





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!