At the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) located at the University of Guam, historical preservation meets modern research to illuminate the future of Micronesia. The center engages with a variety of disciplines, from archaeology to international relations, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region’s significance both locally and globally.
Archaeological Insights and Modern Techniques
Dr. Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, is a leading figure at MARC, bringing extensive experience from across the Asia-Pacific. His research encompasses both ancient and historical periods, highlighted by his publications, including *Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands* and the collaborative work *Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan*. Currently, Carson collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to analyze archaeological resources in Guam’s federal park lands. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar technology, he aims to survey sites while ensuring safety from potential World War II munitions before any excavation begins. His ongoing efforts at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, focus on enhancing public education and building upon findings from previous studies.
Geopolitical Research and Capacity Building
Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, an associate professor specializing in political science, CHamoru studies, and Micronesian studies, leads MARC’s initiatives in geopolitics and international relations. A Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellow and Asia-Pacific Obama Leader, Kuper’s work addresses critical security issues, political status, and regional diplomacy. His *Micronesian Diplomatic History Project* aims to preserve the narratives of Micronesian leaders through interviews and archival research, providing valuable lessons for future diplomatic endeavors.
Kuper is also developing a training program at MARC to enhance regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs. In partnership with former governors of Guam, he is conducting an oral history project that documents their strategies for self-determination and economic development. This initiative is designed to inform ongoing efforts to shape Guam’s political landscape. Notably, in 2025, Kuper successfully secured MARC’s designation as the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum, where he oversees the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project to support regional policymaking.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Heritage
In another significant effort, master navigators and University of Guam professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal are co-authoring a digital publication focused on Micronesian navigation and seafaring as part of UOG’s Island Wisdom initiative. Raigetal, who instructs on traditional navigation and sailing canoe construction, collaborates with Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, to document the cultural knowledge systems that guide island communities.
Their project, supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through UOG Press, is pioneering a digital-first publishing approach that highlights indigenous knowledge while enhancing the region’s publishing capacity. This initiative aims to ensure that the voices and experiences of Micronesians are effectively documented and shared.
UOG Press: Amplifying Micronesian Voices
UOG Press, affiliated with the Association of University Presses and a partner of New York University Press, has emerged as a prominent publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. The press is dedicated to producing a diverse range of literary and academic works, emphasizing the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of the region. By bringing local narratives to global audiences, UOG Press plays a crucial role in fostering place-based learning and supporting local creatives.
Through its initiatives, the Micronesian Area Research Center not only preserves cultural knowledge but also actively contributes to policy shaping and community empowerment. By connecting the past with a vision for the future, MARC exemplifies how research at the University of Guam delivers public value, fostering resilience and deepening understanding within Micronesia.
Programs at MARC are supported by the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, which administers grant acquisitions and research initiatives across UOG’s nine research centers. This office facilitates over $60 million in awards annually, aiming to enhance the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience.
For more information about research initiatives at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.
