University of Guam research conference to feature traditional Pacific solutions to modern issues

The public will have an opportunity to hear about research and experiences unique to Oceania at the 42nd Annual Research Conference of the University of Guam’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, being held virtually from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 5.

The CLASS Annual Research Conference is a multidisciplinary platform for local, regional, and global scholars, scientists, visual and performing artists, and students to present their discoveries and experiences specific to the Oceanic region.

This year’s conference theme of “Modern Issues, Traditional Solutions” acknowledges that while the issues of this region are ever-changing, the accumulation of wisdom across generations can guide the community toward reliable ways of addressing those challenges. The theme is meant to generate insightful conversations, promote the strength and well-being of the Pacific nations, and highlight the vast tapestry of knowledge of the cultures of the Pacific.

The conference will feature 20 presentations and a keynote address given by Guam Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio. The conference will also include a virtual art show hosted by UOG’s Isla Center for the Arts featuring works of the “Modern Issues, Traditional Solutions” theme by students, faculty, and community artists.

Some of the presentations will include:

• “Russian Asylum Seekers in Guam, 2012-2020” by Christopher Rasmussen, Ph.D., and Svetlana Rasmussen
• “Basula Giya Guåhan: Examining the Predictors of Passive and Active Littering on Guam” by Debra T. Cabrera, Ph.D.
• “Whales Have Changed Our Course of History, Are We Changing Theirs?” by Kelly Marsh Taitano, Ph.D.

A complete agenda of presentations and panels can be found at

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Keynote speaker

Joshua F. Tenorio — a 1996 UOG alumnus, holding bachelor’s degrees in political science and history — is the 10th elected lieutenant governor of Guam with prior work experience as a legislative assistant to Congressman Robert A. Underwood in the U.S. House of Representatives, as the governor’s authorized representative to the Federal Emergency Management Agency leading disaster response and recovery efforts for several typhoons, and as the administrator of the courts for the Judiciary of Guam.

His keynote address will focus on the responsibility of the community and the government to care and provide for all, prioritizing the protection and care for the most vulnerable.

“The worldwide pandemic and its resulting effects on our island have forced us to re-evaluate how we deal with social, economic, and environmental issues,” Tenorio said. “While both addressing the pandemic and planning for our recovery, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and I root our decision making in the underpinnings of the traditional Chamorro values that have always guided our society.”

He will discuss the introduction of educational resources for distance learning, the addition of community learning centers, support for families through addressing substance abuse by expanding treatment and recovery programs, and reinforcing sustainability through the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative, and rebuilding viable traditional industries like agriculture and aquaculture.

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