Carlos’ journey reflects how purpose can turn into meaningful action. Through Navigating Home, he is building on his passion for protecting Puerto Rico’s marine ecosystems while gaining hands-on experience in coral restoration and marine conservation.

His work with Pa’ Ti Mar allows him to continue developing as an emerging scientist while contributing to the protection and restoration of the ecosystems he cares about.

Listen to his story.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: April - July 2026
Mentored by: Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands

I earned my Master's degree at the University of the Virgin Islands in 2020. In the years following, I did whatever work I could find to make ends meet spearfishing, cleaning the bottoms of boats, painting houses, data entry and packing at the Department of Labor, odd jobs here and there. What drew me to Navigating Home was the chance to get back into science and research, to learn new things, and to find out if I still had the same passion for marine biology.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Short-term Fellow: April - July 2026
Mentored by: Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands

I earned my Master's degree at the University of the Virgin Islands in 2020. In the years following, I did whatever work I could find to make ends meet spearfishing, cleaning the bottoms of boats, painting houses, data entry and packing at the Department of Labor, odd jobs here and there. What drew me to Navigating Home was the chance to get back into science and research, to learn new things, and to find out if I still had the same passion for marine biology.

GUAM

Long-term Fellow
July 2026 – June 2027

Mentored by: Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, UOG Marine Laboratory

Growing up in Agat, Guam, Nico developed an interest in the island environment that has shaped his academic and research journey. After earning a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Guam in 2024, he joined the Broad Institute of Harvard University, where he conducted research in human population genetics. Now pursuing a master's degree in Data Science at UOG, Nico has returned home through the Navigating Home fellowship to apply his expertise to understanding Guam's ecosystems. 

Working with Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., at the UOG Marine Laboratory, he studies microbial communities in soil and water to look at patterns that contribute to the island's biodiversity. The fellowship has allowed Nico to continue his education while conducting research directly relevant to Guam, strengthening local scientific capacity and preparing him for future doctoral studies. Equally important, it is helping him become a more effective science communicator by learning how scientific information is shared in ways the community can understand.

GUAM

Long-term Fellow

June 2026 to May 2027 

Mentored by: Emily Wood, UOG CIS & Sea Grant, Climate Action Program

Growing up in Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia, Mercy saw how communities rely on their resources and environment. Inspired by her early experiences, she pursued environmental science before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Hawaiʻi, recognizing that lasting solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges require both science and effective public policy.

As a fellow of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant's Climate Action Program, Mercy is supporting efforts to develop sustainable funding strategies to support conservation and environmental protection in island communities. She is also gaining practical experience in climate policy, grants, and sustainable development while preparing for a career focused on helping Pacific islands adapt or become resilient in the future. 

GUAM

Short-term Fellow
June 2026 – August 2026

Mentored by: Michael Dueñas, Fisheries Supervisor, Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR)

Growing up in Guam sparked Enqi Yang's lifelong passion for the island's marine environment and fisheries. Through the Navigating Home Fellowship, he is gaining practical experience with the Guam Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, where he is learning how fisheries science, community outreach, and resource management work together to support sustainable marine ecosystems.

By participating in fisheries surveys, biological research, public education, and youth outreach, Enqi is developing the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges facing Guam's fisheries. The fellowship has strengthened his commitment to pursuing graduate studies in Marine Resource Economics, with the goal of returning to Guam equipped to help develop science-based solutions that support local fishermen, protect marine resources, and ensure future generations can continue to rely on and enjoy the island's ocean.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Long-term Fellow: October 2025 - 2026
Mentored by: Howard Forbes, Jr., Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service

Through my fellowship, I serve as the VIMAS Education and Community Outreach Assistant, helping connect science with the Virgin Islands community. My work includes supporting outreach with schools and organizations, communicating VIMAS events and projects, strengthening program materials, assisting with grant writing, and helping make long-term environmental data more accessible and useful to the public.

PUERTO RICO

Dylan's journey reflects the long-term impact of the SEAS Islands Alliance and Navigating Home. What began as a fellowship opportunity has evolved into continued professional growth, allowing him to deepen his research experience while contributing to scientific initiatives that benefit island communities.

Listen to his story.

GUAM
Short-term Fellow
June 2026 – August 2026

Co-Mentored by:
Kyle Mandapat, MBA, Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement, and Maria Louella Losinio, Publications and Media Supervisor, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant

As a Palauan born and raised in Guam, Kira was eager to give back to the community her family chose as home. After earning her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Western Washington University, she sought opportunities to combine her passion for education with her commitment to environmental stewardship. Growing up in a culture that emphasized caring for the environment, along with her experience working in educational spaces, inspired her to apply for the Navigating Home Fellowship. She joined the Science Communication team at the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), where she draws on her academic and professional background to promote science learning among young people on the island.

Within the fellowship, Kira supports the Science Communication team's efforts to engage the public in environmental conservation and sustainability. Her work includes developing educational programming for the Chålan Deskubre Hub, an interactive learning center providing hands-on science experiences for youth, while also contributing to Chålan Deskubre magazine, which shares educational articles and resources about Guam's ecosystems and environment. Through these initiatives, she draws on place-based education and traditional knowledge to expand children's science learning opportunities and foster deeper connections to the natural world.

Kira is committed to growing as a science communicator and supporting community-based learning. By exploring educational programs through a science lens and honoring her heritage, she aims to inspire young people and contribute to the island's future.

GUAM

Short-term Fellow
March 2026 - May 2026
Mentored by:
Roland Quitugua, M.S., C.A. Extension Agent II/Instructor of Horticulture UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences

As a short-term fellow with the Navigating Home Fellowship, Nicholas Camacho is contributing applied plant science expertise toward island-based agricultural and ecological restoration efforts. Born and raised in Barrigada, Guam, and a graduate of JFK High School (Class of 2018), he completed his undergraduate and master’s studies in biology with a focus on plant biology at Stanford University before working in large-scale agriculture in the United States.

Through his placement with the Guam Restoration of Watershed Grow Initiative under the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, he is supporting research on velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop to rehabilitate degraded soils in southern Guam. His work focuses on cultivation, adaptation, and plant selection to strengthen soil restoration tools for local ecosystems.

Camacho’s fellowship has reinforced his commitment to regenerative agriculture and community-centered science. He aims to pursue a PhD in agriculture in the region and eventually return to Guam to help build sustainable, value-added agricultural systems that strengthen food security and island resilience.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

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."

PUERTO RICO

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!

GUAM

Long-term Fellow | July 2025 – July 2026
Mentored by: Christopher Rosario, Guam Dept. of Agriculture

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.

GUAM

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.

PUERTO RICO
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.

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!