Education Workforce Development

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 29, 2025February 12, 2025

Workshop participants learn computer repair basics

Participants of the "Repairing & Upgrading Your Laptop" workshop as a collaboration between MacTech Guam and the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Alex Castro, right, works on a computer repair as part of a workshop at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. — Alex Castro, right, works on a computer repair as part of the “Let’s fix it! Don’t Ditch it!” workshop at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Jordan Lansang discussing the basics of computer repair during the Repairing & Upgrading Your Laptop Workshop with MacTech Guam. — Jordan Lansang discussing the basics of computer repair during the “Let’s fix it! Don’t Ditch it!” workshop with MacTech Guam.

Walfred Adonay guiding participants through the steps of computer repair for a workshop at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. — Walfred Adonay guiding participants through the steps of computer repair for the “Let’s fix it! Don’t Ditch it!” workshop at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

MacTech Guam decor featuring computer parts as a way to repurpose electronic waste. — MacTech Guam decor features computer parts as a way to repurpose electronic waste.

From professionals with years of experience to tech newbies, a total of 12 participants attended the two-day computer repair workshop as part of a partnership between the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub and MacTech Guam.

The workshop “Let’s fix it! Don’t Ditch it!” aims to empower participants to repair, upgrade and maintain their laptops to boost performance, avoid e-waste and save on the cost of replacement devices.

First, participants were introduced to the basics of computer repairs and learned how to identify the different parts of a computer from cooling system to storage options. They also were introduced to the concept of electronic waste (e-waste) and how less than 20% of e-waste is recycled.

Because Guam lacks a facility to recycle e-waste, MacTech has developed a disposal program where people can turn in or trade in devices and unused tech. This program helps deter the creation of electronic waste and illegal dumping on the island. According to workshop facilitator and MacTech Guam head technician Jordan Lansang, there are also creative ways to repurpose electronic waste such as use parts as decorations or jewelry.

However, Lansang emphasizes that learning how to replace computer parts can extend the lifespan of devices and help delay the need for a new device.

“Repairing is the best thing to do for your budget and for the environment,” said Lansang, noting it is common for manufacturers to use less reliable parts to force consumers to purchase a brand-new device within a short time frame.

On the final day of the workshop, participants became honorary junior technicians as workshop facilitators led them through the steps on how to successfully install a new battery, solid state drive and an operating system into a new computer.

“It is kind of intimidating,” said workshop facilitator Walfred Adonay, “but it is something you can learn to do yourself.” Adonay also added that there are many resources available online for people to learn how to repair their computers at home.

“After attending this workshop, I learned that computer repair is not as challenging as it may seem,” said workshop participant Alex Castro, adding that the facilitators made the workshop easy to follow. Because of the workshop, Castro looks forward to being able to use the skills she learned to avoid needing to discard devices so frequently.

The computer repair workshop was offered by the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub with the intention to equip participants with the ability to maintain their own computers and promote sustainability, support local repair shops and reduce e-waste.

For more information on workshops like this one, visit www.guamgreengrowth.org or follow @guamgreengrowthmakerspace on Instagram.

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps now recruiting for fifth season

The Guam Green Growth Connservation Corps is recruiting members for its upcoming fifth season. Members will be involved with various sustainability linked projects including work with invasive species and other wildlife.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) is now accepting applications for its upcoming fifth season. This five-month program provides twelve adults with valuable hands-on experience in environmental conservation and sustainability to develop the workforce for the emerging green economy.

Participants in the G3CC will engage in a variety of projects focused on environmental protection, restoration and sustainability, including:

Agriculture and Aquaculture
Circular Economy and Zero Waste
Ocean Conservation
Invasive Species Management
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
Watershed Restoration and Reforestation
Island Beautification

In addition to gaining valuable work experience, G3CC participants will receive professional development training, including leadership, teamwork skills, career readiness training, first aid certification and more.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, who facilitate the G3CC program, says the program’s success has enabled its continuation and expansion.

“This will be our fifth cohort of participants with this original conservation corps, but since we launched, the impact multiplies with many graduates now employed with different agencies, groups and businesses in the green economy,” said Shelton. “The program expanded to include additional opportunities in the G3 Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps, the G3 Art Corps, and the G3 Kupu Corps.”

According to Shelton, nearly 100 people have graduated from one of the G3 Conservation Corps since the program’s launch in 2021.

“This program is perfect for people who are looking to make a change in their career path, for those who are ready o rededicate themselves to sustainability on Guam, or those who have always had a connection to sustainability and want to grow those skills,” added Shelton.

The selected applicants will receive continuing education credits from the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Office (GLE) and a stipend of $1300.00 every two-weeks. Two supervisors will also be selected from the applicants, who will receive $1500.00 bi-weekly.

Applications are being accepted until January 13, 2025 via the official program website at www.guamgreengrowth.org. Information about eligibility and more can be found on the website as well.

January 9, 2025January 10, 2025

UOG and Mactech to hold two-day computer repair workshop

The upcoming computer repair workshop will be co-hosted by the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub and Mactech Guam. Participants will learn about basic troubleshooting, hardware upgrades, software maintenance and more.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub will partner with MacTech Guam to host a computer repair workshop. The event aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to repair and maintain their own computers, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste.

The workshop will cover a range of topics, including basic troubleshooting, hardware upgrades, and software maintenance. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about common computer problems, how to diagnose them, and practical solutions to fix them. Participants will also learn about the importance of proper computer disposal and the environmental impact of electronic waste.

“We are excited to bring this first-ever workshop to the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, who facilitate the G3 initiative. “Along with Mactech, we hope to reduce the amount of electronic waste on the island, and help people save some money with the skills they will learn from this class.”

The two-day workshop will be held on Friday January 24 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, and Saturday January 25 from 9 to 10:30 AM. Tickets are $25 total for both days, and participants must attend both days of workshop.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone interested in learning computer repair skills,” said Mactech Guam head technician Jordan Lansang, who will be teaching the class. “This workshop will also help to extend the life of the computer and reduce the amount of waste from the unit. It’s a more sustainable approach, and that’s why this partnership makes so much sense.”

Along with the skills participants will leave the workshop with, they will also be given a $50 gift certificate for Mactech Guam.

G3 Makerspace Coordinator Emily Wendte is looking forward to expanding the growing themes of workshops offered at the Hub.

“We have had some really awesome workshops to promote the circular economy and artisans on the island,” explained Wendte. “We have done weaving, mosaics, glass, plastic recycling wallets, sewing, robotics, tool shop, and equipment classes, and now to move further into the sustainable tech category is a taste of where we are going in the new year.”

To stay updated and to sign up for this and upcoming workshops, visit guamgreengrowth.org and follow @guamgreengrowthmakerspace on Instagram.

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

Near Peer students reflect on 2024 experiences

The 2024 cohort of the Near Peer mentorship consisting of 12 students from NSF INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance and Guam EPSCoR came together one final time in November 2024.

From fostering independence to establishing a clear career path — the 12 students who participated in the 2024 Guam NSF EPSCoR Student Research Experience (SRE) and the Guam NSF SEAS Islands Alliance undergraduate fellowship shared their insights at a final Neer Peer mentorship meeting in November.

Overseen by Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., the Near Peer mentorship creates an opportunity for student researchers to learn from and mentor each other and shape their career paths in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). Sangueza is the student coordinator for Guam NSF EPSCoR and co-principal investigator of Guam NSF SEAS Islands Alliance.

One of the major goals of the program is to prepare the students for the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference, teaching them how to network and best present themselves at the nation’s largest diversity conference. Another goal of the program is to help the students relate their experiences to things outside of science, including how their research connects with identity and culture.

“The process is the product,” said Sangueza during the meeting, driving home that the Near Peer mentorship and research experiences impact the evolution of their self-identity. “It’s the process and the journey that is the product.”

Between bites of pizza, the students discussed their experiences in research, reflected on the year and wished each other well on their future endeavors. While they all had different backgrounds, experiences and intentions in participating, every student was able to clearly communicate the value of the program.

Nicole Pineda, a Guam NSF EPSCoR SRE student, who is in the pre-med biology track decided to participate in the program to widen her perspective on STEM careers. She expressed that she found the mentorship incredibly valuable as she performed research on the ecophysiology of Ostreobiu, a genus of green algae. Despite having no background in marine biology, Pineda was welcomed by her mentors and peers in order to help her build a foundation on the topic.

“I really enjoyed having independence over my own project and something that I could see grow throughout the months,” said Pineda, adding that there was a sense of fulfillment from being able to have questions answered by her research as time went on.

Throughout the year the students not only grew professionally but also personally, finding that the program became a place to learn about themselves. For example, Pineda has become more interested in research-based STEM careers after completing the program.

Despite originally being disinterested in the length of time it takes to earn a Ph.D., Guam NSF SEAS Islands Alliance fellow Nadley Yow realized that she wanted to pursue one after interacting with so many scientists and discovering how much more knowledge there is out there.

Cyril Concepcion, another Guam NSF SEAS Islands Alliance fellow, came to appreciate how empowering it is to be a woman in STEM. Originally feeling the “Women in STEM” label to be tokenizing, her perspective shifted after time with her Near Peer cohort.

“It’s more like an identity that you can help connect with others,” said Concepcion, admitting that she no longer feels limited by the term. “You can be that representation that little girls need.”

Of course, while the program touts itself as a vehicle for self-discovery and career growth, the main benefit of the Near Peer mentorship was the camaraderie. While each students’ research varied, all of the students could agree on one thing: the program gave them a sense of community amongst fellow researchers.

“If you didn’t already feel like you belong in the science community, you come into this and you find out that, there are people that feel the same way as you,” said MaryJolleen Perez, affectionately known as MJ to her peers.

Perez, who studied diatoms under Guam NSF EPSCoR’s Christopher Lobban, Ph.D., spoke about feeling self-conscious over struggling with her research or not having enough information. She had been previously concerned that she was behind in her research, but later found reassurance that her peers could identify with that feeling.

“The Near Peer definitely helped in a way sort of like affirm that I belonged here,” agreed Daniel Urbano, another Guam NSF EPSCoR student researcher, “because no matter how I felt in my research, like, ‘oh, I feel like I’m behind on things’ or like ‘this study isn’t as important as maybe some of the other studies’… everyone was sort of in the same boat when we went to Near Peer. We could talk about it peer to peer, as equals.”

The Near Peer mentorship will start up again in Fañomnåkan 2025 with a new batch of student researchers. Students who participate in either the undergraduate fellowship or SRE can look forward to benefitting from the mentorship program.

December 30, 2024January 2, 2025

University of Guam invites abstracts for 2025 Conference on Island Sustainability

Peter Houk Ph.D., of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory presented at the 15th UOG Conference on Island Sustainabiliy in 2024. Researchers from all over the world are encouraged to submit an abstract for CIS2025 to be held in Tumon, Guam in April.

The University of Guam (UOG) is now accepting abstracts for the 16th annual Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025), a premier gathering for researchers, policymakers, and community members dedicated to building a more sustainable future for island communities.

The conference, themed “Solutions for our Future,” will be held from April 7-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Guam. It will feature a diverse range of presentations, workshops, and discussions on topics in line with the Guam Green Growth five categories of action and sustainability for islands.

The five categories of action are:

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

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A., and Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero will serve as co-chairs for the conference.

“The annual CIS provides opportunities to present research and applied solutions that contribute to island and global sustainability. We invite academic and industry experts to share their discoveries or insights to a broader audience that have practical applications to bring sustainability solutions,” said Enriquez.

The UOG Conference on Island Sustainability is an annual event that has been held since 2010. It is the largest and most comprehensive conference on island sustainability in the Pacific region, attracting participants from around the world.

“We are excited to once again host this important conference, which brings together some of the brightest minds in sustainability to come up with tangible solutions for the green future of all islands,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and a Co-Principal Investigator for Guam NSF EPSCoR. “This year’s theme, ‘Solutions for our Future,’ highlights the importance of long-term solutions and the research and innovations that have been developed to address the challenges facing our islands.”

Enriquez also highlights the global reach of the conference and the implications it can have on Guam’s economic industries. She added, “we will be attracting foreign, international and national experts that will shed applied research or extension ideas that are applicable. This is not just for students. Our industries want to know what’s out there and what can help them to improve. What can help Islands be more sustainable?”

Individuals interested in presenting their research or projects at the conference are encouraged to submit their abstracts by February 14, 2025 at 5pm CHsT. Visit uog.edu/cis2025 today to submit your abstract, register and learn more about CIS2025.

Keynote speakers and presenters for CIS2025 will be announced soon with recent keynotes including Tetris entrepreneur and Blue Planet Alliance founder Henk Rogers, President of the Republic of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr., East-West Center president Suzanne Vares-Lum, and Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Arnold Palacios.

CIS2025 is presented by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, The Office of the Governor of Guam, the Local2030 Islands Network, NSF SEAS Islands Alliance and Guam NSF EPSCoR.

November 29, 2024December 6, 2024

G3 Makerspace collaborates with Nenpire

On November 16, the question “What are you good at?” was written at the top of the board at the Guam Green Growth Makerspace and Innovation Hub. The answers, given by kids between the ages of 6 to 13, ranged from “dancing” to “bowling” to “making smoothies”.

This question is meant to get them thinking about their own strengths and interests as they begin the first day of Nenpire, a start-up entrepreneur program designed to “unleash creativity, build skills and empower the next generation of ‘nentrepreneurs'”.

Through Nenpire, participants learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship through mentorships with business owners throughout the island. One of those mentors is Guam Green Growth’s Circular Economy Coordinator Abby Crain.

After Daria Calvo, the creator of Nenpire, attended a workshop at the G3 Makerspace she approached Crain about collaborating for the neni entrepreneurship program. This was a natural step for collaboration since in the past the Makerspace has collaborated with other organizations such as GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Art) and the Guam Junior Achievement Program.

“It’s really the same material but just presented to be much more palatable and the hands on activities are different for the kids programs,” said Crain. For this age group, it’s important that each step from development to product launch is presented in interactive ways for the participants to grasp. During her presentation, she made sure to not just show products that were created through the support of the Makerspace but also gave the kids a tour of the workshop to show the tools and process of how those products were made.

On November 26th, the Makerspace also held a special Nenpire Plastic Prototyping workshop, where plastic bags were fused together to create wearable crowns. This is a workshop that has been offered to adults several times in the past, just tailored to a younger audience.

Other activities included one where the kids were given a random bag of raw materials from pipe cleaners to canvas scraps to see what they can create, encouraging innovation as they consider what businesses they want to develop. These activities and this special collaboration between Nenpire and the G3 Makerspace is meant to start planting seeds about what a circular economy is and get the kids thinking more creatively about the kind of products they want to create – and on a larger scale, the future they want to see.

“A lot of sustainability and the things we do for Guam Green Growth and Center for Island Sustainability is really for our future,” said Crain, “and these kids are the future.”

The culmination of the program will be the Neni Christmas Market, where the nentrepreneurs will have their new businesses and products on display. The marketplace will take place on December 22 and community members are welcome to attend and shop their new products. In addition, one of the nentrepreneurs will be having pop up shops on December 4 and 18th at the Makerspace green store and there’s already has a corner set up where folks can shop Nenpire products – just in time for the holidays!

P1330678 — Nenpire kids checking out concrete blocks made out of recycled plastic during Makerspace tour.

P1330457 — Nenpire creator Daria Calvo on the first day of workshops.

P1330730 — Nenpire workshop activities included making something new out of raw materials.

November 15, 2024January 2, 2025

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.

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 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.