At the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam (UOG), researchers are actively engaging with Micronesia’s rich history to inform its future. MARC supports a variety of initiatives that span from archaeological studies to contemporary geopolitical research. Through these efforts, the center aims to deepen the understanding of Micronesia’s global significance.
Exploring Archaeological Depths
Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, contributes decades of experience to MARC’s archaeological research. His work encompasses ancient artifacts and historical contexts, leading to significant publications such as Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands and the collaborative volume Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan. Currently, he is collaborating with the U.S. National Park Service to investigate archaeological sites within Guam’s federal park lands. Using advanced ground-penetrating radar technology, he aims to survey areas safely, avoiding potential World War II munitions prior to excavation. This continued research at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, enhances public education and builds upon previous archaeological findings.
Shaping Micronesia’s Geopolitical Landscape
Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, also an associate professor at UOG, leads MARC’s initiatives in geopolitics and international relations. A Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellow and Asia-Pacific Obama Leader, Kuper’s work addresses security issues, political status, and regional diplomacy. He directs the “Micronesian Diplomatic History Project,” which documents the experiences of Micronesian leaders through interviews and archival research. This project distills valuable lessons for future diplomatic efforts.
Kuper is developing a training program through MARC aimed at enhancing regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs. He is also undertaking an oral history project with former governors of Guam to record their strategies regarding self-determination and economic development. This compilation will serve as a vital resource for 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, overseeing the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project intended to support regional policymaking.
Preserving Traditional Knowledge
In a unique collaboration, master navigators and UOG professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal are co-authoring a digital publication focused on Micronesian navigation and seafaring. This initiative is part of UOG’s Island Wisdom program, which seeks to honor and transmit indigenous knowledge. Raigetal teaches sailing canoe construction and traditional navigation, while Taitano, serving as an assistant professor of library science, documents cultural knowledge systems integral to island communities.
Their project, supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through UOG Press, employs a digital-first publishing strategy that prioritizes indigenous perspectives and enhances regional publishing capabilities.
UOG Press: Amplifying Pacific Voices
As a member of the Association of University Presses and in partnership with New York University Press, UOG Press has emerged as a leading publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. The press is developing a robust collection of literary and academic works that convey the stories and insights of regional voices to a global audience. By focusing on the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of Micronesia, UOG Press enhances place-based learning and amplifies local voices within educational settings across the region.
Through its efforts, MARC connects Guam’s deep historical roots with the potential for future growth. The center works to protect cultural knowledge, influence policy, and empower community voices. MARC exemplifies the value of UOG research, contributing to greater resilience and understanding that strengthens the fabric of Micronesia.
The research initiatives at UOG, particularly those under MARC, are supported by the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), which facilitates over $60 million in annual grants aimed at bolstering the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For additional information about research initiatives at the University of Guam, interested parties can visit www.uog.edu/research.
