The University of Guam’s Office of Graduate Studies recognized outstanding graduate students and faculty during its annual Graduate Awards Ceremony on May 23. Now in its 16th year, the awards honor innovation, academic excellence, and research that serves the island and region.

Innovative Research Award

Winner: Aleah Carino (Clinical Psychology) — Carino’s study, “Bullying Victimization, Violence, Emotional Well-Being, and Substance Use Among Guam Adolescents,” found that experiences of bullying, violence, and emotional distress are linked to higher substance use among teens, with notable gender and age differences. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention programs and emphasizes the need for further research.

Nominee: Paulette Coulter (Micronesian Studies) — “What the Data Say: Adolescent Suicide in Micronesia”

Community Impact Award

Winner: Makaelah Blas (Micronesian Studies) — In “Resetting the Margins: Centering Nasión Chamoru in Guam History,” Blas examined how mainstream histories often overlook Nasión CHamoru despite the group’s vital role in Guam’s sociopolitical movements. The study calls for a reevaluation of historical narratives through Indigenous perspectives to fully acknowledge the contributions of Nasión CHamoru.

Nominee: Venaure Kanai (Clinical Psychology) — “Investigating the Influence of Perceptions of Abuse Among Palauan Adults”

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Winner: Muturwan Choay (Micronesian Studies) — Choay is recognized for her academic excellence and leadership across campus. She serves as Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and teaches First Year Seminar. Her research and national presentations focus on culturally responsive education and the representation of Pacific Islanders in STEM.

Nominees: Kirstine Jones (Education – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Zoe Surber (Clinical Psychology)

Presidential Thesis Award

Winner: Nolan Flores (Micronesian Studies) — Flores’ thesis, “I Fuetsan I Fino’ Mañaina-Ta,” explores how relationships between native Fino’ CHamoru speakers and new learners shape language revitalization. The study highlights the effectiveness of structured mentorship models and offers practical strategies to strengthen community-based learning, aiming to improve the effectiveness of Fino’ CHamoru revitalization efforts.

Nominees:

• Stacey Coletta (Education) — “Balancing Acts: A Case Study of Female School Assistant Principals’ Work-Life Balance”

• Hazelle Ko (Environmental Science) — “Chloride Trends in the Yigo-Tumon Basin, 1973–2022”

• Lauren Villanueva (Clinical Psychology) — “Psycho-Oncology of Chamoru and Filipino Women with Breast Cancer in Guam”

Outstanding Graduate Faculty Instruction (Part-Time)

Winner: Dr. Jason Katigbak (Master of Accounting and Professional Master of Business Administration) — Dr. Katigbak brings extensive executive experience to the classroom, enriching the Master of Accounting and Professional Master of Business Administration programs. He mentored students on a rigorous research project analyzing the financial sustainability of Guam Memorial Hospital and contributed research on accounting standards and cryptocurrency regulation. He received the Association of Government Accountants’ Educator Award in 2023.

“Our graduate students and faculty continue to do remarkable work,” said Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost. “These awards recognize not just academic excellence, but a real commitment to making a difference and advancing knowledge for our island and our region.”

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