Education Workforce Development

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025

Reflections on the 2024 Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math Research Program

(L-R): Dr. Leslie Aquino, Carlo Tapia, Joanna Laguana, Yoonji Seo, Sean McManus, Dr. Hyunju Oh, and Dr. Bastian Bentlage at the 2024 SMRP Student Showcase.

Joanna Laguana working on her project during the 2024 Summer Math Research Program.

2024 SMRP students discussing their project.

2024 SMRP student Sean McManus presenting their group's findings at the 2024 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference.

2024 SMRP student Yoonji Seo presents her research findings at the 2024 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference.

Guam NSF EPSCoR research program students Sean McManus, Sean Pascua, Sam Wheaton (Research Assistant), Carlo Tapia, Joanna Laguana and Yoonji Seo.

As EPSCoR prepares for its fifth year of the Summer Math Research Program (SMRP), we take a look back at our 2024 program and its students.

The SMRP is an eight-week opportunity for students interested in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) careers to engage in mathematical research. There are two components to the program: (1) the Summer Math Research Assistant program, in which students will work with a faculty member on existing projects, and (2) the Summer Math Research Experience program, in which small groups will collaborate on a project to explore the applications of mathematics toward research questions.

In 2024, Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) students Carlo Tapia, Joanna Laguana, Yoonji Seo, Sean Pascua and Sean McManus developed a mathematical model to investigate how corals change after transplantation by analyzing the different bacterial communities present within the coral at different points in time. Guided by the program’s mentors, including Leslie Aquino, PhD, chair of the UOG Division of Mathematics and Computer Science and Bastian Bentlage, PhD, an associate professor of bioinformatics and co-principal investigator for research at Guam NSF EPSCoR, their project “An Analysis of Coral Transplantation and Bacterial Networks on Guam” contributes to the understanding of the island’s coral reefs and what influences their health and resilience.

Despite coming from different UOG programs – including math, business and biology – the students were able to bond quickly and developed an effective dynamic to accomplish their research project.

“In a way, we just balance each other,” said Pascua during the 2024 program, noting that the group made sure to allow each other to experience different aspects of the research they might have not before.

“We don’t want anyone to focus on being in one role for too long,” agreed McManus. “We want everyone to have experience in each role, whether it’s the writing, the research or the math part. I think we all just want to grow and ensure that we make the most out of this program.”

Fortunately, they were successful in this effort and were all able to learn more about tackling research from different perspectives. Their teamwork and project demonstrated that both biology and mathematics have a role to play in this type of research, with the use of each field strengthening the other.

“In biology, you can only use tentative language and inferences,” said Laguana, a biology student who learned how to tackle research with a more analytical approach through the program. “It takes a while for theories to become laws in comparisons to math. When you go through the motions and are able to successfully complete it, then you can say it’s a proof in a way that’s more concrete than inferences are.”

Because of the program, Laguana believes that the use of mathematical models can help supply more concrete evidence to help strengthen conservation efforts.

“I think our EPSCoR summer program has done really well at exposing our students to marine biology and things they might not have done normally,” said Aquino following the close of the program. “It gives them a chance to do real math research that’s relevant to Guam and our region. Some students really enjoy that aspect.”

Along with giving students a new understanding and experience in the mathematical research process, Aquino also noted that many students who have participated in the SMRP have gone on to graduate school and other STEM opportunities. In fact, students from the 2024 program, were able to present their research at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference – the largest diversity conference in the United States.

Applications are open now for this year’s Summer Math Research Program. Students and students who are interested in gaining this type of experience can apply to by Friday, May 9. Participants will receive a stipend for participating in the program.

More information and applications can be found at the links below!

For sophomores
& juniors

For Seniors & Graduates

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

UOG opens applications for summer math programs

$The Guam NSF EPSCoR Summer Math programs are open for applications. The Summer Math Research Assistant and Summer Math Research Experience is open for students from Sophomore, Junior, Senior and Graduate levels.$

The University of Guam (UOG) has exciting summer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students passionate about mathematics through two distinct programs supported by the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR). Applications are now being accepted for both the Summer Math Research Assistant and the Summer Math Research Experience programs.

These programs offer a unique chance for motivated students to engage in cutting-edge mathematical research under the guidance of UOG faculty. Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and contribute to ongoing research projects with real-world applications.

Summer Math Research Assistant Program:
This program is open for college seniors and recent graduates looking to immerse themselves deeply in a specific research area. Summer Math Research Assistants (SMRA) will work closely with a faculty mentor on an existing research project, contributing to data collection, analysis, modeling, and potentially even manuscript preparation. This intensive experience provides a strong foundation for future graduate studies or careers in STEM fields.

“This is an incredible opportunity for undergraduates to get their feet wet in the world of mathematical research,” said Leslie Aquino PhD, a mathematics professor at UOG and a faculty member for the Guam NSF EPSCoR program. “Students will not only learn advanced mathematical concepts but also develop the crucial skills of collaboration, communication, and independent inquiry.”

Summer Math Research Experience Program:
The Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) offers a broader introduction to mathematical research. College sophomores and juniors will work in small groups on focused research questions, exploring different areas of mathematics and their applications. This program emphasizes collaborative learning and provides a supportive environment for students to develop their research interests.

According to Guam NSF EPSCoR project associate Franki Guerrero, participants will receive various benefits including a stipend.

“The Summer Math Research Program is more than just an academic experience, it’s a chance to explore STEM in action, and build lasting mentorships,” explained Guerrero. “In addition, SMRE students receive a $4,800 stipend, and SMRAs earn $ 5,400 for the 8 weeks they will be in the program, making it both educational and financially supportive.”

Interested students are encouraged to visit the Guam NSF EPSCoR website at guamepscor.uog.edu for information about each program. Applications are being accepted until May 9, 2025.

April 22, 2025April 29, 2025

UOG introduces 5th G3 Conservation Corps

The 5th cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps, along with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, and UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Engagement Kyle Mandapat, hold signs displaying the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in CHamoru.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, speaks at the launch of the 5th cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps. According to Shelton, the enhanced program resulted from the university's and its partners' commitment to workforce development, particularly through the G3 Conservation Corps program."

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez addresses the 5th cohort of the Guam Green Growth Kupu Conservation Corps. She called the new cohort, “the future leaders of Guam’s environmental movement."

The University of Guam (UOG) has announced 12 new participants for the Guam Green Growth (G3) Kupu Conservation Corps, marking its expansion into a six-month program that offers enhanced training and benefits.

The new cohort was introduced by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant on Monday, March 31, at the UOG Global Learning and Engagement Building.

Over the next six months, the new G3 Kupu Conservation Corps members will receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience in various sustainability areas connected to Guam’s green economy. These areas include agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy practices, recycling, and renewable energy.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, called the new cohort, “the future leaders of Guam’s environmental movement.”

“You will gain valuable knowledge, background, and experiences that will ultimately be passed forward and appreciated through this movement for a more sustainable island,” Enriquez added.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who co-chairs the G3 initiative with Enriquez, also emphasized the importance of having a new cohort participate in the program. “We need people who are very conscious minded of conservation, of sustainability. Because that’s how we can continue our quality of life that we so much deserve.”

Here are the new members of the G3 Kupu Conservation Corps:

Christian Arriola
Curtis-Robert Bukikosa
Joshua Cepeda
Marrae Cruz
Audree Justine Amuan James-Perez
Mi’yah Max
Eyana Pereda
Matthew Pangelinan
Nicolas Quinata
John Reynold
John Rushworth
Gideon Tyquiengco

Reflecting on his decision to join the conservation corps, Bukikosa said, “I want to take care of the island and make sure that the resources we have last for the future.”

Meanwhile, Max saw the program announcement as an opportunity to contribute more to the island. Reynold, originally from the Federated States of Micronesia and a Guam resident for 14 years, emphasized that “giving back to the community is important.”

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, said that the enhanced program came to be because of the investments made by the university and its partners into workforce development, in particular, into the G3 Conservation Corps program.

“This is something that has grown in the past few years,” Shelton said.

According to Shelton, the integration of the G3 Conservation Corps with the G3 Kupu Corps for this cycle offers significant advantages. In addition to expanded training, the program now includes an extra month of salary and healthcare benefits for the participants.

Beyond the program’s benefits, Shelton also emphasized its core impact on building a sustainability mindset, which is foundational for the transition to a green economy. “Your role is really important because this is a workforce development program that supports the road toward a green economy,” he said, addressing the new cohort.

Upon completion, participants will receive a stipend and the opportunity to earn up to 80 continuing education units (CEUs) from UOG Global Learning and Engagement. They will also engage with a diverse range of environmental organizations and initiatives across Guam and the broader Micronesia region. The first G3 Conservation Corps program  was launched in 2021.

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

Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for G3. One of its programs is the G3 Conservation Corps, a workforce development initiative that creates opportunities in the green economy.

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025

Initial results of valuation study show Guam NSF EPSCoR’s G3 socio-economic potential

Christian Valencia, an economist working on a valuation study of the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative, shares his initial findings at the Green Growth Summit at the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability. According to Valencia, every dollar invested in the G3 Conservation Corps returns over three times its value to Guam.

For every dollar invested in the Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps at the University of Guam, the island receives more than three times that amount in economic and social value, according to the partial results of an economic valuation of the G3 initiative.

Christian Valencia, an economist, revealed a snapshot of the ongoing study during the 3rd day of the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for G3. One of its programs is the G3 Conservation Corps, a workforce development initiative that creates opportunities in the green economy.

According to Valencia, the study aims to answer a crucial question: How does the G3 initiative — starting with the G3 Conservation Corps — impact the island economically, and how can this information guide future decisions?

With $1.5 million in legislative funding and a $500,000 local match from 2022 to 2024, G3 is estimated to generate an annualized benefit of $1.7 million, according to Valencia. Around $521,461 of the local investment was appropriated for the G3 Conservation Corps program.

“This results in a return on investment (ROI) of 3.42, meaning for every dollar invested in the G3 Conservation Corps, Guam receives more than three times that amount in economic and social value,” Valencia said.

Valencia provided samples of some of the activities evaluated in the study.

An example involves the removal of invasive algae by the G3 Conservation Corps from Guam’s coral reefs, in collaboration with NOAA, the Marine Lab, and the National Park Service. The estimated economic benefit of this effort is $1.7 million per year, based on reef-related economic values associated with diving and snorkeling activities.

Tree planting efforts under the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) have also produced significant results. To date, over 5,400 trees have been planted, contributing to carbon sequestration, improved air quality, and stormwater mitigation. These activities have an estimated long-term benefit of $235,000 over the next 20 years, according to Valencia.

“Just putting everything in perspective, these are preliminary estimates, and of course, our work continues, but it’s already clear, G3 is leveraging these local investments to achieve more value for our island community,” he added.

Valencia highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional economic indicators, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he said often fails to capture the full value of sustainability efforts.

“GDP only measures market output, but it does not account for the non-market benefits of environmental conservation, social equity, and public health,” he said. “Our goal is to put a number to the value of these initiatives and show how they contribute to the broader well-being of the island community.”

As the project continues, Valencia will refine their models to quantify the impacts of G3’s work further, helping policymakers and the public understand the actual value of investing in a sustainable future for Guam.

The Pacific Research on Island Solutions for Adaptation (Pacific RISA), based at the East-West Center and Arizona State University, supports the economic evaluation study.

April 21, 2025May 9, 2025

Marshall Islands joins Green Growth movement, commits to 100% renewable energy at UOG sustainability conference

Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, PhD, signs the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, committing the Marshall Islands’ transition to full renewable energy by 2045. Present at the signing are Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, Blue Planet Alliance Executive Director Francois Rogers, UOG Center for Island Sustainability Director Austin Shelton, PhD, and UOG CIS&SG Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. The event also coincided with the signing of the Marshall Islands as the newest member of the Green Growth movement on April 9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, Guam.

The University of Guam facilitated a historic moment for green economic growth and sustainable development when the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) embraced the Green Growth movement and committed to full renewable energy during the 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

On Friday, April 11, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, PhD, who served as the keynote speaker at the conference, signed the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, officially pledging the Marshall Islands’ commitment to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2045.

This agreement, established in partnership with the Blue Planet Alliance, reinforces the nation’s critical role in climate action and builds upon its 2018 adoption of the 2050 Climate Strategy, which aims for net-zero emissions through renewable energy.

“This alliance today is helping us to move forward to meet that goal. So it’s really supportive of that commitment that we made back in 2017,” said Heine.

The Marshall Islands now joins a network of other island nations, territories, and states—such as Guam, CNMI, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tuvalu—who have committed to the Blue Planet Climate Agreement. This growing global effort is a demonstration of resilience and collaboration among island communities to overcome their shared energy challenges.

Francois Rogers, executive director of Blue Planet Alliance, emphasized the importance of this collective agreement, highlighting its role in fostering cooperation among island nations.

Alongside the signing of the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, Heine also officially joined the Green Growth movement at the conference. Witnesses in the signing included Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, who are the co-chairs of the Guam Green Growth or G3 initiative.

On the important role of the Green Growth movement in strategically implementing measures addressing global sustainable development goals, Celeste Connors, co-chair of the Secretariat for Local2030 Islands Network said, “This is what we’re signing today. It’s recommitting to these green growth principles, island values, and really measuring what matters to our community, building on our political leadership, and implementation and concrete action.”

The Local2030 Islands Network facilitates the Green Growth movement across the Pacific region.

The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability also hosted the first Green Growth Summit, where Borja Enriquez said the Green Growth movement is for the future of the island, “Who are we doing this for? We are doing this for our manhoben, for our youth, for generations to come.,” she said.

At the start of the conference, Borja Enriquez emphasized the university’s part in the movement, “Our conference theme underscores the urgency and proactive approach that we are taking to secure a sustainable future for our island and the broader Pacific region. And the University of Guam plays a vital role in generating knowledge and developing practical solutions for island sustainability,” she said.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, said the expansion of the Green Growth on Guam and across the region indicates an increasing acceptance of the importance of sustainable development. “Sustainability used to be a fringe idea, now it is the centerpiece of global accords — thanks to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. And Guam has found its place as a leader in that movement,” he said.

In 2023, UOG announced its expansion of the G3 Initiative across the Western Pacific, following a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of State through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program. This grant supports the expansion of the Local2030 Islands Network and the Green Growth Initiative to the RMI, CNMI, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

EPSCoR research showcased at 2025 UOG Conference on Island Sustainability

EPSCoR undergraduate student researcher Napu Camacho with his poster at the 2025 Conference on Island Sustainability.

EPSCoR undergraduate student researcher Ale'a Duenas with her poster at the 2025 Conference on Island Sustainability.

From undergraduate students to faculty members, researchers from the University of Guam NSF EPSCoR program showcased their recent and ongoing projects at the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025).

Student Research Experience (SRE) Program

Four undergraduate student researchers revealed their projects under the 2025 EPSCoR SRE Program during the CIS2025 Community Night Poster Presentations. The EPSCoR SRE Program allows students to work with mentors who will guide them in gaining experience in research and encourage careers in STEM.

Among the posters on display was Na’pu Camacho’s project “Assessing Marine Fish-Biodiversity in Pago Bay Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis.” Under the tutelage of Bastian Bentlage, PhD, Camacho will be collecting water samples along different sites within Pago Bay at different tide levels. The water samples will then be filtered to extract environmental DNA (or eDNA) to observe the variety of fish species within the existing marine habitats.

Camacho believes that his research will be useful for numerous reasons including the ability to assess environmental changes within a marine system as well as helping develop the use of eDNA as a reliable method of evaluating fish biodiversity.

“I’d really love to discover a new species,” said Camacho about his ultimate research goal, “because then I can have it named after me.”

Here are the Guam EPSCoR SRE research posters presented at CIS2025 Community Night:

- “Assessing Marine Fish-Biodiversity in Pago Bay Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis” by Napu Camacho
- “Underexplored Sand Biofilm Habitats of Mastogloia in Guam” by Maya Flores

- “Guam’s Enigmatic Ghost Shrimp: Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Local Callianassidae” by Diego Ray Quiogue

- “Assessing Symbiont Responses to Heat Stress in Acropora pulchra” by Ale’a Duenas

EPSCoR researchers presented at CIS2025 breakout sessions

On Thursday, April 10, a breakout session with researchers under the EPSCoR GECCO program was held featuring Biorepository Assistant Professor on Vertebrate Morphology Michalis Mihalitsis, PhD, Graduate Research Assistant Andrew O’Neil and Graduate Research Assistant Diana Noto. During the session, the researchers presented findings and progress of recent and ongoing projects.

Mihalitsis’s presentation was on the feeding ecology of species of surgeonfish, during which he discussed the morphological adaptations of some species to feed on algae and shared video footage to demonstrate those adaptations.

O’Neil updated on his ongoing research studying the effects of turbidity and sedimentation on reef fish, in particular the twinspot damselfish. Among the objectives of his study include examining changes in gill structure and oxygen efficiency as a result of the sedimentation.

Finally, Noto presented progress on her thesis “Diversity of True Crab (Infraorder: Brachyura) Inhabitants Across Algal Hosts.” Noto has been collecting macroalgae across reef habitats on Guam to observe the species of true crabs that can be found within them. She intends for her research to fill an existing knowledge gap since despite macroalgae’s significance within marine ecosystems, there are few studies on it within the tropical Pacific region.

“Macroalgae is generally an under-explored habitat for biodiversity,” Noto stated during her presentation. “There’s more research that has been done on temperate ecosystems. However, only two studies have occurred in tropical ecosystems, which is likely due to the fact that a lot of our focus here tends to be on the coral we have and less on the algae, but we’re trying to work on that with this.”

Research and projects under the Guam NSF EPSCoR GECCO Project are meant to promote understanding of the Micronesian region’s biodiversity and identify solutions that promote the sustainability of coral reefs in rapidly changing environments across the tropical Pacific.

February 25, 2025March 24, 2025

New EPSCoR undergraduate student researchers looking forward to jumping into labs

Guam NSF EPSCoR welcomes four new UOG students to the 2025 Student Research Experience (SRE) program.

Each student will undergo their own research projects under the guidance of one of the Guam NSF EPSCoR faculty mentors – either Christopher Lobban, Ph.D., Robert Lasley, Ph.D., or Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D.

Maya Flores, a sophomore majoring in psychology, has already begun working with Lobban observing diatoms in the genus Mastogloia.

“I’ve already started doing some research so what I’ve found is that it requires a lot of patience, especially looking at diatoms for a couple of hours through the microscope,” said Flores.

She believes that she has the qualities required to diligently observe the microscopic organisms. In fact, she has already become comfortable identifying a few different species of diatoms under the microscope after just a few days studying under Lobban.

“I was just so surprised at how quickly I caught on,” said Flores.

Napu Camacho, a junior in the biochemistry dual track, has begun discussing his research project with Bentlage. Camacho, who intends to go to medical school and become a doctor, plans to bring the skills he acquired doing course lab work to the research experience.

He hopes that through the research experience he will gain more experience in research that will help him in his future career in the medical field.

On the other hand, Diego Quiogue, a biology major, still has yet to decide on a specific career path and hopes that the Student Research Experience will help him narrow his choices.

“Since biology is such a huge field, I was hoping [the research experience] would kind of help me narrow down, at least in terms of marine biology,” said Quiogue, who will be studying crustaceans with Lasley.

“I could decide whether or not I absolutely love it and then decide to maybe get a master’s in marine biology,” Quiogue said

Ale’a Duenas, a previous NSF SEAS INCLUDES undergraduate fellow, will bring her previous research experience to her work under Bentlage. She hopes to be able to learn more about the work and benefits of the research that takes place in Bentlage’s laboratory.

One of Duenas’ goals in this experience is to learn to share research in a way that helps to keep the community better informed. She believes that research is the most impactful when it is accessible and hopes to communicate her findings in a way that inspires and resonates with people.

To see the full interview with the new student researchers, you can watch the video below:

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.

For sophomores& juniors

For Seniors & Graduates

For sophomores
& juniors