By Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, President

Breaking New Ground in Research and Representation

Twenty-two of the 34 students presented groundbreaking research spanning marine biology, environmental science, and engineering. Their work didn't just showcase individual talent—it demonstrated Guam's unique environmental perspectives and cultural insights on the national stage. Each presentation represented countless hours of rigorous research, mentorship, and dedication to advancing scientific understanding of our region's distinct challenges and opportunities.

The impact was immediate and profound. Anna Lhyn Mallari, a senior civil engineering major, earned recognition for her outstanding presentation: "This award reflects the dedication and support of my mentors and colleagues," she shared. "I am proud to bring it back to the University of Guam and to the School of Engineering. SACNAS provides an invaluable opportunity for students from various disciplines to engage in research and learn from one another."

These transformative opportunities made possible through UOG's commitment to student excellence, exemplify how the University creates pathways for students to shine on the national stage.

For Nadley Yow, a biology major from Yap, who also earned an award for her presentation, the conference offered a platform to bridge traditional knowledge with modern science through her research on the Hibiscus tiliaceus, a plant native to her homeland. "Being able to present my project on the island of Yap to thousands of people is not something that I have ever thought of as a young girl," Yow reflected. "I am thankful, and I hope I get to continue to do these things in the future."

Her work exemplifies the unique perspective Pacific Island students bring to the scientific community, where ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge research intersect to create new pathways for discovery.

Opportunities That Shape Futures

Our participation in SACNAS was made possible through grants from the National Science Foundation, Guam NSF EPSCoR, NSF Navigating Home, SEAS Islands Alliance, the Sloan Foundation. Travel scholarships were also awarded by SACNAS and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam. The opportunity to participate extends far beyond individual student experiences, strengthening Guam's position as an emerging hub for research and scientific talent in the Pacific region.

The benefits ripple throughout our community in multiple ways:

• Students return with advanced skills and professional networks that can spark local innovation and economic development
• Their success inspires the next generation of Guam's STEM leaders, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent
• New collaborative opportunities emerge between Guam and mainland institutions, fostering knowledge exchange
• Our island's unique environmental challenges gain national attention and research focus
• Local industries benefit from an expanding pool of skilled professionals ready to tackle regional challenges

Advancing Pacific Leadership in STEM

UOG addresses critical workforce needs by cultivating homegrown STEM talent while positioning Guam at the forefront of regional scientific discovery. As Guam's only public university, UOG uniquely enables these career-defining experiences, creating opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many of our island's aspiring scientists. Our students aren't just pursuing careers—they're becoming leaders who will tackle pressing challenges in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Their research advances scientific understanding and contributes to solutions that benefit our entire community.

Austin Shelton, Director of the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant at UOG also serves as treasurer of the SACNAS National Board of Directors and alongside UOG Associate Professor Cheryl Sangueza serves as a faculty co-advisor for the UOG SACNAS Student Chapter.

He says that by “participating in this national conference, our students have access to hundreds of potential partners in their educational growth including some of the top graduate schools, scholarship organizations, and industry employers.”

The experience our students gain through conferences like SACNAS proves transformative not just for them but for our entire island. When they return to Guam, they bring back more than research presentations and awards—they carry new perspectives, methodologies, and connections that enrich our local scientific community. Their enhanced confidence and expanded professional networks create pathways for future collaborations that can address Guam's most pressing challenges.

The SACNAS delegation exemplifies UOG's mission to deliver public value through education, research, and community engagement. Every presentation given, connection made, and award earned strengthens Guam's voice in the global scientific community. Their achievements demonstrate that our island's size does not limit our potential for scientific excellence and innovation.

Tulos Mo’na! Biba UOG!