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A group of six University of Guam leaders, faculty researchers, and student interns standing side-by-side outdoors, posing for a photo following the announcement of the inaugural Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE seed funding awards.

UOG’s EPSCoR E-CORE awards seed funding to advance local research and workforce development

The University of Guam’s (UOG) Guam National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam NSF EPSCoR) E-CORE (EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems) project has announced the recipients of its inaugural round of seed funding awards, providing nearly $200,000 in competitive research grants to UOG faculty.

Starting where the people are: Navigating Home fellows conclude internship by drawing connections to culture, community, and resource conservation​

Though one approached conservation through the lens of early childhood education and storytelling, and the other through fisheries management, Navigating Home short-term fellows Kira Reklai and Enqi Yang arrived at the exact same conclusion by the end of their three-month experience: protecting Guam’s natural resources requires meeting the community where they are.

Three student fellows give a presentation in a room with ocean murals. One fellow speaks and gestures in front of a monitor displaying a slide about their coral research titled "Our Thoughts on Working with Dr. Houk & Team," while audience members listen in the foreground.

1 Island, 1 Future: Inside the UOG CIS and Sea Grant REEF program, building capacity in our students

Three undergraduate students, Angelie Donguines, Ale’a Duenas, and Dominic Torres participated in the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s Research Education and Extensive Fellowship (REEF) program in Dr. Peter Houk’s lab at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory. Through hands-on projects involving coral skeleton identification, benthic image analysis, and contributing to regional datasets, the interns worked with the Micronesia Coral Reef Monitoring (MCRM) program and learned how to use scientific data and technology to support the protection and monitoring of coral reef ecosystems.

Marine biologist Mafalda Gentil Martins Seiz de Freitas speaks at the 17th Conference on Island Sustainability.

CIS2026 Friday: Rethinking ocean waste in the Pacific

At the 17th Conference on Island Sustainability, marine biologist Mafalda Gentil Martins Seiz de Freitas delivered a presentation grounded in urgency and innovation, drawing directly from her work addressing marine debris across the Pacific.

William Castillo, wearing a red floral aloha shirt and a lei, speaks into a microphone behind a tropical-themed podium at the 17th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability.

CIS2026 FRIDAY: Featured speaker at sustainability conference turns waste into opportunity

“And I think a lot of us, across island communities, are standing in that same proverbial space, surrounded by opportunity, but calling it waste.”

That reflection from William Castillo anchored his presentation at the 17th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability, where he was featured as a speaker sharing perspectives on value-added agriculture and economic resilience for island communities. Castillo is an associate professor and director of workforce development at Leeward Community College, where he leads initiatives that link education, workforce training, and entrepreneurship.

Picture of UOG CIS member planting endangered plant.

UOG brings critically endangered håyun lågu back to the wild

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) Natural Resources division, alongside the Guam Preservation Trust (GPT) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), hosted an outplanting event at the Atantåno Heritage Preserve in the village of Santa Rita.

UOG introduces 2026 REEF fellows and G3 Circular Economy interns

UOG introduces 2026 REEF fellows and G3 Circular Economy interns

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has announced six students selected for the 2026 Research, Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) and Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Internship. Over the coming months, these students will bridge the gap between classroom theory and hands-on practice, gaining professional experience in fields ranging from coral reef ecology to the island’s circular economy.

UOG Interns Showcase Innovation in Sustainability at Green Growth Hub

Two University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) interns concluded their terms at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub with presentations highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

UOG researcher presents Guam’s bat conservation efforts at international seminar in Belgium

University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant associate director for natural resources Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D., represented Guam at a prestigious international seminar on bat conservation at UCLouvain in Belgium, where researchers from across the Indo-Pacific region gathered to discuss the critical intersection of indigenous knowledge and species protection.

UOG’s new REEF program opens sustainability opportunities beyond science majors

Focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has launched an undergraduate internship program that expands opportunities for participants from non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

UOG unveils 2024 CIS & Sea Grant Impact Book, showcasing project progress and over 33x ROI on local funds

The University of Guam’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) program today announced the release of its 2024 Impact Book, chronicling a year of significant progress in sustainable development. The report highlights major initiatives including record breaking progress in the Sea Turtle Management program, Guihan for Guahan, the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) and more.

G3CC Dives into Fisheries Management at Week-Long Workshop

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) went fishing for new skills with the experts from the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainabilty & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), diving into the biological and cultural aspects of sustainable fisheries.

G3CC catches snakes and new skills at invasive species training

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Crops (G3CC) went scouting for snakes with the National Park Service and community group, Friends of Islan Dåno, learning how to track, capture and dispose of invasive brown tree snakes that have slithered throughout Guam.

UOG’s Taylor dives deep with new rabbitfish book

The University of Guam (UOG) is proud to announce the release of Biology of Rabbitfishes, a comprehensive volume exploring the evolutionary history, ecological roles, and economic significance of rabbitfishes (family Siganidae).

UOG’s Shelton profiled for SDG leadership by UN initiative

The American Leadership on the SDGs, a United Nations initiative, has featured University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., for his work in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps assists with sea turtle monitoring program

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps spent a week in the field immersed in vital conservation work alongside the University of Guam (UOG) Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s dedicated Sea Turtle Monitoring team. Corps members received invaluable hands-on training and education focused on the preservation of Guam’s native sea turtle populations and their crucial nesting habitats.

Students board the Nautilus vessel before Marianas Trench expedition

Students from the University of Guam’s (UOG) National Science Foundation Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES), Navigating Home and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs recently embarked on an extraordinary journey of scientific discovery, touring the state-of-the-art research vessel, Nautilus Live. This unique opportunity provided future island scientists with an invaluable firsthand look into cutting-edge ocean exploration and research.

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps learns about the waste system on Guam

Members of the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) recently dedicated an intensive week to understanding the complexities of waste management on the island, collaborating with industry leader Guahan Waste Control. This immersive experience is a critical component of the G3 Conservation Corps program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders and a skilled workforce for Guam’s emerging green economy.

UOG opens applications for summer math programs

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.

G3 regional partner CNMI Green Growth reports food security initiatives at CIS2025

Leveraging regional partnerships with the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative along with local knowledge and innovation, the CNMI Green Growth—one of the latest members of the expanding Green Growth movement across Micronesia—has outlined its accomplishments at the first Green Growth Summit, including initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture and agroforestry to enhance food security.

UOG Student Researcher presents innovative solution for vape battery waste at G3 Makerspace Science Café

Carlo Tapia, a student intern researcher with the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS and SG), recently presented his research on converting used vape batteries into functional power bank chargers at a Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace Science Café event. The presentation highlighted a potential solution to the growing problem of electronic waste, particularly the disposal of vape batteries, which contain hazardous materials.

UOG workshop reveals findings on tackling crown-of-thorns outbreaks

Insights into reproductive trends, predation patterns, and climatic triggers observed prior to a crown-of-thorns (COTS) outbreak are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to protect coral reefs, according to Ciemon Caballes, Ph.D., a senior research associate at the University of Guam’s NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab.

UOG to host free fisheries community science workshop

An upcoming workshop organized by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG) will enable the local fishing community to learn how to become community scientists by contributing data about their local catch.

G3 Local2030 Islands Network Corps learn land conservation methods

The Guam Green Growth Local2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps (G3LIONCC) recently wrapped up a training module with the University of Guam’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS and SG) Natural Resources team, working to safeguard Guam’s endangered plant species. This development effort aims to bolster research and conservation efforts for these delicate and vital components of Guam’s unique ecosystem.

UOG students win awards and shine at SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference

University of Guam (UOG) student researchers made a strong showing at the 2024 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona; bringing together thousands of scientists, engineers, and students from across the nation.

UOG student selected for prestigious Knauss Fellowship

University of Guam (UOG) student Garret O’Donnell has been selected for the highly competitive Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Sea Grant College Program.

Extension

Make your voice heard: Join the Guam Habitat Conservation Plan meeting

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

Sea Grant aquaculture expands community-based program

The University of Guam Sea Grant is expanding its aquaculture program by offering more groups on the island an opportunity to apply for their own backyard recirculating aquaculture systems. With

G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps digs into trash

Members of the Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Islands Network Conservation Corps dive into action with a waste audit at the university residence halls, marking over a month of

Countdown to 2030: UOG and partners celebrate Sustainable September

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

UOG launches new conservation corps with regional impact

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

UOG celebrates third G3 Conservation Corps graduation

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

SEAS Islands Alliance Guam Hub Alumni is Triton Athlete of the Year

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

UOG students promote health benefits of local veggies

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

G3CC excited for new experiences after storm

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

Research

Demeulenaere makes waves at botany congress in Spain

Associate Director for Natural Resources at the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Else Demeulenaere, delivered a captivating presentation at the XX International Botanical Congress, held in Madrid, Spain.

From ocean literacy to reef to ridge: UOG introduces new Sea Grant research

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant announced this month the recipients of the 2024-2026 UOG Sea Grant Competitive Research Funding. The grants support research projects addressing critical challenges facing Micronesia’s coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies.

UOG Sea Grant Continues Critical Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

The University of Guam Sea Grant program continues to make progress in protecting and understanding Guam’s endangered sea turtle population. Since 2018, Sea Grant entered into a Cooperative Agreement with NAVFAC Marianas to monitor nesting beaches on Andersen AFB. This collaboration has added years of meaningful research and conservation efforts, while remaining dedicated to preserving the native species of the Marianas, the Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles.   

Picture of a fish called "trevally"

UOG Continues Project to Monitor Guam’s Reefs and Fish

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant is continuing its Guihan for Guahan project, a collaborative effort with local fishers to monitor the health of Guam’s reefs. Launched in February 2023, the project collects long-term data on fish catches to assess reef diversity and overall health. By working closely with fishers, researchers gather information on fish size, species and abundance.

From local action to global impact: Guam Green Growth shines at Small Island Developing States Conference

Guam was front and center at the United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda as Guam Green Growth (G3) Steering Committee co-chair and Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua Tenorio played a prominent role at the conference, facilitating a roundtable panel during the 3rd Leaders’ Summit of the Local2030 Islands Network that included Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and numerous other heads of state. He also delivered keynote remarks at the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception.

D’Amy on the Hill

The University of Guam Sea Grant program would like to congratulate Guam’s second Knauss Fellow, D’Amy Steward.  D’Amy will be working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the

Second cohort completes UOG traditional healing course

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, speaks at the graduation ceremony for the second traditional healing and medicine class for Fanuchånan 2023

Townhall explores ocean and wave energy for Guam

Around 50 people from the public and private sector, and the academe, share their perception on developing ocean and wave energy systems for aquaculture and various socio-economic industries, at a

UOG receives national STEM recognition

UOG 2023 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference delegation pose for a picture after being recognized as the 2023 Undergraduate Chapter of the Year Dr. Austin Shelton speaking among

UOG receives national STEM recognition

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

CIS’ Demeulenaere presents at BSP symposium

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

Rainy season means it’s planting time for GROW

University of Guam students participate in a tree planting event at the Guam Restoration of Watershed’s Ugum Watershed project site. Along with students, summer camp attendees and community group volunteers

UOG launches program addressing brain drain

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

CIS Native Plant Nursery Typhoon Mawar Recovery Update

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

Leilani Sablan presenting thesis

Turtle and Fisheries Biologist defends thesis

Previous image Next image University of Guam Sea Grant Turtle and Fisheries Biologist Leilani Sablan defended her thesis for her master’s degree recently at the UOG Marine Lab. Sablan, who

Hayun Lagu mother tree sees damage from Mawar

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

CIS-CNAS research on endemic, endangered butterfly

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

Sea Grant biologist presents at CNAS STEM conference 

CHamoru scientist Leilani Sablan underscored the importance of bridging science and culture and encouraging more indigenous scientists to practice on island during her presentation at the UOG College of Natural

GROWING Guam’s Future: Community Rallies for Watershed Restoration

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

UOG opens recruitment for NSF Navigating Home fellowship

The University of Guam (UOG) has officially opened recruitment for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Navigating Home Year-long Early Career Fellowship. This exciting opportunity aims to attract and retain talented individuals who are pursuing their masters or doctorate degrees who may have moved off Guam, and are ready to return home.

Guam Green Growth Kupu Corps fellow completes Forestry internship

Guam Green Growth (G3) Kupu Corps fellow Elisa Padilla has wrapped up her term working alongside the Guam Department of Agriculture Forestry Division. Padilla continued her work in sustainability following a term in the G3 Conservation Corps.

UOG and partners start Sustainable September with proclamation signing

With only six more years remaining until 2030, the target year for achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, along with Guam Green Growth and other multi-sectoral partners launched Sustainable September, a month-long commemoration promoting awareness of the SDGs.

GROW conducts youth outreach with Malesso summer students

The University of Guam’s Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative recently partnered with the Malesso Summer Camp for a reforestation training aimed at revitalizing the island’s natural resources and preventing further erosion and degradation of the Ugum watershed.

G3CC Recycles Its Way to a Greener Liberation Day

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) brought environmental responsibility to the forefront of the 80th Guam Liberation Day Parade. This year’s festivities weren’t just a celebration of freedom, but also a promotion of a sustainable future through a territory-wide recycling effort.

Apply for our UOG CIS and Sea Grant Scicom Internship Now!

UOG CIS and Sea Grant have an internship available for you! We are looking for students ready for real world, real time development in the field of Science Communication! Photography, videography, writing, event staging and more are just some of the areas we will be working with you on! If you are interested, apply between now and Friday at midnight!

UOG Aquaponics Team Showcases Progress

Dave Crisostomo, Aquaculture Specialist for UOG Sea Grant; Joshua Muña, Aquaculture Associate for UOG Sea Grant; and Johnny Borja showcase a fresh harvest of a lettuce variant: Summer Crisp Fusion

Endangered Species Day Open House at UOG CIS

Associate Director for Natural Resources at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant, Else Demeulenaere PhD carries a pot of Ufa hålom tåno’, just one of many species

First mural in G3 Art Corps lineup revealed

The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative at the University of Guam unveiled its first Art Corps mural on Friday, February 2, in Yona. The mural, titled “Megot Nalina’låta” by artist

Guam G3 lauds new CNMI Green Growth initiative

While holding a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal each, representatives from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) government, Northern Marianas College (NMC), and Guam Green Growth pose for

GROW Initiative continues to thrive into new year

A GROW sign is displayed marking a tree planting site for participants Two members of the Local2030’s Corps place white flags to indicate where holes have been dug to plant

Guam Habitat Conservation Plan development starts community discussion

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative has been making significant strides in revitalizing the island’s natural environment through a series of community tree planting events. These events, which have drawn volunteers of all ages, aim to restore degraded watersheds and protect Guam’s precious marine ecosystems.

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Contact Us 

303 University Drive

UOG Station

Mangilao, Guam 96913 

Phone: (671)735-5631 

 Email: cis@uog.edu  

seagrant@uog.edu    

©2026 University of Guam 

Sea Grant. All rights reserved.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration logo
303 University Drive UOG Station
Mangilao, Guam 96913 
Phone: (671)-735-5631 
 Email: cis@uog.edu  
seagrant@uog.edu   
Contact Us  
©2026 University of Guam 
Sea Grant.
All rights reserved.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration logo
303 University Drive
UOG Station
Mangilao, Guam 96913 
Phone: (671)735-5631 
 Email: cis@uog.edu  
seagrant@uog.edu   
Contact Us  
©2026 University of Guam 
Sea Grant. All rights reserved.
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