Category: Education Workforce Development

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EPSCoR Summer Math Research Program SMRE Application Deadline Extended!

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Guam, USA – May 19, 2021 – Are you a STEM undergraduate or recent graduate student interested in mathematics and ensuring the sustainability of our local environment? If you’re self-motivated, well-organized, and majoring in Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, Guam EPSCOR has a valuable summer research experiences for you — and it’s paid! 

The Guam EPSCoR Summer Math Research Program (SMRP) is extending an application deadline and seeking applications for:  

The Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) is seven (7) weeks-long taking place from June 7th to July 24th, 2021. The SMRE aims to give qualified STEM undergraduate Sophomores, and Juniors an opportunity to participate in research experiences in the mathematical sciences, with applications in the natural sciences. Students will study mathematical models of coral reef responses to adverse effects and stressors such as bleaching, disease, low water flow, and high turbidity. Eligible applicants must have completed MA203: Calculus I or equivalent with a grade “B” or better. Selected applicants will be paid a stipend of $3,500, assigned a faculty mentor, gain skills in industry standard software, and more! For applications and more information please visit www.guamepscor.uog.edu/smre  

The Summer Math Research Assistant (SMRA) application window CLOSED on May 19, 2021. Thank you for your interest and please apply next summer.   

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 for SMRE is extended to 5 p.m. on May 26th, 2021. Accepted students will be notified by May 28th, 2021. Late applications may be considered until all positions are filled.  For more information visit our web pages linked above or contact epscor.smrp@triton.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’s Established Program for the Stimulation of Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The program aims to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields through developing a research program that helps 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. 

 

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Biology student discovers two potentially new species from Yap

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Christopher Lobban, a University of Guam Professor emeritus of biology, in Microscopy Teaching & Research Laboratory that he operates on the UOG campus. Lobban and his research fello, Gabriella Prelosky, are working to document and name two potentially new species of diatoms they found in the magroves of Yap.
Christopher Lobban, a University of Guam Professor emeritus of biology, in Microscopy Teaching & Research Laboratory that he operates on the UOG campus. Lobban and his research fello, Gabriella Prelosky, are working to document and name two potentially new species of diatoms they found in the magroves of Yap.
Gabriella Prelosky, an undergraduate student studying marine biology at the Unieristy of Guam, discovered two potentially new species of diatoms while doing a research fellowship under the NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance program.
Gabriella Prelosky, an undergraduate student studying marine biology at the Unieristy of Guam, discovered two potentially new species of diatoms while doing a research fellowship under the NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance program.
UOG Professor Emeritus of Biology Christopher Lobban and biology student and research fellow Gabriella Prelosky examine a single-celled algae under a microscope that they discovered in a mud sample from Yap. They are preparing research paper to document two diatoms that are potentially new species.
UOG Professor Emeritus of Biology Christopher Lobban and biology student and research fellow Gabriella Prelosky examine a single-celled algae under a microscope that they discovered in a mud sample from Yap. They are preparing research paper to document two diatoms that are potentially new species.
Dr. Christopher Lobban displays a collection of diatoms.
Dr. Christopher Lobban displays a collection of diatoms.
Dr. Christopher Lobban displays a collection of diatoms.
Dr. Christopher Lobban displays a collection of diatoms.
Gabriella Prelosky prepares to examine samples.
Gabriella Prelosky prepares to examine samples.
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Article - New Diatom Species - Photo 6

Gabriella Prelosky, an undergraduate biology student at the University of Guam, is in the process of naming two potentially new species of diatoms that she found while examining a mud sample from a mangrove in Yap. Diatoms are single-celled algae found in oceans, lakes, and rivers. 

“They’re primary producers, so they’re photosynthetic organisms,” said UOG Professor Emeritus of Biology Christopher Lobban, Prelosky’s mentor. “The other characteristic they have is that they’re the base of the food chain — they’re part of the reason why mangroves are rich areas. In freshwater studies, there’s been a push to know more about water quality, and diatoms act as water quality indicators.”

Prelosky is working in Lobban’s Microscopy Teaching & Research Laboratory on the UOG campus for a research fellowship with the NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Islands Alliance program, a $10 million initiative funded by the National Science Foundation to broaden participation in STEM fields of students in U.S. territories and affiliated islands.

In studying the mud sample, Prelosky came across a very long figure. 

She said, “I took a couple pictures and showed it to Dr. Lobban, and he said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that before.”’ 

Lobban sent the pictures to a colleague, who identified the specimen as a member of the genus Gompotheca.

“At that point, we started thinking that we found something new,” Lobban said. “There are only two species in the genus Gompotheca, and they’re both characterized as being very rare. One species had been studied in a scanning electron microscope, and we can see the differences between them, so we know it wasn’t that one. The second one doesn’t even look like it belongs in the same genus.” 

A few weeks later, Prelosky found the second potentially new species from the same sample.

“Dr. Lobban noticed that it looked like a different species,” Prelosky said. “But what was distinct about it is that it had these arches and these flaps. He looked more into it and said it was probably a new species as well.” 

According to Lobban, new species are being found all the time because marine tropical diatoms have not been extensively explored. Much of the literature on single-celled algae dates to the 1800s.

Both findings will officially be new species once a paper about the diatoms has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication.

‘I wanted to name them after people important to me’

In documenting and describing the species in a research paper, Prelosky will also get to name them. She announced the names at the first annual UOG STEM Conference, which took place virtually from April 16–17. 

“The first one is named Gompotheca marciae,” Prelosky said. “I talked to my parents about naming them after my two grandmothers: Mary from my dad’s side and Marcia from my mom’s. They have similar names, so it was easy to combine them.” 

Prelosky named the second one Campylodiscus tatreauae after Linda Tatreau, her former science teacher from George Washington High School. 

“I named it after her because she’s been such a helpful person in my journey to marine biology,” Prelosky said. “I thought it would be nice to name it after her because without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Alliance is administered by the Center for Island Sustainability and the Sea Grant program at the University of Guam and collaborates closely with the Guam EPSCoR program, also funded by the National Science Foundation.

Link to original article.

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Summer Research Positions Available with EPSCoR Math Summer Research Program 2021!

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STEM Undergraduate and Recent Graduate Students:

Study mathematical modeling, gain research experience, and get paid for the summer! 

Guam, USA – May 12, 2021 – Are you a STEM undergraduate or recent graduate student interested in mathematics and ensuring the sustainability of our local environment? If you’re self-motivated, well-organized, and majoring in Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, Guam EPSCOR has a valuable summer research experiences for you — and it’s paid! 

The Guam EPSCoR Summer Math Research Program (SMRP) is seeking applicants for 2 (two) Summer Research positions:  

The Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) is seven (7) weeks-long taking place from June 7th to July 24th, 2021. The SMRE aims to give qualified STEM undergraduate Sophomores, and Juniors an opportunity to participate in research experiences in the mathematical sciences, with applications in the natural sciences. Students will study mathematical models of coral reef responses to adverse effects and stressors such as bleaching, disease, low water flow, and high turbidity. Eligible applicants must have completed MA203: Calculus I or equivalent with a grade “B” or better. Selected applicants will be paid a stipend of $3,500, assigned a faculty mentor, gain skills in industry-standard software, and more! For applications and more information please visit www.guamepscor.uog.edu/smre  

The Summer Math Research Assistant (SMRA) is nine (9) weeks-long taking place from May 24th to July 24th, 2021. The SMRA aims to provide STEM undergraduate Seniors and recent graduates an opportunity to gain experience as research assistants and near-peer mentors for undergraduate participating in EPSCoR Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE). Assistants will also mentor participants of the National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (NREUP), and Young Scholars Research Experience in Mathematics (YSREM) conducting modeling for the population dynamics studies of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beatle and the parasitoid wasp attacking the Mariana Eight Spot Butterfly. Eligible applicants should be proficient in using LaTeX, Beamer MATLAB, and/or R. Selected applicants will be paid a stipend of $4,500. For applications or more information please visit www.guamepscor.uog.edu/smra  

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 p.m. on May 19th, 2021. Accepted students will be notified by May 21st, 2021. Late applications may be considered until all positions are filled.

For more information visit our web pages linked above or contact epscor.smrp@triton.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’s Established Program for the Stimulation of Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The program aims to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields through developing a research program that helps 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. 

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

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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.

Download the 2021 GRA Application Here
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Undergrads: Study coral reefs, gain research experience, and get paid!

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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.

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

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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!

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UOG alumna enters doctorate program at University of Newcastle

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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.

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Guam EPSCoR Student Awarded in STEM Diversity Conference

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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 45th 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. 

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2018 Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunities

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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.

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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

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