Kyle Mandapat - Guam EPSCoR

November 15, 2024December 6, 2024

Guam NSF EPSCoR students shine at largest diversity conference in the country

University of Guam NSF EPSCoR student Yoonji Seo was one of many to present at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM conference in Arizona. Seo and 22 other Tritons presented their research on the biggest stage of its kind in the country.

University of Guam (UOG) student researchers made a strong showing at the 2024 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona; bringing together thousands of scientists, engineers, and students from across the nation.

48 UOG Tritons made their way to the conference, soaking up the science, meeting with recruiters and growing Guam’s footprint on one of the biggest STEM stages in the entire U.S.

A total of 22 UOG students presented their research findings on a variety of topics, including marine biology, environmental science, and engineering.

The students’ work was showcased through poster presentations, giving them the opportunity to engage with leading experts in their fields and network with potential collaborators.

Two students, Anna Lhyn Mallari and Nadley Yow, from the UOG delegation took home honors for their presentations and were recognized during an awards ceremony at the end of the week.

“It is a privilege to present my research and be recognized at a national conference like SACNAS. This award reflects the dedication and support of my mentors and colleagues, and I am proud to bring it back to the University of Guam and to the School of Engineering,” said Mallari. “SACNAS provides an invaluable opportunity for students from various disciplines to engage in research and learn from one another. I am truly grateful for this experience and hope it inspires more students to pursue research and bring their whole selves to the STEM field.”

The SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference is a premier event for Hispanic, Native American and islander STEM students and professionals. It provides a platform for sharing research, building community, and advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Students’ trips and participation were paid for by several capacity building grants and supporters. They include the National Science Foundation (NSF) SEAS Islands Alliance (SEAS), NSF Navigating Home, the Sloan Foundation, and Guam NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR). Travel scholarships were also awarded by SACNAS and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG), principal investigator of SEAS and co-pi for Education Workforce and Development of Guam NSF EPSCoR sees the importance of students participating in the conference.

“Guam students often miss out on opportunities because of distance to national gatherings. Our UOG team has been extremely resourceful securing grant funding to put as many students as possible in front of these opportunities. Our students showed up to the National Diversity in STEM Conference and made us proud. They won competitive research awards and connected with top graduate schools like Stanford, Duke, MiT, ASU and more. They were offered research and scholarship opportunities and invited into incredible programs on the spot,” explained Shelton. “We’re excited for the future of our island as our students go on to receive advanced training and return home to solve our most pressing challenges.”

SACNAS presenters from UOG include:

Daissy Demei, SEAS
Deniena Fred, SEAS
Ale’a Duenas, SEAS
Lucey Mea, SEAS
Nadley Yow, SEAS
Thuy Nguyen, PIPCHE
Yoonji Seo, EPSCOR
Sean McManus, EPSCoR
Tristan Pajela
Cassandra Paule, PNNL
Ava-Rene Suba, SEAS
Ave Medina, EPSCoR
Mya Ngemae, EPSCoR
Daniel Urbano, EPSCoR
Makayla Dela Cruz, SEAS
Anna Mallari, SEAS
Cyril Concepcion, SEAS
Nicolas Nadeau
Joanna Rose Lauana, EPSCoR
Carlo Tapia, EPSCoR
Reina Evangelista
Gian Paras, PIPCHE

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their dedication to research,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA. “Their participation in SACNAS NDiSTEM demonstrates UOG’s commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders to take to the national stage.”

For more information on fellowships and undergraduate programs with NSF SEAS Islands Alliance, Guam NSF EPSCoR and UOG CIS & Sea Grant, follow the groups on social media @seasallianceguam, @guamepscor and @uogcis today.

October 16, 2024October 16, 2024

UOG accepting applications for paid student research program

The University of Guam is now accepting applications for the Student Research Experience (SRE) program for undergraduate students for the 2025 term.

The program is headed by the Guam National Science Foundation’s Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF ESPCoR) Education Workforce Development (EWD) team.

Selected students will participate in the year-long paid research internship and receive faculty mentoring, possible travel opportunities and a monthly $500 stipend.

“This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in STEM to get hands-on lab experience with distinguished mentors here at UOG,” said Guam NSF EPSCoR EWD Project Associate Hannah Perez. “This is a wonderful development opportunity for undergrad students from UOG or GCC.”

The mentors for the upcoming cohort are:

-Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D. who specializes in coral molecular biology
-Christopher Lobban, Ph.D. a leading Diatom biologist
-Robert Lasley, Ph.D., an internationally renowned crustacean biologist

Interested students can visit guamepscor.uog.edu/student-research-experience-sre to submit applications now.

Deadline for applications is October 31, 2024 with notifications of acceptance expected to be sent out by November 22, 2024.

The program will officially take place from January to December 2025 at the University of Guam.

For more information, students can contact Perez at perezh8997@triton.uog.edu or call 671-787-3440.

October 14, 2024November 6, 2024

UOG unveils latest issue of CHalan Deskubre children’s STEM magazine

Students got a chance to see the view from under the sea as the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Initiative unveiled the cover of the latest issue of CHalan Deskubre, a place-based science magazine for children.

The unveiling happened as over 100 students, including members of the Guam WAVE Club, received the first copies of the issue at a special event held at the Aquarium of Guam.

The theme of this issue is Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

Topics covered in the issue include crabs, parrotfish, sea turtles, diatoms and more and was supported by the research teams of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG) and NSF Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio was on hand to celebrate the launch as the Office of the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program was the main supporter of the magazine.

“This magazine that we have funded with the University of Guam is meant to give you, your teachers and your parents so many ideas to discover our island and we hope that you see this magazine and take some time to look at it, do the activities, and I hope you have some fun and excitement,” Tenorio told the students in the crowd.

According to UOG CIS and SG Director and Guam NSF EPSCoR Co-principal investigator Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the issue is a great way for students to get familiar with the ocean around Guam and all the life that exists in it. Making it a great tool for conservation and education. He led the students through a quick lesson highlighting the diversity of our ocean ecosystem.

“Guam has over 1000 species of reef fish, and 375 species of coral, that’s more than Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,” said Shelton. “We have so much on our island to be proud of, and you have so much to discover.”

Shelton also encouraged the students to pursue their educational dreams in the marine sciences, adding, “I want you to explore and when you fall in love with the ocean, I want you to become marine biologists too, so you can take care of our very special environment and make a difference on our island.”

UOG Interim Vice-Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs Pamela Peralta, Ed.D., highlighted the university’s dedication to outreach and extension and encouraged parents to continue to help grow their children’s curiosity about the sciences.

“Curiosity lends to discovery. There is much to learn not only in the skies and on land but also below water. We hope today marks further exploration of the myriad of species yet to be discovered and preserved,” said Peralta. “We hope you enjoy exploring the offerings curated for you here and let us do our part to empower our children and inspire them to ask questions and be involved.”

Free copies of CHalan Deskubre are now available at the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Communications Office, House 21 Dean Circle. To make arrangements for pickup, please email Jeremie Charfauros at charfaurosj3148@triton.uog.edu .

Copies will also be distributed at all Guam Public Library System branches and at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub in CHamoru Village.

October 10, 2024October 11, 2024

Lasley ready to bring crab education to students on Guam in latest CHalan Deskubre

Crabs have always had a special place in Robert Lasley’s heart, and now he is sharing that love to help educate students on Guam.

As a part of the placed-based educational magazine CHalan Deskubre, which is supported by Guam NSF EPSCoR, Lasley has lent his “crab genius” so the children of the island may learn more about the crustaceans and what they do for our ecosystem.

According to CHalan Deskubre Editorial Coordinator Maria Louella Losinio, who also works on the EPSCoR Science Communication Team, Lasley’s gift for conveying science in an easily digestable way makes him a great fit for the magazine.

“The target audience for this magazine is school aged people from kinder through twelve grade and something we can all agree on is the intrigue they all share about animals around Guam,” said Losinio. “Dr. Lasley is able to bring information about the crabs to them in ways that they not only learn from, but are entertained by too.”

Lasley will be featured in the second issue of the magazine, which focuses on Sustainable Development Goal #14 – Life Below Water.

The issue is set to launch this month and will be available to students all around Guam.

September 20, 2024October 11, 2024

UOG and DFS celebrate conservation and native flowers with sustainable art exhibit

Sustainability is growing with the launch of the University of Guam and DFS “Guam in Bloom” sustainable art exhibit.

A crowd gathered at the T Galleria by DFS in Tumon, to celebrate the unveiling of the exhibit created by the team from the Guam NSF EPSCoR funded Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

The exhibit, a celebration of Guam’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to environmental stewardship, featured a diverse array of artwork honoring the native and endemic plants of the island.

According to DFS Vice-President of Operations Billy Chung, sustainability is an important movement for the island that DFS takes seriously in their support.

“We are extremely excited to be able to host the ‘Guam in Bloom’ exhibit here in our Galleria. For us here at DFS T Galleria, sustainability is something that we hold closely in our hearts,” said Chung. “This is something that influences our decisions in a day-to-day manner in order to protect sustainability, our environment and also the local culture here on Guam.”

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez Ph.D., credited the UOG CIS/SG team for their dedication to conservation and preservation. She also underscored the university’s commitment to continuing the development of conservation workers for our island.

“I am so excited that we are able to continue to bring the talent that comes from the newer generation of conservation leaders and conservation warriors,” Enriquez expressed. “Keep up this voyage so that the future generations are assured and can participate in ensuring that we continue to foster this sustainable culture and sustainable future for our island and our region!”

Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, who also co-chairs the G3 Steering Committee, was appreciative of the partnership between DFS and the university along with the support for the local arts community.

“The theme ‘Guam in Bloom’ also in many ways recognizes all the talent we have that’s blooming. And a lot of that talent is blooming at the University of Guam,” said Tenorio. “I want to thank the team at DFS—an enduring member of Guam’s business and social community for recognizing that there is a value in showcasing all the best of Guam, but in particular to give a landscape for Guam’s talent to be exposed and showcased.”

Austin Shelton Ph.D., co-principal investigator for Education and Workforce Development highlighted the exhibit’s outreach component and the importance of the message of the art.

“Sustainability is not about sacrifice anymore. It’s about opportunity. We can have a green economy, we can build our economy, diversify beyond military spending, and tourism. We can see the beautiful things that our local artists are bringing out to the community,” said Shelton.

The exhibit is a part of the Sustainable September activities that included a tree planting event, a beach cleanup and workshops and is the second partnership with DFS.

With support from the Guam Green Growth team, the local artists behind the creations were Abby Crain, April Colitoy-Gaerlan, and Francheska de Oro.

“Guam in Bloom” is on exhibit at the T Galleria by DFS on Chalan San Vitores in Tumon during regular store hours and is open to the public until the end of October.

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September 10, 2024October 10, 2024

Coral research could have big implications for Guam’s future

Research by Reilly Kleven at the University of Guam (UOG) has revealed the remarkable growth potential of branching Lithophyllum coralline algae, a vital component of Guam’s coral reefs.

Kleven is a Graduate Research Assistant with the Guam National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) at UOG.

Kleven’s research, conducted under the guidance of Tom Schils, Ph.D. of the UOG Marine Labratory, focused on quantifying the growth rates of these algae in various reef habitats around the island. By utilizing advanced 3D scanning techniques, Kleven was able to measure the growth of individual algae samples over an extended period.

“Nongeniculate coralline algae are one of the most abundant calcifiers on Guam’s reef. They provide a variety of ecosystem services for reef environments. They help build and stabilize reef framework by depositing calcium carbonate in the form of magnesium calcite skeletons,” explained Kleven. “They act as important binders, decreasing the likelihood of structural collapse by reinforcing caves and cavities. Their skeletons further contribute to the resilience and recovery potential of reefs, providing protection from disturbances such as bio erosion and tsunamis.”

One of the most significant findings of the study was the exceptional growth rates observed in Lithophyllum algae from Pago Bay, Guam. These algae demonstrated remarkable resilience, growing at a rate that far exceeded previous estimates for coralline algae in tropical regions.

Kleven’s research also highlighted the importance of environmental conditions on algal growth. While Pago Bay offered optimal conditions for Lithophyllum growth, factors such as nutrient levels, sediment output, and water temperature were found to significantly influence growth rates in other areas, such as Togcha Bay.

These findings have significant implications for understanding the resilience of Guam’s coral reefs and their ability to recover from disturbances. As climate change continues to threaten coral ecosystems, the growth potential of lLithophyllum algae offers hope for future reef conservation efforts.

“As coral bleaching events become more frequent and severe the significance of coralline algae increases. These algae are likely to play a crucial role in preserving tropical reef carbonate structures as environmental change continues,” added Kleven.

Kleven’s research marks a significant contribution to the field of marine biology and provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of coral reef ecosystems at a time when many see the importance of the protection of our reefs.

October 10, 2023December 27, 2023

NSF Guam EPSCOR students prep for SACNAS Conference

Guam NSF EPSCoR students will be presenting research and representing the University of Guam at the largest diversity in STEM conference in the world later this month.

The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon during the last week of October.

SACNAS, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, is the largest multicultural STEM diversity program in the United States.

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

According to Guam NSF EPSCoR Education Workforce and Development Program Associate Emily Wendte, a total of thirteen students will be representing the University of Guam at the conference.

The group is made up of four students from the graduate research assistantship, five from the summer research experience, and three from the summer math research programs.

Nearly half of the delegation has also been selected to present their research to the over 6000 expected attendees.

The students attending the conference must attend preparation workshops facilitated by the Capacity Building Team from Guam NSF EPSCoR and the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Island Alliance Guam Hub.

Cheryl Sangueza Ph.D, who oversees the student experience with Guam NSF EPSCoR says that the process starts long before the students step foot on the conference floor and is geared to give all students everything they need to represent well.

“Preparation for SACNAS is rooted in ensuring confidence, competence, and excitement to represent our grants, our labs, our university, and our island,” said Sangueza. “In our first SACNAS briefing, we did a meet and greet with the then 25 students to start that comradery and UOG Delegation mindset.”

According to Sangueza, an orientation was also held with family, friends and support-systems of the students to insure ample preparation for students on all fronts.

“We held SACNAS Orientation and family members and support systems were invited and the turnout was great! This was designed to continue generating the excitement, and to share this great experience with families. We showed what SACNAS has to offer, we introduced the delegation and announced who are presenting, and we spoke more about travel expectations,” continued Sangueza.

Along with the student presenters, the University of Guam SACNAS Chapter will also be celebrated at the conference.

“Another cool thing is that the UOG SACNAS Chapter is getting an esteemed SACNAS Chapter of the Year Award,” added Sangueza. “Dr. Austin Shelton and I are co-advisors for the student organization and our EPSCoR and INCLUDES students are both members and a few have served as officers.”

Students are traveling to 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.

July 22, 2023August 3, 2023

UOG grad student teaches marine ecology course in Yap

Pablo De la Vega, a graduate biology student from the University of Guam and Guam NSF EPSCoR graduate research assistant, was one of the instructors for an educational program called Marine Island Ecology at the Yap Catholic High School from June 14 to July 7, 2023.

Organized by the Micronesian Conservation Coalition (MCC), the summer program allows participating high school seniors to gain fieldwork experience and learn about the marine life in Yap. MCC is a nonprofit organization that aims to conserve island habitats and species throughout Micronesia.

The program was split into different segments that focused on several areas of Yap’s island ecology. Students would discuss theory and lab protocols and then spend the next day in the field putting what they learned in the classroom to practice.

During his time in the program, De la Vega covered classes related to microbiology.

“They were all familiar with fermentation and familiar with different kinds of bacteria. In their culture, they consume tuba, which is made through fermentation and different kinds of yeasts and bacteria interacting with each other,” said De la Vega.

De la Vega said that the experience has deepened his appreciation for the environmental knowledge of indigenous cultures.

“Learning from everyone who participated in the course made me realize that the only way to promote change and protection of the environment is by learning from the cultures that have preserved it for millennia and empowering the next generation to lead the changes we need from a global perspective if we want to continue having an inhabitable planet,” said De la Vega.

De la Vega said that he is grateful to MCC for giving him an opportunity to explore Yap and connect with its people.

“I really want to thank Ms. Julie Hartup from MCC,” said De la Vega. “The programs that MCC have put together are a good example on how you can combine science with social impact.”

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

UOG graduate student earns NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Guam NSF EPSCoR Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Carlos Tramonte will pursue doctoral work at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with the support of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports the most promising graduate students in STEM by providing fellows with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees as well as access to opportunities for international research and professional development.

The fellowship program is highly competitive with annual acceptance rates of about 16 percent among more than 12,000 applicants.

“I’ve been told that the program can be really hard to get into,” said Tramonte. “When I got my acceptance letter, I had to reread it a few times before I went downstairs and told Bastian that I got it.”

Tramonte, who is under the mentorship of UOG Associate Professor of Bioinformatics Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., originally wasn’t planning to pursue a doctorate degree.

However, he is excited that his acceptance to the fellowship program has given him an opportunity to seek higher education. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Tramonte will be working on mesophotic reef systems in American Samoa and will be looking into coral physiology and environmental DNA (eDNA).

With support from his mentor along with other members of the UOG Marine Laboratory community, Tramonte is fast-tracking his term as a GRA to complete it within two years instead of three so that he can start his time in the NSF fellowship program this summer.

His master’s thesis focuses on highlighting potential mechanisms behind observed species replacements on Guam’s reef flats.

“I’ve been thinking about how in just a few months, I’ll be out of here,” said Tramonte. “I’ve really fallen in love with this island – the people, the culture. It’s such a beautiful treasure of a place. Guam has a hold on my heart that I didn’t think would happen when I moved out here. I love this place so much and the university and the Marine Laboratory and the flexibility EPSCoR has given me to pursue whatever I want has been amazing.”

April 24, 2023May 1, 2023

JOIN US: Colin J Anthony to defend his Master of Science: Biology thesis!

Join us on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 10:00 AM ChST as we cheer on our student researcher Colin J Anthony as he defends his Master of Science: Biology thesis!

Thesis Title: Acclimation of Endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae: Improved Insights through Flow Cytometric Phenotypic Profiling

Chairperson: Dr. Bastian Bentlage (Committee: Dr. Brett Taylor & Dr. Cheryl Ames (Tohoku University)

Location: Marine Laboratory Classroom Room 205

Zoom link: http://ow.ly/6XxQ50NQ4zP