GUAM

Long-term fellow
September 2023 - 2024
Mentored by Chelsa Muña, Guam Department of Agriculture

Katelyn Anderson's participation in the Guam NSF Navigating Home Program at the Guam Department of Agriculture exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on, community-based research. As a fellow, Katelyn was tasked with contributing to projects vital to the island's environmental sustainability, allowing her to apply her academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

GUAM

Long-term Fellow
March 2025 – 2026
Mentored by: Emily Wendte, Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace & Innovation Hub

Born and raised CHamoru, Justin Cruz returned to Guam as a Navigating Fellow with a sense of purpose: to help find solutions to some of the island’s pressing problems. Aside from the ongoing issue of brain drain, which weakens the island’s workforce capacity, Cruz pointed to increasing waste generation, with plastics and other post-consumer products often ending up in the landfill due to limited recycling infrastructure.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: June - August 2025
Mentored by Sabrina Severin, Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative

In my Navigating Home fellowship, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a conservation technician with Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI). This experience gave me my first real hands-on role in coral restoration, where I was responsible for daily coral husbandry tasks such as feeding and siphoning, and contributing directly to the care of coral nurseries.

PUERTO RICO

Long-term Fellow: January 2024
Mentored by María  F. Barberena-Arias, Inter Metro

 Alondra Gabriel Correa, a Navigating Home Fellow, has dedicated her work to making science more accessible through the STEMAP program. As part of her fellowship, she has brought engaging science talks to schools and communities across Puerto Rico, sparking curiosity and opening doors to STEM for new audiences. Alondra is passionate about connecting people with science in meaningful ways, ensuring that knowledge reaches beyond classrooms and into everyday life.

PUERTO RICO

Long-term Fellow: Summer 2023
Mentored by Merry Manso, EcoExploratorio

Edier Román, a Navigating Home Fellow, is passionate about marine science and ecosystems. He began as a short-term fellow, contributing to research and learning opportunities at the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. Now, as a long-term fellow at Puerto Rico’s science museum, EcoExploratorio, Edier has found his calling in science communication. He loves engaging with the public, sharing knowledge, and inspiring curiosity about the natural world through the museum’s programs and exhibits.

GUAM

Short-term Fellow: Summer 2022
Mentored by Rebecca Respicio, Guam Energy Office

Growing up on Guam, Morgan Leon Guerrero felt the energy of her island and her people all around her.  It is no wonder she would be drawn to work in the renewable energy sector.

Before her participation in the Navigating Home program, Leon Guerrero was deeply engaged in her academic pursuits. "Before Navigating Home, I was pursuing my Master of Sustainability Solutions where I focused on renewable energy policy and programs," she stated. This academic background provided a strong theoretical foundation, but she sought opportunities for real-world application on Guam.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Long-term Fellow: October 2024 - 2025
Mentored by Anne Marie Hoffman, VI EcoSchools

Zoe Banfield, a St. Thomas native, brings energy, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of community to her role as a Navigating Home Fellow. She currently serves as the St. Thomas/St. John program coordinator for the Virgin Islands Conservation Society’s (VICS) Eco-Schools USVI program.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Long-term Fellow: October 2024 - 2025
Mentored by Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands

Nicholas Durgadeen’s career in STEM is flourishing. His path began in 2018 with the Supporting Emerging Aquatic Scientists (SEAS) Your Tomorrow Program, hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: April - June 2024
Mentored by Dr. Richard Nemeth, University of the Virgin Islands

As a first-generation college student, Miranda’s academic and professional journey has been significantly shaped by support from programs such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) SEAS Island Alliance and the Navigating Home Fellowships.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Long-term Fellow: August 2023 - 2025
Mentored by Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands

Chloé Camacho is a current Master of Marine and Environmental Studies (MMES) candidate at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).