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College of Natural & Applied Sciences

College of Natural & Applied Sciences

College of Natural & Applied Sciences

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Information for Graduating Students

  • Between February and October, 2nd Lt. Michael Schommer earned multiple distinctions while at U.S. Army Infantry School and Ranger School.

    ROTC alumnus tops Army infantry training in academics and fitness

  • Four UOG ROTC cadets to commission as Army officers

  • Environmental science alumni advance FSM data beyond Guam, Hawaii with comprehensive digital atlas

  • How one student overcame self-doubt in an intimidating career field

  • Kamille and Karla Wang

    Twice the Triton spirit: Twin alumnae to help the medically underserved

  • Col. Karin L. Watson

    Rise through the ranks: Daughter of UOG ROTC takes command of Army base

  • Brandon Datuin

    Graduating chemistry major to begin a top-ranked PhD program this fall

  • Constance Sartor

    Student artists bring Marine Lab walls to life

  • Jeried Calaor

    Graduate student presents in Thailand on the critical role of bats in Guam as seed dispersers

  • Serena Barasi

    UOG student selected for Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program

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History

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences was created in 2003 by combining the former College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Pre- professional programs from the former College of Arts and Sciences and the Military Science program from the former College of Business and Public Administration.

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences administers courses in military science and agriculture as part of the federal land grant mandate.

 

Structure

The mission of a land-grant institution is threefold:

  1. Research
  2. Extension
  3. Teaching

Programs include:

  1. The Western Pacific Tropical Research Center (WPTRC)
  2. The Cooperative Extension and Outreach (CES)
  3. Resident Instruction (RI)

All courses offered for university credit are part of the Resident Instruction mission and are administered through the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. Non-credit university courses are part of the Extension mission and administered through the Cooperative Extension and Outreach. Faculty from WPTRC and CES serve as CNAS teaching faculty for the Agriculture, and  Consumer and Family Sciences programs.

 

 Research

 

2020 Impact Report Cover
Extension
 CE&O 2019 Report Cover
 Instruction

 

CNAS Dive deep cover

 

CNAS News & Announcements

 

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Flyer
Grad students: Earn up to $9,000 per semester with this cancer research fellowship
03/01/21

Don't miss this opportunity to earn up to $9,000 per semester while gaining valuable experience and mentorship in cancer research!

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Looking to graduate next semester? Here's everything you need to know.
02/19/21

Make your graduation date official with these simple steps.

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Group photo
Undergrads: Need some support? Apply to TRiO!
02/15/21

The Student Support Services program through the UOG TRiO Office is here to help you and is now accepting applications.

Read the full story
Student
Undergrads: Want to get paid to work with insects?
02/15/21

The Research Corporation of the University of Guam is seeking two interns to work on a field research project involving insects this summer.

Read the full story
Tritons take a break flyer
Announcement: Tritons, Take A Break! February 13-16, 2021
02/12/21

Recharge. Refresh. Revive. There are no classes on February 13-16. No assignments are due, no lab activities are to scheduled, and no exams will be given.

Read the full story

Questions about any of the College programs should be directed to:

Dr. Lee Yudin, Dean / Director
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923
Tel: 735-2000 Fax: 734-6842

Assisting the Dean in academic matters is an Associate Dean.

Questions about scheduling and course offerings should be directed to:

Dr. Kate Moots, Associate Dean (Interim)
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Tel: 735-2000 Fax: 734-6842

Assisting the Dean in USDA research is the Associate Director of the Western Pacific Tropical Research Center. Questions about this program should be directed to:

Dr. Sereana Dresbach, Associate Director/Dean (Interim)
Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach Service
Tel: 735-2000 Fax: 734-6842

Assisting the Dean in Extension/Outreach is the Associate Director of the Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach Service. Questions about this program should be directed to:

Dr. Adrian Ares, Associate Director/Dean (Interim)
Western Pacific Tropical Research Center
Tel: 735-2000 Fax: 734-6842

 

CNAS Student Success

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Read success stories from students and alumni from the College of Natural & Applied Sciences. For more student success stories, visit our Student Achievement site. 

Between February and October, 2nd Lt. Michael Schommer earned multiple distinctions while at U.S. Army Infantry School and Ranger School.

ROTC alumnus tops Army infantry training in academics and fitness

"Between February and October, 2nd Lt. Michael Schommer earned multiple distinctions while at U.S. Army Infantry School and Ranger School. "
View Full Story

Four UOG ROTC cadets to commission as Army officers

"Four UOG ROTC cadets will commission this month as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army."
View Full Story

Environmental science alumni advance FSM data beyond Guam, Hawaii with comprehensive digital atlas

"Their newly launched digital atlas of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae features nearly 500 static maps and interactive maps with 400 layers."
View Full Story

How one student overcame self-doubt in an intimidating career field

"With each opportunity at UOG he's taken advantage of, Eries Moreno is occupied less by self-doubt and enabled more by confidence."
View Full Story
Kamille and Karla Wang

Twice the Triton spirit: Twin alumnae to help the medically underserved

"Twins Kamille and Karla Wang are beginning a 28-month physician assistant program at The City College of New York's School of Medicine."
View Full Story

DIVE INTO CNAS 

February 2021 - Issue No. 5

 

FROM GUAM TO BEYOND: TRISTAN PALANCA
SHOOTS FOR THE STARS

Tristan Palanca, a Spring 2018 graduate of the University of Guam’s computer science program, has always had his sight set on the stars. 

Stemming from a childhood desire to become a pilot or astronaut, Palanca developed an early interest in aeronautics. This led him to pursue a computer science degree at UOG as a pathway to achieve his goal. In the summer of his graduating year, Palanca’s mission reached a milestone when he spent his time conducting research at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, Virginia. He was one of 250 interns selected from the applicant pool of about 10,000 students.

Tristan

Tristan (far left) with fellow interns at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA

Under the center’s Advanced Materials and Processing Branch, Palanca assisted in creating a 3D printing apparatus for use with carbon nanomaterials, the work around which involved mechanical, electrical, and firmware design. 

Having begun his research experience through his previous fellowship with the Hawai’i Space Grant Consortium, Palanca says his experience at NASA Langley convinced him that anything is possible with determination and the right mindset. 

“This opportunity gave me the exposure into the research and development environment that I needed to understand exactly where I want to go with my career,” he said. “I hope my experience convinces other UOG students that they should not be afraid to dream bigger and shoot for more ambitious opportunities.”

In Spring 2020, Palanca graduated with a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa on a full scholarship provided by the East-West Center. He now works in the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay Area with a focus on data science and product analytics, where he feels that he has been able to put out impactful, fulfilling work and draw on his roots in scientific research gained from UOG and the Space Grant program.

“I would be remiss if I didn't give credit to UOG, and particularly the Space Grant program, for setting me on the trajectory that has ultimately allowed me to accomplish what I have,” said Palanca. “With the guidance of Dr. Romina King, I felt motivated to pursue what would otherwise seem like daunting and intimidating opportunities, only to realize they were well within my reach the entire time.”

NASA Guam Space Grant through the University of Guam offers graduate and undergraduate fellowships to students in STEM related fields. The program is part of the Hawai’i Space Grant Consortium, which participates in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. For more information, visit the NGSG website at www.uog.edu/nasa-guam-space-grant.

 

UOG ALUMNA EXCELS IN BIG DATA RESEARCH

Leah Luo is a 26-year-old alumna of the University of Guam who graduated in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Today, Luo is part of the graduate program in computer science at the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University in New York. In addition to attending as a student, she is also employed as a TA, which covers her tuition and monthly salary.

With the help of Dr. Yousou Joseph Zou, a computer science professor at UOG, Luo has recently completed a research paper involving data analysis. The research paper was submitted for publication and was reviewed and accepted by the International Institute of Information and is set to be presented by Luo herself at the International Conference on Information this coming March in Japan.

Her research focuses on big data and machine learning analysis, which involves processing large sets of information by using three categories of algorithms: statistical and probability methods, neural network algorithm methods and analytic mathematics and numerical methods. In her study, she uses these three categories to figure out which method of analysis is more effective in different case scenarios.

This idea came to Luo while working part time at DFS here on the island. At this job, she was tasked to count the number of customers who entered the store, tried on products and made a purchase. “The job occurred to me one day that data is hidden in people’s daily lives, some people see it, but others extract useful information from it,” said Luo.

“That job got me interested in data analysis and I talked to Dr. Zou who told me that what I observed was just the tip of the iceberg in data analysis. He encouraged me to try to do research on big data analysis,” Luo added.

Ultimately, her research on big data analysis will offer insight into how data analysis can be used to analyze development within a community. In relation to our island of Guam, Luo says one can study the changes in the number of tourists who have visited Guam over the past ten or twenty years to predict the trends in tourism. She explains that this will eventually lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of tourism here on island.

According to Luo, Dr. Zou’s insight and guidance played a critical role in her success. “He has had a very positive impact on my four years of study on Guam,” says Luo.

Her research, which took two months to complete, started off bumpy as she encountered many difficulties that took days to resolve. It was Dr. Zou who helped her overcome these hurdles. From this experience, she learned that communication and frequent advisement between her and Dr. Zou were essential to her research and she is very thankful for his support throughout the process.

“His academic spirit has always inspired me,” said Luo.

Upon acceptance by the International Institute of Information, a feeling of honor and excitement came over her. “It is a great recognition of my research and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to learn with others,” says Luo.

As she looks towards the future of her academic career, she plans to further her research on big data by continuing to take related courses at Syracuse University.

 

MATH GRADUATE JOINS CDC COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAMVince Campo

Vince Campo, a Spring 2019 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, discovered an opportunity to utilize his mathematical skills to aid the community through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation’s COVID Response Team.  

Vince was driven toward this position as it could “help understand and combat COVID-19” on Guam. Grateful to the University of Guam’s math department for providing the necessary skills to perform statistical analysis, Vince was better prepared for his role as a Research and Statistical Systems Analyst II. The math program provided the statistical and computational tools essential to efficient, quick, and confident work. 
In addition to further experience in statistics, Vince gained knowledge in epidemiology and seeks to pursue higher education in biostatistics and epidemiology along with mathematics. To students seeking work at the CDC Foundation, Vince advises flexibility and willingness to work and learn as much as one can while one is a student.   

 

NASA GUAM SPACE GRANT LAUNCHES! 

nasaThe launch of the NASA Guam Space Grant program is taking the University of Guam to new heights. 

The program, which offers paid research assistantships and teaching assistantships to UOG students, is geared towards the support and enhancement of science, technology, and education as they pertain to NASA’s programs. These areas include the study of the universe, the island’s connection to space, and the growth of STEM innovations in an era of exploration for the general welfare of the community.

Students interested in applying for the Fanuchånan (August-December 2021) semester can stay tuned for the upcoming application period to open up in May.

To learn more about the program, visit www.uog.edu/nasa-guam-space-grant or contact Dr. Romina King at roking@triton.uog.edu.

UOG is a member of the Hawai’i Space Grant Consortium, which participates in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program and administers the Undergraduate Fellowship Program.

 

BEE-YOND THE HIVE

bees

A greater banded hornet colony located near the Inarajan Elementary School was eradicated by Chris Rosario and members of the Guam Beekeepers Association, Inc. Notice the pile of dead hornets in the foreground.

 Beeple, a term coined by bee researcher, zoologist, and author Kit Prendergast, is an apt name for the people involved in the Guam Beekeepers Association, Inc. (GBA, Inc.). 2020 was a landmark year for the association. After meeting informally for years and continually encouraging local interest in beekeeping, the members voted for officers and officially filed articles of incorporation and by-laws in August. The Guam Beekeepers Association, Inc. has been recognized as a locally incorporated entity and has applications pending with Guam Revenue & Taxation and the IRS to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. 


Chris Rosario was instrumental in the formation of the association and was unanimously voted in as the president. He became interested in honey bees (Apis mellifera) during his work with Dr. Ross Miller on a grant project that began in 2014 funded by USDA-APHIS. The Honey Bee Health Survey had Rosario taking samples from feral and domestic hives to send to Maryland to be tested for mites and diseases. In carrying out this work, he developed a passion for bees that he generously shares with all who are interested. “If it had not been for Dr. Miller and the Honey Bee Health Survey I may have never gotten involved in beekeeping,” said Rosario.

Rosario is currently writing his thesis on honey bees for his master’s in environmental science degree. His research includes mapping domestic and feral bee colonies on Guam and tracking honey bee pests including the parasitic Varroa mite and the greater banded hornet (Vespa tropica). The Varroa mite is the vector for several viruses that can decimate a honey bee colony including the deformed wing virus. “We have not found the Varroa mites in bee colonies that have been tested on Guam since 2017,” said Rosario, “If this trend continues, Guam may be eligible for a varroa-free designation paving the way for a possible business supplying stateside beekeepers with queen bees.” 

Members of GBA, Inc. have been involved in assisting Rosario in his research as well as applying integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Greater banded hornet colonies have been successfully eradicated by Rosario and GBA, Inc. members, most notably a large nest found near the Inarajan Elementary School. The nest was sealed at night after the hornets had returned from foraging and the entire colony was killed. GBA, Inc. members are also engaged in developing several types of hornet guards for beehives to prevent predation by the greater banded hornet.

WPTRC researchers and students in collaboration with citizen scientists are making a difference for the honey bees and people of Guam.

 

 IMPACT COLLABORATIVE  PROGRAM

NEPSEC

Left: Courtney Weatherbee, Tira Isaacs and Bill Shuffstall, Guam visit Jan. 2020. 

Connect Extension's tag line, a hub for learning, professional development, and collaboration captures the ideas behind an outward focusing posture and the many ways the University of Guam embraces university and community engagement. The power behind Connect Extension's many learning structures creates a culture of innovation across U.S. Cooperative Extension's knowledge and outreach infrastructure.Connect Extension's IMPACT Collaborative program serves as one timely example of an outward focusing mindset that extends beyond the campus setting and engages potential partners to earn and participate in professional development, learning, and collaboration opportunities. The GCE&O as eXtension members organized a Guam team-Green Economies-Grow Guam Green to participate in the one-on-one coaching by the Impact Collaborative network of Innovation Facilitators, Key Informants. The Guam Impact Collaborative team composition represents a multi-institutional teaming and includes representatives from the UOG-GCE&O, Guam Department of Labor, and the Governor's Office. The Guam team participated in the January and February 2021 Innovation Skill-Building Experience (ISBE) sessions. The Guam team looks forward to the skill-building experience and learning the latest tools for program development and planning. The Guam team's next steps are participating in the Impact Collaborative Project accelerator session, refining specific projects and programs that impact our island community. 

 

meeting

 

Each week the Dean and his Associate Dean/Directors meet to discussion current issues that arise within the college.  One hour per week, on a Friday, is set aside for this meeting.  Each administrator is giving the chance to bring up specific issues they have and either ask for input or just provide an update to the group. This round table discussion (with social distancing and mask wearing) provides the administrative team the means to learn what the others are doing in their specific areas and when possible bridge the 3-legs of this college cohesively together.

 

 BIBA TRITONS! 

The UOG CNAS family would like to welcome new faculty and staff who recently became Tritons this fiscal year as well as congratulate those who received promotions!

Dr. Laura Ashley Filimon Biggs received tenure as Associate Professor 
Dr. Tedros Bezabeh received tenure as Professor 
Dr. Leslie J.C. Aquino received tenure as Associate Professor 
Dr. Tanisha Aflague received tenure as Associate Professor 

Joann Sablan recruited as Administrative Assistant
for the Division of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
     Jessirae Flores recruited as Administrative Assistant
for the Division of Natural Sciences
     Jason Pangelinan promoted to Laboratory Supervisor
for the Division of Natural Sciences
Ezra Cervera recruited as Laboratory Technician
for the Division of Natural Sciences
Natalia Chargualaf recruited as Research Associate I
Julia Grace Hudson recruited as Extension Associate 
Amber N.A. Uncangco recruited as Extension Associate 
Ferdinand Galsim recruited as Research Associate II 
Kiantae Laguana recruited as Research Assistant I 
Benjamin Deloso recruited as Extension Associate II  
Gabrielle Quenga recruited as Extension Assistant II 
Harley Edeluchel recruited as Extension Assistant II 
Alex Chinyang recruited as an Extension Associate I 
Chelsea Taitano recruited as Extension Assistant I 
AJ IIai recruited as Extension Assistant I 

 

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