Nico Valencia

Nico Matthew S. Valencia

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.