Education Workforce Development

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

UOG sustainability partners unite to welcome students at orientation with comprehensive outreach experience

Members from programs were on hand to explain and promote the offerings to new students to UOG. The sustainability group included representatives from over 10 programs within UOG CIS and Sea Grant and Guam NSF EPSCoR.

Ella Fedenko from the UOG CIS and Sea Grant turtle project and Franki Guerrero from Guam NSF EPSCoR provide incoming students with information on their projects and potential fellowship opportunities. The two programs were among the many represented by the group.

Students had hands-on exposure to many native plants through the presentations from the UOG CIS and Sea Grant Natural Resources Division and members its Island Conservation Lab.

The University of Guam’s commitment to sustainability and student opportunity was on full display during the recent UOG New Student Orientation event organized by the UOG’s student services team, where a coalition of campus programs came together to present a unified, student-focused welcome.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), NSF Navigating Home, Guam NSF EPSCoR, the SEAS Islands Alliance, and Guam Green Growth collaborated to host a comprehensive booth designed to introduce new and returning students to a wide range of academic, research, and fellowship opportunities centered on sustainability and island resilience.

Rather than operating as separate programs, the partners intentionally created a shared space that highlighted how their efforts intersect—connecting environmental research, workforce development, Indigenous knowledge, and community-based solutions. Staff and student representatives were on hand throughout the event to answer questions, distribute informational materials, and encourage students to explore pathways that align with their academic interests and career goals.

“Our goal was to make it easy for students to see the bigger picture,” said Gabby Topasna from UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “These programs are deeply connected, and together they offer students hands-on experiences, paid fellowships, research opportunities, and mentorship focused on sustainability issues that matter here on Guam and across the region.”

Students visiting the booth learned about opportunities ranging from undergraduate research and internships to fellowships and professional development programs supported by the National Science Foundation. Programs such as Navigating Home and Guam NSF EPSCoR emphasized pathways for students to engage in place-based research, while the SEAS Islands Alliance and Guam Green Growth showcased regional partnerships and applied solutions aimed at building a more sustainable island future.

“The student experience is a large part of what makes our programs successful,” said Franki Guerrero from Guam NSF EPSCoR. “Showing them the opportunities that lie within our programs that not only help them learn and get that hands-on experience but also help them deal with some of the costs via our stipends, really goes a long way in helping them navigate through this time of their lives.”

The collaborative booth also served as a platform to highlight ongoing sustainability initiatives at UOG, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in addressing climate change, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience in island communities.

Programs represented include:

UOG CIS and Sea Grant Turtle Program
Guam NSF EPSCoR (E-Core and E-Rise)
Micronesia Challenge
Guihan for Guahan
Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW)
UOG CIS and Sea Grant Natural Resources (Island Conservation Lab)
Guam Green Growth Action Framework
G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub
NSF Navigating Home & SEAS Islands Alliance
UOG CIS and Sea Grant Community Engagement

For many students, the booth was their first introduction to the breadth of sustainability-focused work taking place on campus. Organizers said the response underscored the value of presenting a coordinated message that connects academic programs with real-world impact.

As UOG continues to expand its sustainability and research initiatives, presenters noted that events like student orientation are critical moments to engage students early, helping them see how their education can contribute to meaningful solutions for Guam and the wider region.

January 16, 2026January 21, 2026

UOG recruiting members for the sixth season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is gearing up for its sixth season with applications now open at guamgreengrowth.org. Those interested in sustainability and the emerging green economy are welcomed to apply. Field work, research modules and community work are all a part of the upcoming season’s curriculum.

Members of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps will participate in a 5-month long workforce development program that will provide training and skills for the emerging green economy. Full time positions are available and require a 40 hour a week commitment. Applications are open now.

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps is a workforce development program that will feature focus areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, circular economy, invasive species, fisheries research and more.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) are happy to announce that applications are now open for the sixth season of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC), continuing their robust workforce development plan that has graduated nearly 100 local workers who have developed skills for the emerging green economy.

The G3CC offers participants hands-on experience in conservation, sustainability, and climate-related projects that support Guam’s natural resources while building job-ready skills. Since its launch, the program has served as a pathway for residents of all backgrounds and ages to gain practical training, professional mentorship, and paid service opportunities aligned with Guam’s green economy goals.

“The G3 Conservation Corps is our flagship workforce development program preparing local workers for careers in the green economy. Its success has led to expansion into four additional companion programs,” explained Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director for UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “This Corps is a great launchpad for a new career path, a refresher, or for you to work on something you are already passionate about in sustainability. We invite all interested community members to apply today.”

Members of the Conservation Corps work on projects that may include watershed restoration, invasive species management, circular economy, food security efforts, aquaculture, agriculture, and community education. The program emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and civic engagement, preparing participants for future careers in environmental fields.

Annania Nauta Kemp, the lead for the community engagement program has seen great results in past cohorts and looks forward to further growth for the island community.

“We have had people join straight out of high school who are now very comfortable in their career path thanks to the network and experience this program builds,” explained Kemp. “At the same time, we have retirees who are ready for their next adventure and accountants who just wanted a change of scenery come out of the program very well, too. If you feel the call to serve your community and are ready to learn and get down in the dirt with us, this can be a great way for you to shape your future.”

Now entering its sixth cohort, the program reflects growing interest and sustained momentum in Guam Green Growth’s broader mission to balance economic development with environmental protection and social well-being.

“This program really changed my perspective on sustainability and how we can make things better for our people of Guahan,” said Joseph Certeza, a G3CC Season 1 graduate who now works as a part of the program team. “This program taught me a lot, and helped me to gain not only the skills, but also the confidence to move forward in the eras of my life.”

Applications for the sixth cohort are open now and available online at GuamGreenGrowth.org. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and review eligibility requirements and program details on the website.

Selected team members will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $1300 and continuing education credits from the University of Guam through the Global Learning and Engagement program. Applicants must be 18 years or older, open to indoor and outdoor work, and able to work full-time at 40 hours a week.

To apply for the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps and to learn more about other G3 initiatives, visit GuamGreenGrowth.org.

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Focused on Maritime Energy in Alaska and Guam (UAF Summer REU)

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) summer internship is a 10-week program for students interested in renewable energy and energy security.

One of the projects will study Maritime Energy in Alaska and Guam, mentored by Magnus de Witt.

WEBSITE to apply: https://www.uaf.edu/acep/education-workforce-development/summer-internship-program/internship-program.php

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Maritime Energy in Alaska and Guam
Mentor: Magnus de Witt
Location: Fairbanks
Key topics: Maritime Energy, Energy Economics, Energy Security, Arctic-Pacific collaborations
Strand: REU

Maritime energy technologies represent a rapidly emerging technology, with significant potential to help coastal and island communities harness local energy resources. By harnessing the power of waves, tides, currents, and offshore wind, reliance on imported fossil fuels can be reduced, supporting more resilient and sustainable energy systems. The utilization of local resources is of particular interest for remote and isolated communities, where transporting conventional fuels is logistically challenging and costly.

At first glance, Alaska and Guam may appear to have little in common, one located in the far north and the other in the western Pacific; a closer look, however, shows substantial similarities. Both regions are geographically remote, heavily dependent on imported fossil fuel, and consequently face high and volatile energy costs. Their dependence on external fuel supplies makes them vulnerable to disruptions in the global energy market, supply chain risks, and to geopolitical shocks.

In addition to these shared challenges, both Alaska and Guam hold strategic importance for U.S. national security. Each region hosts critical dual-use infrastructure that requires reliable and secure energy systems. Therefore, maintaining resilient energy infrastructure is crucial for ensuring operational readiness and supporting the resilience of local communities. Developing and deploying maritime energy technologies in these regions could therefore strengthen not only local energy independence and economic stability but also contribute to national security by enhancing the resilience of vital assets in remote locations.

Project Description: This project will combine detailed economic modeling, energy security evaluation, and technological feasibility studies of maritime energy sources in Alaska and Guam, aiming to promote sustainable, secure, and economically beneficial maritime energy systems in remote islanded locations.

How do the energy economics of maritime decarbonization in Guam and Alaska compare?
What lessons can Guam and Alaska share about balancing national defense, maritime trade, and clean energy transition goals?
Energy security analysis focusing on local energy availability, reliability, and supply diversification.
Techno-economic feasibility of renewable marine energy resources in the specific geographic and climatic contexts of Alaska and Guam.
Environmental and socio-economic benefits, such as emissions reduction and local workforce development.

Project Goals / Expected Outcomes: A report on the lessons learned, both positive and negative, and resulting recommendations for future geothermal projects. Additionally, it is expected that the student will present the research to his peers and, if possible, to a broader community. A student who is motivated to aim for publication in a scientific journal is strongly encouraged to apply.

Relevant Majors and Skills: This project seeks a student who is passionate about geothermal and energy economics. It is not bound to a particular field of study; however, the student should have some understanding of geothermal, economics, and geology. Moreover, the student should possess strong communication skills and a desire to solve problems independently. Possible majors include geology, energy economics, geothermal, or geophysics.

Work setting: This intern will work from the ACEP Fairbanks office. Mentorship will be in person.

November 17, 2025January 13, 2026

UOG students earn national recognition at 2025 SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference

The University of Guam delegation stands tall at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference in Columbus, Ohio. The group consisted of grant funded staff and students in STEM, many of whom that presented their research, at the largest diversity in STEM conference in the country.

Guam NSF EPSCoR and UOG Marine Lab student Napu Camacho presents his research at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference in Columbus, Ohio. Camacho was one of the twelve UOG students who submitted abstracts and were selected to present at the national conference. His research looked to explore Guam’s marine fish diversity through environmental DNA analysis.

Amongst the hundreds of presenters at SACNAS NDiSTEM, three UOG students Azer Bilimon, Archancel Abellera and Cameron San Agustin were recognized for their presentations overall. All three students are participants in the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Programs at the University of Guam in partnership with the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

The University of Guam strengthened its presence in STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) at the 2025 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, where three UOG students earned national recognition for their research presentations.

UOG School of Engineering student Azer Bilimon received the Native American/Indigenous Student Research Abstract Award, while Archancel Abellera and Cameron San Agustin received Outstanding Research Presentation awards.

Continuing its strong participation in SACNAS, UOG sent a 28-member delegation—17 of them students—to this year’s conference including Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, who serves as a co-principal investigator for NSF Navigating Home and was the keynote speaker. The nation’s largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM event took place in Columbus, Ohio, gathering researchers and students from across the United States and its territories.

Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., a co-principal investigator of the NSF INCLUDES SEAS and NSF Navigating Home grants, and the head of student experience for Guam NSF EPSCoR, has led several months of preparation for students representing UOG at the conference.

“All EPSCoR and SEAS INCLUDES students who submitted an abstract were accepted to present and everyone smashed it,” exclaimed Sangueza. “SACNAS, where students present their research, network, meet phenomenal and inspiring scientists, and explore next step opportunities, is a key experience in the pathway to graduate school and for career decisions.”

Sangueza along with her capacity building team, who work across the NSF grants, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) and Guam Green Growth coordinate with students from the high school to graduate levels across various programs designed to increase success in STEM fields.

“As a past SACNAS Chapter of the Year, the University of Guam continues to advance island-based research and scientific voices from across Micronesia,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “We are proud that three of our students earned recognition at this year’s SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference. Their work reflects UOG’s growing community of locally trained scientists who address climate and biodiversity challenges through island knowledge and innovation.”

Award Winning Presentations

Bilimon presented “Evaluating the Mechanical and Sustainable Benefits of Fibrous Reinforcement in Seawater and Freshwater Mortar Mixtures.” Under the mentorship of Ernesto J. Guades, Ph.D., Bilimon studied how adding coconut fibers affects the strength and sustainability of mortar. The project was inspired by the resource challenges that island communities such as Guam and the Marshall Islands face.

Bilimon tested different fiber types, lengths, and amounts using a standard cement-sand-water mix to measure compressive strength. His research demonstrates how reusing waste materials—such as glass and discarded coconut shells—can reduce waste and support sustainable construction. By using seawater instead of freshwater, the study also addresses water scarcity and promotes eco-friendly building materials that reflect Indigenous knowledge and environmental sustainability in Pacific Island communities.

Abellera presented “Preserving Endangered Orchids in the Marianas: Propagation Techniques for Species Recovery.” Her research focuses on conserving Dendrobium guamense, an endangered orchid found only in the Marianas. To support recovery efforts, Abellera tested two propagation methods—division and stem cuttings—to identify the most effective approach for replanting and conservation.

San Agustin presented “Exploring Propagation Techniques for Conservation of Myrtella bennigseniana, a Native Savanna Shrub.” His study examined how to improve the propagation of Myrtella bennigseniana, a native shrub that helps restore Guam’s savanna ecosystems threatened by land development and habitat loss.

Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D., associate director for natural resources at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, mentored both Abellera and San Agustin.

“The research presented by our students at the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference speaks to their talent, hard work, and the strength of their academic preparation,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA. “Their success reinforces our mission to empower students to advance science that serves island communities and inspires regional progress.”

For more than five decades, SACNAS has promoted diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting students and professionals in pursuing advanced degrees, building careers, and contributing to their communities through science.

October 23, 2025November 17, 2025

Guam Green Growth Makerspace to hold weaving and laser engraver workshops to close out October

Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub technician Justin Cruz works with attendees of a laser engraver workshop at the CHamoru Village campus. The group will host another laser engraver workshop to close out October's training schedule.

Participants in a weaving workshop at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub learn the CHamoru Skills of creation with the coconut leaves. A katupat weaving workshop, compete with celebratory kadu, will be help this month at the CHamoru Village campus.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub has announced two workshops to be hosted at their CHamoru Village campus showcasing both cultural knowledge and high-tech innovation.

Fiber Laser Engraver Workshop

The fiber laser engraver workshop, to be held on Thursday, October 23rd from 5pm to 7:30pm, is geared toward the future of local entrepreneurship and design.

This modern, technical training will introduce attendees to the sophisticated world of fiber laser engraving, a process used for permanent marking and customization on materials like metals, plastics, and various industrial components. This skill is highly sought after in modern fabrication, manufacturing, and personalized gift industries.

“The workshop is perfect for designers, small business owners looking to expand their product offerings, or anyone interested in learning how to operate powerful, precision technology,” explained G3 Makerspace Coordinator Emily Wendte. “Mastering this tool provides a direct pathway into high-value, digitally driven production.”

Finanåguen Tinifok Katupat Weaving Workshop with Kadu

On the other end of the maker spectrum this weaving workshop, which will be held on Thursday, October 30th from 5pm to 7:30pm, focuses on the art of weaving the katupat, a diamond-shaped pouch traditionally woven from coconut leaves to hold rice. More than just a craft, tinifok (weaving) is a vital part of CHamoru heritage, blending sustainability with a functional art form.

Led by CHamoru weaver Martha Tenorio, the workshop provides hands-on instruction in this generational skill. It is a powerful chance for attendees to actively engage in cultural preservation, ensuring this traditional knowledge and the intricate, natural beauty of katupat continue to thrive.

According to Abby Crain the G3 Circular Economy Coordinator, along with the weaving showcase, participants will be treated to some kadu, or CHamoru Stew, to eat with the rice cooked in the katupat.

These two events highlight a strong community focus on holistic development. By valuing the knowledge passed down through generations—like the weaving of the katupat—while simultaneously developing modern digital manufacturing skills, the island community builds a resilient, prosperous, and culturally secure future.

Interested participants are encouraged to secure their spots soon as capacity is limited for these specialized sessions. Registration can be completed digitally at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/guam-green-growth-circular-economy-makerspace and more information about the G3 Makerspace is available at guamgreengrowth.org.

October 10, 2025December 15, 2025

UOG’s G3 Makerspace hosts 3D printing workshop that connects goals with skills

Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub’s Shawn Garcia recently led a 3D Printing workshop at the group’s CHamoru Village location. The workshop is the latest from the G3 Makerspace that aims to bring the benefits of 3D printing and additive manufacturing to local makers and business owners.

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosts regular workshops in their space in Hagåtña which include 3D printing, weaving, textiles, sewing, laser cutting and more. Full workshop schedules can be found on guamgreengrowth.org.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Research Education and Extension Fellow Napu Blas assists during the workshop at the G3 Makerspace. The 3D printing workshop welcomed participants from many age groups including students and local makers.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub (G3 Makerspace) recently hosted a 3D Printing Workshop, offering the community hands-on experience with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology. The event was a part of the G3 Sustainable September lineup, a month-long series dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the island.

The workshop, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of 3D modeling and prototyping, demonstrated how this technology fits into the island’s circular economy model. Attendees learned how digital design translates into physical objects, exploring the process from conceptualization to the final print. This practical knowledge empowers participants to create functional items while minimizing waste.

The session was led by Shawn Garcia, who guided attendees through the use of the G3 Makerspace’s specialized equipment. Garcia emphasized the potential of 3D printing to utilize recycled materials, aligning directly with the G3 Makerspace’s mission to transform waste streams into valuable resources. The workshop highlighted the Makerspace’s commitment to building a local green workforce capable of driving innovation.

“Events like this 3D printing workshop are really important because they bridge the gap between the sustainability goals and tangible, actionable skills,” said Garcia. “By teaching and sharing these skills, we are working to grow a community of creators who can develop local solutions for local challenges.”

The G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub, located in the CHamoru Village, serves as a resource center for entrepreneurs, artisans, and students looking to integrate circular practices into their work, further strengthening Guam’s commitment to a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Monthly workshop schedules are available along with registration access at www.guamgreengrowth.org and on the G3 Makerspace’s official Instagram @guamgreengrowthmakerspace.

September 12, 2025January 13, 2026

UOG, G3 start Sustainable September with proclamation highlighting partnerships for the SDGs

Leaders from the government, academe, and community organizations, led by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, and UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., come together with representatives from various programs dedicated to sustainability initiatives on Guam. Sustainable September kicked off with a proclamation signing on Friday, Sept 5 at the Governor’s Complex, that emphasizes collaborative efforts to achieve the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signs the proclamation declaring Sustainable September. Also in the photo, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D. and Sen. Tina Muna-Barnes. Sustainable September kicked-off with a proclamation signing on Friday, Sept 5 at the Governor’s Complex, that emphasizes collaborative efforts to achieve the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Devin Calvo Santos UOG Student Regent reads the proclamation for Sustainable September. Sustainable September kicked-off with a proclamation signing on Friday, Sept 5 at the Governor’s Complex, that emphasizes collaborative efforts to achieve the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The University of Guam, Guam Green Growth (G3), and partners launched Sustainable September with a proclamation signing, highlighting the multi-sectoral efforts that laid the foundation for the islands’ progress in achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Sustainable September’s month-long activities are organized by G3 and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, including the proclamation signing at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup.

As a catalyst for G3, Guam NSF EPSCoR promotes Sustainable September and its long-term goal of achieving the UN SDGs by 2030.

At the signing, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, lauded G3’s efforts in pioneering an initiative that promotes collaboration in attaining the UN SDGs, saying that sustainability is a collective responsibility.

“It is not just a concept but really it is a movement. We have seen this through the collective efforts of our partners across government, nonprofit, private sectors, and individuals, and how through the efforts of the Guam Green Growth initiative, we are building capacity in the workforce,” Borja Enriquez said.

Enriquez co-chairs the G3 initiative alongside Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who also remarked on the momentum of the G3 movement in creating greater sustainability not only on Guam but in the region by partnering with other island jurisdictions. The Governor mentioned the recently created Green Growth initiatives in the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as examples.

Meanwhile, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., emphasized that sustainability has always been part of the way island communities lived and interacted with each other, “For 4,000 years, sustainability has been ingrained in island life. That’s why we are making a significant impact in everything we do; sustainability is interdisciplinary, and everyone has a role to play.”

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat, MBA, stated that in addition to the signing of the proclamation, Sustainable September’s month-long activities feature a lineup that highlights these multi-sectoral partnerships, including tree-planting events organized by the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative at the Ugum watershed.

Other activities lined up for the month:

Sept 17 – Maila Ta Fan Chesa, hosted by the Micronesian Chefs’ Association in partnership with the American Culinary Federation and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. The event, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Guam, will feature locally sourced ingredients and fish from UOG Sea Grant’s aquaculture systems, with proceeds supporting local culinary students.
Sept 20 –Guam’s 31st International Coastal Cleanup, starting 6:30 AM. The Guam Coastal Management Program organized the event. G3 and the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. will be assisting at the cleanup sites in Adelup and Andersen Air Force Base.
Sept 20– Sustainable Aquaculture Workshop, from 3–5 PM. Guåhan Sustainable Culture will host the workshop at the GSC Food Resiliency Hub in Yona (former Hamamoto Gardens).
Makerspace Workshops for September:
- Sept 25 – 3D Modeling & Printing Workshop, from 5 to 7 PM, at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.
- Sept 25 – Printmaking workshop, from 5 to 7 PM, with Joey Certeza at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation.

Sustainable September activities support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the UN in 2015. This plan highlights the urgent need to address key global sustainability challenges before the 2030 deadline for achieving the 17 UN SDGs.

Guam’s commitment to achieving the SDGs by 2030 was firmed up when it became a founding member of Local2030 Islands Network in 2019. This network provides an island-led, peer-to-peer platform to advance SDG progress, which eventually led to the launching of G3.

August 26, 2025December 15, 2025

G3 Makerspace kicks off plastic collection drive to refurbish school desks

Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz, who is assigned to the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub, checks the surface of the desk prototype that he created. The G3 Makerspace is collecting recyclable plastics to support a new project aimed at refurbishing school desks.

Above is one of two refurbished desk prototypes created at the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub. The desktop, made from recyclable plastics, can also be used as a dry-erase board.

The G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub team operates the machines that produce desktops from recyclable plastics #2 and #5. The photo also showcases two desk prototypes created by the G3 Makerspace for their desk refurbishment project.

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub (G3 Makerspace) has started a campaign to collect recyclable plastics in support of a new project to refurbish school desks. This initiative aims to provide a sustainable solution to a common problem in schools and address a significant challenge in waste management on island.

A waste characterization report commissioned by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) and the Guam Bureau of Statistics and Planning (BSP) found that plastics make up around 25% of the island’s waste that ends up in the Layon landfill. Plastics were the second most common material found, following organic waste.

The significant volume of plastic waste that goes to the landfill highlights the importance of initiatives like this desktop refurbishment project, which aims to turn discarded materials into durable, functional products for the community, according to University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton.

“Through this project, the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub is helping build a waste management pipeline that transforms recyclable plastics into school desks for our students, keeping them out of the landfill and giving them new life,” Shelton said.

The initiative began earlier this year when Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz, who is assigned to the G3 Makerspace, created a prototype for a desk using recycled plastics. Cruz revealed the desk prototype during the announcement of his fellowship, which led the G3 Makerspace to turn the idea into a full-scale project.

“A lot of our schools have poor-quality desks,” said Emily Wendte, G3 Makerspace coordinator. “The tops of the desks are made from a composite material that disintegrates, making them unsafe for kids to use. So, they end up throwing the whole desk away.”

Starting with one classroom at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo, the G3 Makerspace aims to complete between 30 and 50 desks, according to Wendte.

To create the new desktops, the G3 Makerspace would need two types of recyclable plastics: #2 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and #5 polypropylene (PP). HDPE is commonly found in shampoo bottles and laundry detergent containers, while PP is used in yogurt containers and some to-go food containers.

According to Wendte, producing one desktop requires a significant amount of material. “So if we make these desktops from a 3 ft x 3 ft sheet, about three-quarters of an inch thick, that’s roughly 50 pounds of plastic for one sheet.” These plastic sheets are processed using equipment such as a shredder and an extruder machine at the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub.

The project has a target completion date in the first quarter of 2026. To support the effort, the G3 Makerspace is collaborating with the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, UOG Residence Halls, and UOG Global Learning & Engagement to collect recyclable plastics.

“UOG is going to participate in recycling,” said Wendte. “So we’re going to recruit some dorm residents to collect plastics from the dorm, clean them, and prepare them for us to recycle.”

The desk refurbishment project is part of a larger research and product development effort at the G3 Makerspace aimed at finding innovative uses for recyclable plastics. Another project, in partnership with Ernesto Guades, Ph.D., assistant professor at the UOG School of Engineering, involves exploring how certain types of recyclable plastics can be prototyped into construction materials.

As a catalyst for G3, Guam NSF EPSCoR supports research and workforce development in STEM fields that feed directly into the initiatives at the G3 Makerspace. These initiatives — like the desk refurbishment project —transform scientific knowledge into sustainable products and technologies, helping to drive Guam’s green economy forward.

How to Donate
Those interested in donating plastic containers can drop them off at the Plastic Resource Center of the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub (Unit 114) at the CHamoru Village. Donations are accepted every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. during Night Market. For more information, call 671-683-7715.

Before Donating Containers:

Check the recycling number. Look for the number inside the recycling symbol, usually located on the bottom or back of the container.
Only #2 (HDPE) and #5 (PP) plastics are accepted. Examples include coffee containers (except lids), laundry detergent bottles, yogurt containers, and to-go food containers.
Remove all labels and clean thoroughly. Unclean plastics won’t fuse properly and could damage the machines

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

Tulane University biodiversity researchers visit Guam EPSCoR Biorepository, conduct workshops

TUBRI Senior Manager of Biodiversity Informatics Yasin Bakiş, Ph.D. discussing fish landmarks during his presentation.

Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository Research Associate Dave Burdick during the visit with TUBRI.

Hank Bart, Ph.D., Director of TUBRI, during his visit with the Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository Team.

Biorepository Assistant Professor Curator of Crustacea Rob Lasley, Ph.D., during the TUBRI workshop discussions.

TUBRI's Dr. Bakiş in discussion with the Guam EPSCoR Biorepository team during his visit.

Scientists from Tulane University’s Biodiversity Research Institute (TUBRI) collaborated with the University of Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository in April, leading a series of workshops focused on biodiversity technologies.

Hank Bart, Ph.D., director of TUBRI and professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and Yasin Bakiş, Ph.D. senior manager of biodiversity informatics, covered TUBRI-developed technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in processing biological data and fish collection management software. The two TUBRI scientists also toured the university facilities.

“We do biodiversity informatics research and a lot of it is technology for how you can study organisms or infrastructure that you need to store data about organisms – databases, things like that,” said Bart.

“So what we hoped is that there’ll be opportunities to work together for setting up a database for collections, collections in the bio-repository but also other kind of technology they would need,” he added.

Bakiş agreed and added that one motivation for visiting with other institutions is the ability to collaborate in order to develop tools that can be used by other researchers.

“Rather than give them a presentation about what we are doing, it is like brainstorming actually,” said Bakiş, noting that their presentations usually include a lot of time for questions and discussions. “So when we go back home, we bring all those questions with us and we improve our tools and our information systems. It helps a lot.”

One of the main topics of the workshops was Imageomics, a new field of study that involves AI and machine learning to extract biological information directly from images that can turn collections of photographs into databases about organisms and provide insights on many areas of biological research. This has the potential for many uses including species identification, understanding morphology and enumerating samples of microscopic orgasms such as diatoms.

Following the visit Dave Burdick, Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository research associate, said he is interested in the potential benefits of utilizing machine learning for biodiversity research and working on ensuring Biorepository data is ready for AI applications. He believes that establishing and continuing a relationship with TUBRI can help improve the processing of Biorepository specimen data for these purposes.

“By making sure tropical western Pacific fish species are represented in images and data sets that train AI algorithms we can increase the effectiveness of those AI tools for the species in our waters,” said Burdick. “Ultimately, making our images and specimen data more ‘AI ready’ will help make the AI tools more useful for us down the road, as those AI tools will likely allow small teams like ours increase the scope and efficiency of regionally focused biodiversity research.”

Due to the rich variety of organisms found in our region, the Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository is home to thousands of specimens of marine organisms – many of which are still being identified to this day.

“In high diversity areas like the Mariana Islands there is much to be discovered, and much to learn about the species already reported here,” said Burdick, “so we’re always looking for ways to do the work more efficiently and effectively.”

Through this blossoming relationship with TUBRI, it is possible that developing technology may be used in the future to help identify organisms and organize data to more easily make that information accessible to the public.

July 23, 2025August 4, 2025

UOG Biorepository, Marine Lab and NAVFAC host sea sponge workshop

Participants of the UOG Marine Lab & NAVFAC Porifera workshop gather after a sea sponge specimen collecting session.

The University of Guam Marine Laboratory and Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository conducted a two-day workshop focused on Porifera—commonly known as sea sponges—bringing together researchers, students and marine professionals for hands-on learning and fieldwork.

Held on May 29 and 30, and conducted in partnership with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), the workshop detailed the diversity of Porifera species in Guam’s waters, specifically in Apra Harbor. Participants learned basic taxonomy methods used by sponge biologists and also took part in an off-site specimen collection session.

The workshop’s main presentation was delivered by Jan Vicente, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi Manoa’s ToBo Lab, and Gustav Paulay, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of Florida. Having researched sponges in Hawaiʻi for a decade, Vicente discovered similarities between sponge species found in Guam harbors and that of those in Hawaiʻi.

“It’s kind of crucial to have taxonomy workshops at local scales so that we can standardize the methods that we use in different places,” Vicente explains.

Following the presentation, participants of the workshop learned common sponge identification practices using in-person samples. “Some had never seen a sponge before and they went from never seeing a sponge before to identifying different spicule types, to carrying field descriptions as best as possible,” said Vicente.

Spicules are structural elements of a sponge made from calcium carbonate or silica that serve as their skeleton and are major factors in differentiating sponge species.

The workshop went outdoors for its second day as the researchers and participants conducted a sponge specimen collection session. The group convened at Outhouse Beach, a popular scuba-diving spot in close vicinity to Apra Harbor, and spent the morning collecting numerous specimens for identification and categorization back at the UOG Marine Lab. Once they returned to campus, the rest of the afternoon was used for identifying, photographing, and labeling these specimens before they head to storage in the Biorepository.

During a NOAA cruise to Guam in 2017, Vicente collected fresh porifera specimens to use in DNA comparisons against specimens found in Hawaiʻi. These comparisons confirmed to him that the same species of Porifera can be found both in Guam and Hawaiʻi. Through this discovery, Paulay connected Vicente with Robert Lasley, Ph.D., assistant professor and curator of crustacea at the UOG Biorepository, and the group concluded that a sponge workshop held on Guam would be significantly beneficial.

“It was a great opportunity to bring my knowledge from the harbors in Hawaiʻi, because a lot of the species that we find here and the harbors here are found in Hawaiʻi as well, and it’d be interesting to see what are the vectors involved in distributing those species,” Vicente stated.

He also cited the Marine Lab’s access to running seawater and its variety of scientific instruments specializing in studying sponge morphology as reasons to have the workshop here on Guam.

The workshop itself proved to be a success in Vicente’s eyes. Research compounded from years of surveys up until this very workshop has shown the team that local species of Porifera are part of an even bigger species complex originating all the way out from Singapore.

“These specimens that are sitting in museums right now from the ‘90s might be able to yield enough DNA to provide good sequences, but these fresh specimens that have been collected now are going to create even better data because sequencing technology now is amazing,” Vicente said.

Regarding what comes next after the workshop, Vicente hopes that in the next couple of years, there will be a better understanding of the species—providing not only insight into the workshop’s objectives, but also into the evolutionary history of these organisms, what drives them, how they speciate, and how they are connected across the Pacific archipelagos.

On Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, 2025, researchers and students alike gathered at the University of Guam Marine Lab for a Porifera (sea sponge) workshop.

Conducted by the UOG Marine Lab and NAVFAC, the workshop detailed the diversity of porifera species in our local waters, specifically in Apra Harbor. Participants were educated on basic porifera taxonomy methods used by sponge biologists and also took part in an off-site specimen collection session.

The workshop’s main presentation was delivered by Jan Vicente, Ph.D., researcher at the University of Hawaii, Manoa’s ToBo Lab, and Gustav Paulay, Ph.D., professor of Biology at the University of Florida. Having researched sponges in Hawaii for a decade, Vicente discovered similiarities between sponge species found in Guam harbors and that of those in Hawaii. “It’s kind of crucial to have taxonomy workshops at local scales so that we can standardize the methods that we use in different places”, Vicente explains.

Following the presentation, participants of the workshop were taught common sponge identification practices using in-person samples. “Some had never seen a sponge before and they went from never seeing a sponge before to identifying different spicule types, to carrying field descriptions as best as possible”, said Vicente. Spicules are structural elements of a sponge made from calcium carbonate or silica that serve as their skeleton and are major factors in differentiating sponge species.

EPSCoR 20250529 PoriferaWorkshop 125 — *Jan Vicente, Ph.D., researcher at the University of Hawaii, Manoa’s ToBo Lab, demonstrates basic sea sponge identification methods through a microscope.*

During a NOAA cruise to Guam in 2017, Vicente collected fresh porifera specimens to use in DNA comparisons against specimens found in Hawaii. These comparisons confirmed to him that the same species of porifera can be found both in Guam and Hawaii. Through this discovery, Paulay connected Vicente with Robert Lasley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Curator of Crustacea at the UOG Biorepository, and the group concluded that a sponge workshop held on Guam would be significantly beneficial.

“It was a great opportunity to bring my knowledge from the harbors in Hawaii, because a lot of the species that we find here and the harbors here are found in Hawaii as well, and it’d be interesting to see what are the vectors involved in distributing those species,” Vicente stated. He also cited the Marine Lab’s access to running seawater and its variety of scientific instruments specializing in studying sponge morphology as reasons to have the workshop here on Guam.

EPSCoR 20250529 PoriferaWorkshop 175 1 — *The workshop participants begin the classification process following a morning of sea sponge specimen collection near Apra Harbor.*

The workshop itself proved to be a success in Vicente’s eyes. Research compounded from years of surveys up until this very workshop has shown the team that local species of porifera are part of an even bigger species complex originating all the way out from Singapore. “These specimens that are sitting in museums right now from the ‘90s might be able to yield enough DNA to provide good sequences, but these fresh specimens that have been collected now are going to create even better data because sequencing technology now is amazing,” Vicente explains.

In regards to what is to follow after the workshop, Vicente hopes that “in the next couple of years, we’ll have a better understanding of what the species are, which is going to provide not only information about the objectives of the workshop, but also the evolutionary history of these organisms, what drives them, how they speciate, and how are things connected around the archipelagos in the in the Pacific”.