Directory

CREDENTIALS

• B.A., CHamoru Studies, University of Guam
• BSW, Sozialakademie, Bregenz, Austria
• MHR, University of Oklahoma
• MSW, M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan

CREDENTIALS

• Ph.D., Anthropology (Emphasis: Ecological/Environmental Anthropology), University of Georgia
• Post-Doc, Geography, Pennsylvania State University
• M,S., Environmental Studies, University of Oregon
• B.S., Biology, Cornell University

Dr. Jen Shaffer joins the faculty of the University of Guam College of Natural & Applied Science as an Extension Agent IV in the Cooperative Extension & Outreach’s Community Development Program during her sabbatical year. She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland College Park in the Department of Anthropology, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, with an affiliate appointment in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Her research focuses on questions of social-ecological systems complexity from the unique, and often neglected, perspective of the people living within these systems. As an ecological and environmental anthropologist, she investigates the amalgamation of environmental knowledge-practice-beliefs, also known as local, traditional, or indigenous knowledge, that people use to sustain their livelihoods and households in continually changing environments. The interdisciplinary approaches she takes afford opportunities for scientists, community members, and policy makers and implementers to work together, co-producing new knowledge necessary for culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions regarding adaptation to global climate change, food and water security, resource management and governance, and species conservation. She has collaborated with local communities on environmental research in eastern and southern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa), the South Pacific (Fiji, American Samoa), and mainland United States (Oregon, Maryland).

CREDENTIALS

• B.S., Marine Biology, Hawaii Pacific University
• M.S., Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Ph.D., Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa

ABOUT

Dr. Austin J. Shelton serves as the director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and as an associate professor. 

A native of Guam, Shelton grew up observing environmental degradation and was inspired to become a marine and environmental scientist. Shelton is an Obama Leader, BMW Guam Electrifying Leader, Micronesia Conservation Coalition Tide Changer Educator, and one of 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam. He led the team that earned the University of Guam its designation from NOAA as a Sea Grant Institute in 2022. Shelton works to revive island ecosystems and advance the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He is the steering committee co-chair of Guam Green Growth (G3), the island’s most comprehensive public-private partnership ever created to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future. Shelton leads projects focused on watershed and coral reef restoration, circular economy, green workforce development, food security, aquaculture, renewable energy, science communication, and building STEM capacity in Pacific Islander communities.

Since starting his career at the University of Guam in 2016, Shelton and his collaborators built a portfolio of grants exceeding $59.2 Million, created more than 80 full- time jobs, provided over 260 paid workforce development experiences, and delivered thousands of community-focused impacts. His service roles include board of trustees chair for the Micronesia Conservation Trust and steering committee member of the Local2030 Islands Network and Climate Strong Islands Network.

Shelton earned a B.S. degree in marine biology from Hawaiʻi Pacific University and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in zoology with a specialization in marine biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.