Short-term Fellow: April - June 2026
Mentored by: Dr. Paul Jobsis, Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative

Through the fellowship, I've been meeting with restoration practitioners across the USVI and at the 2026 Coral Task Force in Puerto Rico. Two priorities are now clear: scaling up sexual propagation of pillar coral — a species on the edge of functional extinction — and expanding sea urchin cultivation to support reef recovery. I'm currently pursuing Department of the Interior funding to move both initiatives forward.

"This fellowship has broadened my understanding of restoration efforts across the USVI and integrated me into an amazing network of people working diligently to rebuild our reefs — connecting me directly with the impactful work I dreamed of doing when I first started my higher education journey at UVI."

José Vázquez joins Navigating Home as a Fellow exploring the intersection between photography and science communication.

With an academic background in photography, José has found in Navigating Home an opportunity to connect his passion for scientific imagery with environmental research happening across Puerto Rico.

Listen to his story!

Long-term Fellow | July 2025 – July 2026
Mentored by: Katelyn Anderson, Guam Department of Agriculture, Biosecurity Division

Preya Camacho, from Ipan, Talo’fo’fo’, returned to Guam after earning her bachelor’s degree in earth and environmental science from Arizona State University in May 2025. Motivated to apply her training locally, she joined the Navigating Home Fellowship as a long-term fellow and was placed with the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Biosecurity Division.

As a fellow, Preya supports efforts to protect Guam’s environment by monitoring and treating invasive species such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ants, palm weevils, and fruit flies. Her work includes trap checks, lure changes, pesticide treatments, data collection, and assisting entomologists with species identification, all contributing to stronger biosecurity and conservation efforts across the island.

Long-term Fellow | August 2025 – August 2026
Mentored by: Melvin Won Pat-Borja, Executive Director, Guam Commission on Decolonization

Ha'åni San Nicolas, with CHamoru and Samoan roots, returned to Guam through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Navigating Home program while completing her doctorate in Indigenous Politics at the University of Hawai‘i. As a long-term fellow with the Guam Commission on Decolonization (COD), Ha'åni aims to apply her education and experience to support her community and build a sustainable, self-determined future for Guam.

Through the fellowship, she hopes to gain practical experience in policy, governance, and advocacy, bridging her academic knowledge with real-world applications. She has worked to advance sustainability initiatives tied to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributed to the Guam Green Growth (G3) Sustainable Alliances group, and gained experience in advocating for sustainability as a core part of decolonization at the United Nations Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) meeting in New York.

Kiara Martínez
Navigating Home Short-Term Fellow

Kiara Martínez is a short-term Fellow in the Navigating Home program, where she is currently developing skills in data management and analysis through hands-on field sampling experiences.

Her work focuses on contributing to ongoing research efforts in Puerto Rico’s coastal ecosystems, including bioluminescent bays, where consistency, precision, and curiosity are key.

Through this experience, Kiara is strengthening both her technical abilities and her understanding of how scientific research can directly impact communities and environmental stewardship.

As part of Navigating Home, she is not only gaining exposure to real-world research, but also exploring her role as a future scientist committed to shaping the future of geosciences in Puerto Rico.

Kevin Colón joins Navigating Home as a Fellow committed to strengthening his scientific path and expanding his professional impact in the geosciences community.

With a deep passion for biology and environmental systems, Kevin brings curiosity, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose to the program.

Listen to his story!

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

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

Navigating Home has provided invaluable experience in applied marine research and problem-solving. This fellowship has helped shape my career trajectory, inspiring me to focus on conservation strategies that support healthy and resilient marine ecosystems

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: August - October 2025
Mentored by: Dr. Sennai Habtes, Chief of Fisheries for the US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife

My short-term fellowship with Dr. Sennai Habtes at the Department of Fish and Wildlife was a great experience and helped me get the hands-on training I had been looking for after graduating with my bachelor’s in Marine Biology from UVI. Most of my time was spent supporting the SEAMAP finfish survey, where I reviewed underwater videos from more than 70 sites and described habitats, identified species, and recorded counts. It was a lot of footage to work through—especially when a software issue meant I had to review each camera angle manually—but it pushed me to improve my fish ID skills and pay close attention to detail.

GUAM

Long-term Fellow
April 2025 - 2026
Mentored by:
Elizabeth DeGrange, Guam Environmental Protection Agency

Miguel Cordero, born and raised in Dededo, channels his love for science into making a real difference in his community through his fellowship with NSF Navigating Home. After earning a biology degree from St. John’s University and a master’s in biotechnology from Northeastern University, Cordero returned to Guam with a clear goal: to apply his scientific skills to protect the environment and public health.

PUERTO RICO

"What I like most about the work I'm doing is that you have the freedom to propose different research projects, and the professors listen to you and try to fulfill your perspective or desire to research something else. They use all the tools at their disposal to help you achieve that goal."

Listen to Joeshliann's story!

PUERTO RICO

Bryan is an example of how the Navigating Home program provides real job opportunities and professional development for our future scientists.

Listen to his story!

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

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

As a Navigating Home Fellow working with Dr. Marilyn Brandt, I’ve been immersed in every part of coral reef conservation – from hands-on fieldwork to data analysis. On any given week, you might find me treating corals affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, maintaining coral nurseries, or diving to monitor bleaching and spawning events. Other days, I’m at my computer creating maps with ArcGIS, cleaning GPS dive tracks, or entering data on disease spread, benthic and coral monitoring.  It’s a mix of field and lab work that keeps me learning every day.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: July - September 2025
Mentored by Dr. Lauren Olinger & Doug Wilson, University of the Virgin Islands

When I joined the Navigating Home Fellowship, I wasn’t sure how my background in math and physics would connect with marine science. But over the past few months, I’ve discovered just how much my skills can contribute to solving environmental challenges here in the Virgin Islands. 

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.