UOG’s new REEF program opens sustainability opportunities beyond science majors
UOG’s new REEF program opens sustainability opportunities beyond science majors
UOG’s new REEF program opens sustainability opportunities beyond science majors
10/7/2025
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.
Called the Research Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) program, the first cohort was unveiled at an event at the UOG Robert F. Kennedy Library.
“This blend of students from different programs demonstrate that sustainable development is not the responsibility of one particular field,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of UOG CIS & Sea Grant who pointed out that the new internship program promotes the different aspects of sustainability in everyday life. “It’s not just about the environment and about science majors. It’s completely interdisciplinary. Everybody has a part to play in helping to grow the sustainable future for our island.”
He added, “The REEF internship program gives you a foundation to build your career on, whether it be in science, or human resources, accounting, business, engineering — anything that you want to do — you’re going to get experience and mentorship to help you find a role through your careers in creating a sustainable future.”
The 2025 REEF cohort includes students from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other islands in the region. The fellows represent a range of academic backgrounds, including psychology, engineering, and business administration, reflecting the program’s goal to integrate sustainability across all disciplines.
The 2025 REEF interns are:
- Kaitylyn Punzalan (UOG)
- Napu Blas (Dartmouth)
- Faith David (UOG)
- Tory Damien (UOG)
- Zachary Keller (UOG)
- Ian Gaza (GCC)
- Alexa Taimanglo (UOG)
- Janly Mohammed (UOG)
- Janaja Edilyong-Reichhardt (UOG)
- Oleander Kinere (UOG)
- Sherri Kenty (UOG)
- Lian Breechlyeen Carlos (UOG)
- Janetta Danie (UOG)
- Shawndee Rosario (UOG)
- Zayon David (UOG)
Punzalan, a biology major from UOG, shared what she hopes to take away from the program. “To sort of have a clearer vision of how I want to contribute to my community overall because right now my goal is to come back to Saipan and contribute to my community, but I definitely want to find that further through this experience.”
Blas, who is studying at Dartmouth College, said he plans to major in environmental or any other engineering fields. “I’m really looking forward to learning just how to make stuff at the Makerspace and use a lot of the machines we have there to make products and prototype out of recycled materials and contribute to sustainability.”
Meanwhile, Gaza, a pre-engineering student taking classes at Guam Community College, said he wants to contribute to improving sustainability on Guam.
At the event, Sharleen Q. Santos-Bamba, Ph.D., senior vice president and provost of Academic and Student Affairs, said the program is an investment in the fellows. “Our goal is for you to take what you learn, share it with your families, share with your organizations, your classmates, whatever community you wish to be a part of and extend that and pay that forward. Because sustainability, coastal management, taking care of our environment, it takes more than just CIS and Sea Grant to do that.”
As part of the 20-week paid fellowship, students are matched with mentors working in the sustainability field to conduct either research or extension work addressing regional sustainability issues, including conservation and waste management.
The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, professional mentorship support, career development opportunities, and real industry work experience.