The Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam is actively engaging with the past to inform the future of Micronesia. Through its diverse research initiatives, MARC fosters a deep understanding of the region’s cultural heritage, international relations, and traditional practices. This multifaceted approach not only preserves history but also equips future generations with the knowledge needed to navigate contemporary challenges.
Exploring Archaeological Insights
Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, leads significant research into both ancient and historical periods of Micronesia. His notable works include the book Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands and the collaborative volume Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan. Currently, Carson collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to assess archaeological resources in Guam’s federal parklands. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar, he aims to survey potential excavation sites while ensuring safety from unexploded World War II munitions. His ongoing work at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, focuses on enhancing public education and building upon prior archaeological findings.
Shaping Micronesia’s Political Landscape
Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, an associate professor specializing in political science and Micronesian studies, spearheads MARC’s efforts in geopolitics and international relations. As a Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellow and an Asia-Pacific Obama Leader, Kuper addresses critical issues related to security, political status, and regional diplomacy. His innovative project, the Micronesian Diplomatic History Project, aims to preserve the narratives of Micronesian leaders through in-depth interviews and archival research. This initiative distills valuable lessons for future diplomatic endeavors.
Kuper is also developing a training program at MARC to enhance regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs. In collaboration with former governors of Guam, he is conducting an oral history project that documents their strategies for self-determination and economic development. This resource will significantly inform ongoing discussions surrounding Guam’s political future. In 2025, Kuper successfully secured MARC’s designation as the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum, where he now oversees the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project to support regional policymaking.
Preserving Traditional Knowledge
The expertise of master navigators and UOG professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal is instrumental in honoring Micronesian seafaring traditions. As part of the University of Guam’s Island Wisdom initiative, Taitano and Raigetal are co-authoring a pioneering digital publication focused on Micronesian navigation. Raigetal teaches traditional navigation and sailing canoe construction, while Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, documents the cultural knowledge systems that remain vital to island communities. Supported by a Mellon Foundation grant through UOG Press, their project implements a digital-first publishing approach that prioritizes indigenous knowledge and enhances regional publishing capabilities.
Promoting Micronesian Voices
UOG Press has emerged as a key publisher of Micronesian literature and academic works. As a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner of New York University Press, it provides a platform for local authors, artists, and scholars to share their insights and stories with a global audience. The press focuses on the region’s cultural, environmental, and historical contexts, contributing to place-based learning in classrooms and libraries throughout Micronesia. UOG Press acts as a nurturing ground for writers and artists, offering opportunities for local creatives to achieve their goals of being published.
Through its comprehensive research, publications, and preservation initiatives, the Micronesian Area Research Center effectively links Guam’s rich past with future opportunities. By protecting cultural knowledge, influencing policy, and empowering community voices, MARC demonstrates how research at the University of Guam delivers public value, fostering resilience and enhancing understanding within Micronesia.
Research programs under MARC benefit from the support of the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, which manages grant acquisition and research initiatives across UOG’s nine research centers. This office facilitates over $60 million in annual awards, aimed at reinforcing the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For more information on research at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.
