At the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) located at the University of Guam, efforts are underway to integrate historical insights with contemporary challenges. MARC engages in research that not only preserves Micronesia’s rich heritage but also informs future initiatives in various fields, including archaeology, political science, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Exploring Micronesia’s Archaeological Heritage
Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, leads significant research initiatives that delve into Micronesia’s past. With decades of experience throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Carson has authored important works, including the book Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands. Currently, he collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to study archaeological resources within Guam’s federal park lands. Using advanced ground-penetrating radar, Carson aims to survey sites safely while avoiding potential hazards from unexploded World War II munitions.
His ongoing work at Ritidian, which is part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, focuses on expanding public education and building upon findings from prior archaeological studies. This combination of research and community engagement helps ensure that the rich history of the region is both preserved and actively shared.
Shaping Micronesia’s Political Landscape
Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, an associate professor specializing in political science and Micronesian studies, is at the forefront of MARC’s efforts to address contemporary geopolitical issues. As a Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellow and Asia-Pacific Obama Leader, Kuper concentrates on security, political status, and regional diplomacy. His initiative, the Micronesian Diplomatic History Project, involves interviewing Micronesian leaders and conducting archival research. This project aims to distill valuable lessons for future diplomatic endeavors.
In 2025, Kuper successfully secured MARC’s designation as the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum. In this role, he oversees the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project, which is expected to support regional policymaking efforts. Additionally, Kuper is working on an oral history project with former governors of Guam to document their experiences related to self-determination and economic development.
Empowering Indigenous Knowledge Systems
In an innovative approach to preserving traditional knowledge, professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal are co-authoring a digital publication focused on Micronesian navigation and seafaring. This project is part of UOG’s Island Wisdom initiative, which aims to document and share indigenous knowledge. Raigetal, who teaches traditional navigation and sailing canoe construction, collaborates with Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, to ensure that cultural knowledge remains accessible to island communities.
Their project, supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through UOG Press, employs a digital-first publication model that prioritizes indigenous perspectives and enhances regional publishing capabilities. This initiative not only honors traditional practices but also empowers local voices in the global narrative.
UOG Press: A Platform for Micronesian Voices
As a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner of New York University Press, UOG Press serves as a pivotal platform for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. The press has developed a growing collection of literary and academic works that highlight the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of the region. By prioritizing local voices, UOG Press facilitates place-based learning and provides opportunities for local creatives to thrive as published authors.
Through its commitment to showcasing regional perspectives, UOG Press contributes to a broader understanding of Micronesia and its significance on the global stage.
Connecting History with Future Possibilities
MARC’s multifaceted approach to research and publication underscores its dedication to linking Guam’s historical legacy with future prospects. By protecting cultural knowledge, influencing policy, and amplifying community voices, MARC exemplifies the University of Guam’s mission to deliver public value. With an annual facilitation of over $60 million in research awards, the university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives that bolster the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience.
For more information on research at the University of Guam, visit their official website at www.uog.edu/research. Through these collective efforts, MARC and its collaborators continue to build a resilient and informed Micronesia, ready to navigate the challenges of the future.
