University of Guam introduces 2026 REEF fellows and G3 Circular Economy interns

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant has announced six students selected for the 2026 Research, Education and Extension Fellowship and Guam Green Growth 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.

“These programs are funded under the UOG Sea Grant Omnibus, which supports undergraduate fellowships and workforce development internships. Together, these opportunities equip students with a strong toolbelt of practical skills, research experience, and professional mentorship that prepare them for careers in sustainability and beyond,” said UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Project Leader Phil Cruz.

The REEF Program pairs students with mentors working in the sustainability field to conduct research or extension projects that address regional sustainability issues, including conservation.

The fellowship runs 20 weeks from the start date, and interns are required to present their research at a G3 Science Café event at the conclusion of the program.

Selected as 2026 REEF fellows are Dominic Torres, Angelie Donguines, and Ale’a Duenas, all majoring in Integrated Biology at UOG. They are mentored by Peter Houk, Ph.D., at the UOG Marine Lab, where research is being conducted in the areas of coral reef ecology, fisheries, and climate change research.

Dominic Lubas, who is training in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at the Guam Community College, is also a REEF Fellow hosted by the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Duenas shared that she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of the ocean, particularly coral and reef ecology. “To also be more well-rounded in what I already know, and to practice these skills,” she said.

Donguines joined the program to pursue her interest in marine science. Though she was initially unsure of which direction to take her major, her positive experience during a previous internship with Dr. Houk led her to return to his lab to focus on coral research.

Torres added that his interest in spearfishing sparked his curiosity about reef ecosystems.

“So, I wanted to learn more about the reef, stuff like that. I'm excited to be a part of the team. I hope we get to go scuba diving and do all those fun things along with the data collection and whatnot,” he said.

Lubas shared that he wanted to learn how to operate machines at the Makerspace and understand how they are integrated into recycling efforts on Guam. “I wanted to involve myself in that process... and see how I can use the skills that I learned during my time and transfer them to other career opportunities in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the G3 Circular Economy Internship focuses on recycling reclaimed plastics at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Interns gain hands-on experience operating equipment such as laser engravers, routers, CNC machines, and lathes while working closely with mentors to meet shared objectives. The internship runs from February to May or upon completion of 150 hours.

Selected as G3 Circular Economy interns are Francisco Egurrola and Camia Wy, both Civil Engineering majors at UOG. They are mentored by the G3 Makerspace Team led by G3 Makerspace project lead Emily Wendte, along with Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz and Makerspace staff Shawn Garcia.

Wy said the internship has expanded her experience beyond research and design by giving her hands-on exposure to machines and plastic recycling. “It's been an eye-opener; you get to see how much plastic we have on island,” she said.

Egurrola said his interest in sustainability led him to apply. After completing research projects in high school, he wanted hands-on experience and a better understanding of waste management on Guam. He said contributing to efforts that address plastic waste and support a circular economy is meaningful to him.