Leon Guerrero is back to bring some energy to new project

Morgan Leon Guerrero was the first National Science Foundation Navigating Home fellow in the summer of 2022, where she had the opportunity to work with the Guam Energy Office on developing policy memos, legislation, and collaborating with government agencies and decision-makers focusing on sustainability and environmental challenges of island communities. 

Now she is back at the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, where her interest in sustainability was honed and inspired her to pursue a master’s degree within the Sustainability Solutions program at Arizona State University (ASU) where she focused on energy transitions. 

“Austin [Shelton]played a key role in helping me decide on ASU for my graduate studies. When I graduated in 2023 and came home to Guam he offered me the chance of a lifetime,” explained Leon Guerrero. 

Energy policy is what energizes Leon Guerrero. 

The dynamic nature of the field and its importance in modern life excites her and gets her firing on all cylinders. 

“Energy is not just what runs our refrigerators: it involves transportation, and communication. New technology for clean energy is evolving exponentially almost daily,” added Leon Guerrero. 

Her enthusiasm is palpable, especially when she talks about how Guam can benefit from the latest energy grants CIS/SG has recently been awarded as well as the larger grant they are in the process of applying for. 

She believes Guam should consider diversifying the grid by looking at large-scale, residential, and community solar, wind, ocean energy, coastal wind and wave energy projects. 

“I see Guam as a test bed of renewable energy. There are so many different types of opportunities that the island can get to bring more technology here and build capacity,” Leon Guerrero enthused. 

The Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant continues to attract a new generation of forward thinkers like Morgan Leon Guerrero to make a difference for Guam and the region.