University of Guam students are being recognized for representing the island on a national stage. 

Seventeen UOG students who attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Native Americans in Science National Diversity in stem conference received formal recognition from the Guam legislature.

The students participated in the conference through UOG programs including Guam NSF EPSCOR, the Seas Islands Alliance, and navigating home. Certificates were presented by Senator Vincent A.V. Borja during a ceremony held at the UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Among those honored were three students who received awards for their research presentations. Azer Bilimon earned the Native American and Indigenous Student Research Abstract award, while Archancel Abellera and Cameron San Agustin received Outstanding Research Presentation awards.

Senator Borja commended the students for their achievements and for representing Guam at a national conference, calling their work a significant accomplishment.

The students’ research addressed topics including endangered orchid conservation in the marianas, sustainable construction materials using coconut fibers, and propagation techniques for a native savanna shrub.

UOG officials say participation in SACNAS provides students with valuable exposure to the national STEM community and creates opportunities for scholarships, fellowships, and advanced studies.