The Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam (UOG) is actively engaging with both the past and future of Micronesia through extensive research initiatives. This center is dedicated to studying, preserving, and sharing Micronesian heritage, while also addressing contemporary issues that affect the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Exploring Archaeology and Heritage
Dr. Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, plays a pivotal role at MARC. With decades of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, he has authored significant works including *Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands*. Currently, Carson collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to explore archaeological resources within Guam’s federal park lands. Employing ground-penetrating radar technology, his team aims to survey areas safely, minimizing risks associated with unexploded World War II munitions before any excavation begins.
In addition to this project, Carson continues to enhance public education initiatives at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. His efforts build upon findings from previous archaeological studies, making important insights accessible to the broader community.
Geopolitical Research and Diplomacy
Dr. Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, who serves as an associate professor of political science, CHamoru studies, and Micronesian studies, leads MARC’s focus on international relations and diplomacy within Micronesia. Recognized as a Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellow and an Asia-Pacific Obama Leader, Kuper centers his research on security, political status, and regional diplomacy.
His “Micronesian Diplomatic History Project” seeks to archive the experiences of Micronesian leaders through interviews and archival research, distilling crucial lessons for future diplomatic efforts. Kuper is also developing a training program aimed at enhancing regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs. One of his ongoing projects involves gathering oral histories from former governors of Guam to document their strategies regarding self-determination and economic development, which will inform current discussions about Guam’s political future.
In 2025, Kuper successfully secured MARC’s designation as the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum. In this role, he oversees the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project to support regional policymaking.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
UOG professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal are co-authoring a digital publication focused on Micronesian navigation and seafaring, contributing to UOG’s Island Wisdom initiative. Raigetal, who teaches traditional navigation and sailing canoe construction, collaborates with Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, to document the cultural knowledge systems that continue to guide island communities. Their project, supported by a Mellon Foundation grant through UOG Press, aims to enhance indigenous knowledge representation while strengthening regional publishing capabilities.
UOG Press has emerged as a key publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. As a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner with New York University Press, it promotes literary and academic works that share the rich stories of the region. By focusing on cultural, environmental, and historical contexts, UOG Press facilitates place-based learning while providing a platform for local creatives to express their narratives.
Connecting Past and Future
Through its comprehensive research, publications, and preservation initiatives, MARC effectively links Guam’s historical legacy to future possibilities. Whether safeguarding cultural knowledge, influencing public policy, or empowering community voices, the center exemplifies how UOG’s research delivers significant public value. By building resilience and fostering understanding, MARC contributes to a stronger Micronesia.
The programs at MARC receive support from UOG’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), which manages grant acquisition and research initiatives across the university’s nine research centers. Each year, ORSP facilitates over $60 million in awards, bolstering research that enhances the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For further information about research initiatives at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.
