Education Workforce Development

March 12, 2021December 15, 2025

Prospective graduate students: Study coral reefs, gain research experience, have tuition waived, and earn $18,000!

EPSCoR Flyer GRA 2021 Final Social Media Square 020121

Are you a prospective graduate student interested in ensuring the sustainability of coral reefs and the marine environment?

If you’re self-motivated, well-organized, and have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field, Guam EPSCOR has a valuable graduate student research experience for you — and it’s paid!

The Graduate Research Assistantship is a three-year-long program designed to train graduates in scientific research. Selected students will benefit from a tuition waiver of up to 12 credits per semester for the pursuit of a master’s degree, research training, faculty mentorship, possible travel opportunities, and an $18,000 annual stipend ($1,500 per month).

Selected applicants will choose to specialize from the following disciplines: Ecology, Genomics, and/or Oceanography. Depending on chosen specialization, students may learn about DNA extraction and sequencing and/or how to read and analyze data to characterize marine environments. The program may involve hands-on fieldwork to investigate coral reefs or to deploy and retrieve oceanographic instruments while working at the UOG Marine Laboratory. Graduate students will also receive support for their individual thesis defenses.

The program seeks to increase the number and diversity of students who choose careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). All qualified students are encouraged to apply, in particular women, minorities, and students with disabilities.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on March 31, 2021, and accepted students will be notified by April 14, 2021.

Late applications may be considered until the UOG Masters Application Deadline, pending availability of positions.

For more information, contact Sho Hammond at hammonds@triton.uog.edu.

You may download an application by clicking the button below.

March 12, 2021December 15, 2025

Undergrads: Study coral reefs, gain research experience, and get paid!

EPSCoR Flyer SRE 2021 Application Match V1.2 Resize for Social Website Removed

Are you an undergraduate student interested in ensuring the sustainability of coral reefs and the marine environment? If you’re self-motivated, well-organized, and trained in basic lab procedures and microscopy, Guam EPSCOR has a valuable student research experience for you — and it’s paid!

The Student Research Experience program, which will take place from January-December 2021, is designed to train undergraduates in scientific research specific to coral reef ecosystems. Selected students will benefit from research training, faculty mentorship, possible travel opportunities, and a stipend of $500 per month.

The program may involve hands-on fieldwork to investigate coral reefs or to deploy and retrieve oceanographic instruments as well as work in the UOG Marine Laboratory’s Molecular Lab. Students will learn about DNA extraction and sequencing and/or how to read and analyze data to characterize marine environments.

The program seeks to increase the number and diversity of students who choose careers in STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). All qualified students are encouraged to apply, in particular women, minorities, and students with disabilities.

The University of Guam and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam are equal-opportunity employers that have received National Science Foundation funding to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2020, and accepted students will be notified by Dec. 18.

Requests for applications may be directed to Sho Hammond at hammonds@triton.uog.edu. For more information, visit www.guamespscor.uog.edu.

About Guam EPSCOR
The Guam EPSCOR program at the University of Guam is funded by a five-year, $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The program aims to develop Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals & Oceans (GECCO) to ensure the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems in the face of environmental change. Guam EPSCoR aims to situate Guam as a premier research and STEM education hub bolstering sustainability, economic development, and informed decision-making by engaging communities in 21st-century science.

Link to original article: https://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/2020-2021/2020-uog-undergrads-epscor-program.php

June 17, 2020December 15, 2025

Guam EPSCoR Graduate Research Assistant Justin Berg receives 2020 Graduate Student Award

Congratulations to UOG Graduate Student Justin Thomas Berg for being recognized with the 2020 Graduate Student Award from the UOG Office of Graduate Studies.

The 2020 Graduate Awards is an annual competition recognizing excellence, innovation, and impact within the graduate degree programs.

Berg is expected to receive his Master of Science Degree in Biology at UOG in Spring 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, double majoring in biology and pre-veterinary medicine and animal biosciences with a minor in chemistry.

He currently is studying the effects of sedimentation on the coral microbiome in southern Guam, specifically how runoff affects the coral microbiome in a degraded watershed. Berg works at the UOG Marine Laboratory in the Bentlage Laboratory and helps with the coral restoration efforts in the Raymundo Laboratory. Berg is also a Guam EPSCoR Graduate Research Assistant and represented the UOG Marine Laboratory at the National EPSCoR conference in October 2019 in South Carolina.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized for the work that I have applied myself at the University of Guam. I would like to thank the University for this recognition. I would like to thank Guam EPSCoR for their funding and allowing me to work on my high-level, impactful thesis. I would like to thank students, faculty, and boat captains at the UOG Marine Laboratory for the support towards my thesis. Most importantly, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Bastian Bentlage. Bastian is a true role model in the lab and pushes me to do better every day. Thank you for this honor! Si yu’os ma’åse,” Justin Berg.

After he completes his graduate studies, Berg aims to receive his doctorate degree and teach in a research university.

Dr. Bastian Bentlage, assistant professor of bioinformatics, UOG Marine Laboratory, says Berg received the award because he not only excels academically in the MS Biology program but he also volunteers his time to serve the program in many ways including being the program’s student representative and providing extensive mentorship to UOG undergraduates and Guam high school students who pursued research internships with Guam EPSCoR program.

“Justin is an exceptional graduate student, excelling both academically and as a mentor shaping the experiences of our student interns. I am very happy that Justin’s efforts are being recognized with this award and feel blessed to serve as his advisor,” Dr. Bastian Bentlage,

On behalf of the entire Guam EPSCoR Team, Congratulations Justin!

October 17, 2019December 15, 2025

UOG alumna enters doctorate program at University of Newcastle

Former Guam-EPSCoR Research Fellow and University of Guam Marine Laboratory graduate student Mildred Kelokelo has been admitted to the doctorate program at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia.

Kelokelo will study coral farming techniques towards developing, implementing and managing reef restoration efforts in the western Pacific. Her research, which begins in January 2020, will be supported by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

A native of Alotau, Papua New Guinea, Kelokelo worked at the UOG Marine Laboratory’s Biorepository with support from the National Science Foundation-EPSCoR grant to UOG. Her thesis research focused upon sexuality and sex change in the arc-eye hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus). She earned her Master of Science in Biology degree in Fañomnåkan (January-May) 2019.

Kelokelo is a co-author of one publication and one manuscript on gonad histology and sex change in reef fishes. She is also preparing to submit for publication a manuscript based upon her thesis research. Her advisor was Dr. Terry Donaldson.

November 28, 2018December 15, 2025

Guam EPSCoR Student Awarded in STEM Diversity Conference

SACNAS 2018

Guam EPSCoR student, Jordan Barcinas, receives coveted “Outstanding Research Presentation” award in the General Biology/Life Sciences division.Last month, a total of 17 UOG students and faculty attended the 2018 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference. The 45^th annual conference was held in San Antonio, Texas from October 9 – 13. The SACNAS National Conference is regarded as the nation’s largest diversity in STEM conference with over 4,000 student and professional attendees annually.

UOG students competed against thousands of students from across the country during poster presentation sessions. Jordan Barcinas, a UOG Biology student, received a coveted “Outstanding Research Presentation” award in the General Biology/Life Sciences division.

“Winning the award felt surreal, but I am honored that my experiment and presentation was held in such high regard,” elated Barcinas. “I really enjoyed the 2018 SACNAS conference, and I’m thankful to UOG for the experience.” Dr. Bastian Bentlage from the University of Guam Marine Laboratory and Guam EPSCoR mentored Barcinas in his hydroid (jellyfish) research project.

Travel for the Guam delegation to the SACNAS National Conference was made possible through grants awarded to the University of Guam, including the Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam EPSCoR), National Science Foundation INCLUDES Pilot: Growing STEM, UOG Sea Grant, UOG School of Nursing and Health Science’s Build Exito program, the UOG Professional and International Programs, and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.

June 1, 2018December 15, 2025

2018 Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunities

Guam EPSCOR is a 5-year, $6 million grant to the University of Guam from the National Science Foundation. The program aims to develop a Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium to ensure the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems in the face of environmental change. Guam EPSCoR aims to situate Guam as a premier research and STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education hub bolstering sustainability, economic development, and informed decision-making by engaging communities in 21st-century science.

In addition to its research goals, Guam EPSCoR seeks to increase the number and diversity of students who choose STEM careers by engaging students in its Graduate Research Assistantship Program (GRA). The GRA program is a year-long program open to select graduate students seeking research opportunities with Guam EPSCoR faculty. Student research training and tasks may include field work to investigate coral reefs or to deploy and retrieve oceanographic instruments, as well as work in the University of Guam Marine Laboratory’s Molecular Lab. Selected students will learn about DNA extraction and sequencing and/or how to readout and analyze data to characterize marine environments. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, well organized, and have research interests related to the objectives of the Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium.

The University of Guam and Research Corporation of the University of Guam are Equal Opportunity Employers that have received NSF funding to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields. As such, the GRA Program remains open to all qualified students, but women, minorities, and students with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident of Guam, or non-immigrant alien admitted into Guam under the Compacts of Free Association
Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate studies or 3.25 in graduate studies

BENEFITS

Research experience and training
Faculty/Researcher mentoring
Annual stipend of up to $18,000.00
Tuition Waiver of up to 21 credits per semester for up to three academic years for graduate students
Possible travel opportunities

Download the Application

Download the Flyer

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Drop off this application and transcript to:
Guam EPSCoR Office, University of Guam, Dean Circle House #4
Office Hours 8AM – 5PM, Monday – Friday
Or, you can email documents to Mellani Lubuag at lubuagm@triton.uog.edu. PDF format only. Please put “2018 Guam EPSCOR GRA Application” in the subject line.

SPACE IS LIMITED.
DUE DATE: JULY 2, 2018 (CHST)FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mellani Lubuag, Program Manager
lubuagm@triton.uog.edu / (671) 735-0301/09

March 22, 2018December 15, 2025

Pathways to Graduate School in the Sciences

March 1, 2018December 15, 2025

2018 SRE (DEADLINE EXTENDED)

In addition to its research goals, Guam EPSCoR seeks to increase the number and diversity of students who choose STEM careers by engaging students in its Summer Research Experience (SRE) Program. The SRE program is a six-week program open to select undergraduate students seeking research opportunities this summer. Student research training and tasks may include field work to investigate coral reefs or to deploy and retrieve oceanographic instruments, as well as work in the University of Guam Marine Laboratory’s Molecular Lab. Selected students will learn about DNA extraction and sequencing and/or how to readout and analyze data to characterize marine environments. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, well organized, and have basic training or experience in lab procedures and microscopy.

The University of Guam and Research Corporation of the University of Guam are Equal Opportunity Employers that have received NSF funding to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields. As such, the SRE Program remains open to all qualified students, but women, minorities, and students with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be a U.S. citizen and/or permanent resident of Guam
Undergraduate student in good academic standing
Available 8AM – 5PM between June 11 – July 20, 2018, and flexibility to work some nights and weekends

BENEFITS

Research experience
Faculty/Researcher mentoring
$2500 stipend
Possible travel opportunities
On-campus housing and up to $1500 travel reimbursement for off-island participants

Download the Application

Download the Flyer

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Drop off this application and transcript to:
Guam EPSCoR Office, University of Guam, Dean Circle House #4
Office Hours 8AM – 5PM, Monday – Friday
Or, you can email documents to Mellani Lubuag at lubuagm@triton.uog.edu.
PDF format only.

SPACE IS LIMITED.
DUE DATE: February 28, 2018 by 5:00PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mellani Lubuag, Program Manager
lubuagm@triton.uog.edu / (671) 735-0301/09

February 9, 2018December 15, 2025

Developing Guidelines for Responsible Off-Roading

October 27, 2017December 15, 2025

UOG Students and Faculty Attend Nation’s Largest Multi-Cultural Science Conference

uog at sacnas 2017 banner — UOG delegation of students and faculty at 2017 SACNAS-The National Diversity in STEM Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah along with SACNAS Executive Director Dr. Antonia Franco (center left) and SACNAS President Dr. Lino Gonzalez (center right)

University of Guam students and faculty returned this week from 2017 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference, one of the largest and most diverse gatherings in the U.S. for underrepresented minority students and professionals in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The 44th annual conference hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) was attended by nearly 4,000 students and professionals from October 19-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Joseph Casila, a UOG undergraduate student in the College of Natural & Applied Sciences (pictured right with his winning scientific poster), plans to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering. Casila won an award for the best research poster in the Life sciences/Genetics category. He said, “winning at the SACNAS conference was confirmation that my training at UOG is preparing me for a successful career in science.” He added that the conference, “had endless resources and people willing to reach out and help you succeed.”

UOG was recognized at the conference for establishing one of the newest SACNAS Chapters to bring science to local communities through educational outreach events and scientific symposia year-round. UOG SACNAS Chapter Advisor, Dr. Austin Shelton, said “exposing and connecting our students to a national network of leading scientific organizations and mentors opens a wide door to STEM opportunities.” Dr. Shelton shared that the students represented Guam well, and, “they came away with an understanding of what it takes to get doctoral degrees and to eventually become leaders in science and technology careers.”

Travel funding for the UOG delegation of 11 attendees was provided by the National Science Foundation-funded Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) at UOG, the UOG College of Natural & Applied Sciences, SACNAS, the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard, and University of Hawaii Hilo PIPES.