned with the green economy.”

Throughout the five-month program, the G3 Conservation Corps will undergo training and gain exposure in various sustainability-related areas, including agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy practices, recycling, and renewable energy. 

They will also have the opportunity to engage with diverse environmental organizations and initiatives on Guam and the rest of the Micronesia region.  

After completing the program, the G3 Conservation Corps will earn up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from UOG Global Learning and Engagement.

The first G3 Conservation Corps program  was launched in 2021.

WHAT IS G3?  

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant facilitates the  Guam Green Growth, or G3 initiative, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.

February 25, 2024March 6, 2024

Young entrepreneurs receive mentorship from G3 Makerspace

Prikura Guahan President Yang Wang and team members Jerrick Palomares, Harry Vitae, and Eric Kwan showcase the latte-stone-shaped stamp and inkpad set they crafted using locally sourced wood and invasive bamboo. The team created the product for the 2023-2024 JA Company of the Year Competition using equipment from the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub (Photo credit: UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant)

Prikura Guahan’s latte-stone-shaped stamp and inkpad set crafted from locally sourced wood and invasive bamboo. G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub has been actively involved in assisting Junior Achievement Guam teams such as Prikura (Preserve) Guahan in crafting products for the annual JA Company of the Year Competition Hub (Photo credit: UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant)

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub (G3 Makerspace) opened its doors to Junior Achievement (JA) Guam teams as they prepared for a competition for young entrepreneurs.

JA is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.

In February of this year, the non-profit held the 2023-2024 JA Company of the Year Competition at the Guam Community College in Mangilao to recognize these young entrepreneurs and their innovative products.

Each year, G3 Makerspace has been actively involved in assisting JA teams such as Prikura (Preserve) Guahan, whose members consist of students from Harvest Christian Academy and St. John’s School.

In December, Prikura Guahan attended mentorship sessions and workshops focused on using the cutting-edge equipment at the G3 Makerspace. At the end of the sessions, Prikura Guahan used the G3 Makerspace equipment to turn locally sourced wood and invasive bamboo into a latte-stone-shaped stamp and inkpad set for the competition.

“The reason why we chose the stamp is because we wanted to show how invasive bamboo is to Guam. So, for our inkpads, we used invasive species bamboo to make the ink itself,” said Yang Wang, Harvest Christian Academy student and Prikura Guahan president.

The team engraved positive messages such as ‘good work’ and ‘hafa adai’ into the latte stone-shaped stamps. “For the stamp, we used locally sourced wood and laser-cutting and wood-cutting machines to create the (latte stone) shape and laser-engraved parts,” she added.

Wang credits G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub coordinator Abby Crain for providing guidance in the production process. Wang said Crain suggested using charcoalized and crushed invasive bamboo for the inkpads.

“We assist the teams however we can — whether mentoring, counseling, consulting on materials to use, packaging, and even during conceptualization. We also help them develop and find the most cost-effective ways for production,” Crain said on the range of assistance provided by G3 Makerspace to Prikura Guahan and other JA teams.

“We have a partnership with Junior Achievement. Our (Makerspace’s) mission is to promote circular economy and sustainability, and we also aim to promote local production and utilize the plethora of resources available on Guam. We encourage people to buy local instead of importing, and we want to help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs,” Crain added.

According to a release from JA, 146 high school students joined this year’s competition, with nine student companies stepping up to the challenge. Companies such as Graphic Center, Title Guaranty of Guam, GTA, Dusit Thani Resort Guam, Bank of Hawaii, and Community First Guam provided support to the student teams.

February 25, 2024March 6, 2024

Young entrepreneurs receive mentorship from G3 Makerspace

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023

UOG receives national STEM recognition

UOG 2023 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference delegation pose for a picture after being recognized as the 2023 Undergraduate Chapter of the Year

Dr. Austin Shelton speaking among fellow 2023 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference panelists

Dr. Austin Shelton, UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, Emily Wendte, Abby Crane, & Remedios Perez at the Guam Green Growth Makerspace & Innovation Hub booth

Remedios Perez & Tonya McDaniel speak to a curious bystander about their booth

Aurienne Cruz presenting to curious passerby at 2023 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference

Nathan Paz showcases to attendees of 2023 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference

The UOG SACNAS Student Chapter received the award at this year’s SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference. The event, a cornerstone in fostering diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), took place in Portland, Oregon.

A total of 48 attendees from UOG participated in NDiSTEM, which stands as the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the United States.

UOG President Anita Borja-Enriquez, DBA, a member of the conference delegation, said, “UOG takes immense pride in our presence at the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference. This gathering not only strengthens our commitment to fostering inclusivity but also emphasizes the vital role of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of science and innovation.”

Throughout the conference, participants actively attended workshops, showcased their research, and established connections with officials from academia and industry nationwide, creating valuable research and career opportunities.

Another significant achievement was the significant number of student presenters from the UOG delegation. Eighteen student attendees from Guam, representing nearly half of the total UOG delegation, delivered presentations at the conference.

18 students from Guam presented their research and took home these awards:

Co-principle investigator for Education and Workforce Development for Guam NSF EPSCoR, Austin Shelton, PhD, also participated in the conference. He is currently an elected member of the SACNAS National Board of Directors and serves as the faculty co-advisor, along with UOG Associate Professor Cheryl Sangueza, for the UOG SACNAS Student Chapter.

“As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of learning and collaboration at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference, we are not just attendees; we are catalysts for a more inclusive and equitable future in science. Our presence echoes our university’s dedication to shaping a world where opportunities in STEM are accessible to everyone,” Shelton said.

Britney Sison, president of the UOG SACNAS Student Chapter, said, “I am extremely proud and humbled that SACNAS UOG has received the award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our current as well as previous leaders, members, and advisors who laid a strong foundation for our organization.”

Sison added, “This award means a lot to us, and I hope it inspires future students to continue the mission of SACNAS – to support underrepresented groups in their pursuit of degrees and careers in STEM and to encourage others to bring their culture and whole selves into the process.”

Meanwhile, Sabrina Zhi, vice president of the UOG SACNAS Student Chapter, said the award demonstrates collective support from many past and present UOG students to highlight their resilient attitude towards the advancement of representation for the Pacific Island community. “I hope through this award, SACNAS UOG can continue to inspire and support future generations of Guamanian STEM-ists, as it has done for me,” Zhi said.

Celebrating its 50th year, SACNAS fosters the success of underrepresented Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in STEM. It is the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization in the United States, serving more than 20,000 students and professionals.

The attendees participated in the conference through support provided by the Guam NSF EPSCoR and NSF INCLUDES SEAS grants and travel scholarships from SACNAS, Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (COLOR), and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.

September 25, 2023October 6, 2023

Galarion is EPSCoR’s new research computing facilitator

Within the ever-evolving landscape of research computing, Hark Galarion has found his niche as a part of Guam EPSCoR ‘s (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) cyberinfrastructure team since May 2023. 

Galarion has a background in computer science from various institutions including Eastern Oregon University and Guam Community College. He is currently working towards earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Guam.

As Guam EPSCoR’s new research computing facilitator, he personally applies a more wholistic learning approach to computational science by combining classroom and on-the-job, real-world experience.

Within Guam EPSCoR, Galarion collaborates closely with Bastian Bentlage, PhD. his supervisor at the facility. Bentlage, an Associate Professor of Bioinformatics and EPSCoR Science Co-Lead for Genomes Research Objectives and Cyberinfrastructure, guides Galarion in his work.

“My responsibilities (as a research computing facilitator) involve maintaining servers located at OIT (UOG Office of Information Technology) and assisting researchers in their work,” shared Galarion.

Galarion’s day-to-day tasks go beyond the ordinary. Operating from the UOG Office of Information Technology (OIT), he ensures tasks are streamlined and efficiently distributed across various computing sites. A meticulous approach is crucial, according to Galarion, given the significance of having sufficient computing power to support numerous research projects undertaken by Guam EPSCoR.

Galarion simplifies his work, comparing it to breaking down intricate tasks into manageable pieces, akin to solving a puzzle.

He says, “Basically, it (research computing process) splits the load of the job instead of relying on the OIT side, the data center here, to do one big job, it could basically send out smaller jobs to be worked on (by other centers) faster and then come back.”

Several years ago, UOG OIT initiated its high-speed 100Gb Guam Open Research & Education eXchange (GOREX). The GOREX network connects Guam to Hawaii and California via the SEA-US fiber-optic submarine cable.

This network, capable of facilitating high-speed exchanges of extensive scientific datasets between Guam and other research institutions, improved research initiatives at the university, including EPSCoR.

Galarion’s journey into computer science originated from his passion for gaming. Although the COVID-19 pandemic altered his initial dream of becoming a game developer, his gaming background equipped him with invaluable problem-solving skills essential for his current role.

“In computer science, a lot of problems may occur. There is no straightforward answer, there are roadblocks sometimes, especially when I am doing programming. A lot of things may affect programming itself,” he said.

Beyond his professional commitments, Galarion takes a break by playing soccer or spearfishing and hiking. Having played for the Northern Mariana Islands National Soccer Team, he now participates in the UOG Men’s Soccer Team.

Looking ahead, Galarion envisions implementing similar research computing initiatives at Northern Marianas College in the CNMI. His ambition is to pave the way for the next generation of computational scientists from his hometown.