The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant has launched the Research Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) program, a new undergraduate internship designed to broaden access to sustainability education beyond traditional science majors. The program, introduced during an event at the UOG Robert F. Kennedy Library, promotes an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students from all academic backgrounds to engage in sustainable development.
“This blend of students from different programs demonstrates that sustainable development is not the responsibility of one particular field,” said Austin Shelton, director of UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “It’s completely interdisciplinary. Everybody has a part to play in helping to grow the sustainable future for our island.” Shelton added that the REEF program provides participants with career-building experience and mentorship to help them find meaningful roles in shaping a more sustainable future, regardless of their chosen fields.
The 2025 REEF cohort includes students from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and neighboring islands, representing disciplines such as psychology, engineering, and business administration. Fellows include participants from the University of Guam, Guam Community College, and Dartmouth College. The 20-week paid fellowship matches students with mentors in the sustainability sector to conduct research or extension projects that address regional issues such as conservation, coastal management, and waste reduction.
Dr. Sharleen Q. Santos-Bamba, UOG’s senior vice president and provost of Academic and Student Affairs, emphasized that sustainability requires community collaboration. “Our goal is for you to take what you learn, share it with your families, organizations, and classmates, and pay that forward,” she said. The REEF program offers fellows a monthly stipend, professional mentorship, and hands-on experience, reinforcing UOG’s commitment to preparing future leaders for island sustainability.
