At the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam, research efforts are transforming historical study into a vital resource for the future. MARC plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Micronesia, engaging in initiatives that range from archaeological research to the preservation of cultural knowledge and diplomatic history.
Exploring Micronesia’s Archaeological Heritage
Dr. Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, leads efforts to uncover and understand Micronesia’s past. His research encompasses various periods, as reflected in his publications, including the influential book Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands. Currently, Carson collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to examine archaeological resources within Guam’s federal park lands. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar, he aims to identify sites while ensuring safety from potential World War II munitions before initiating any excavations.
In addition to his work with federal lands, Carson is dedicated to enhancing public education through ongoing research at Ritidian, a part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. This effort builds on previous archaeological studies to foster community engagement and understanding of Micronesia’s heritage.
Shaping Micronesia’s Political Landscape
Dr. Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, an associate professor specializing in political science and CHamoru studies, spearheads MARC’s initiatives focused on geopolitics and international relations. His role as a fellow in the Pacific Academy of Sciences and an Asia-Pacific Obama Leader underscores his commitment to addressing critical security issues and regional diplomacy.
Kuper’s notable project, the Micronesian Diplomatic History Project, preserves the narratives of Micronesian leaders through interviews and archival research. This initiative distills valuable lessons for future diplomatic engagements. He is also developing a training program at MARC aimed at enhancing regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs.
Kuper’s oral history project with former governors of Guam seeks to document their strategies regarding self-determination and economic development—resources that will inform ongoing political efforts. Notably, in 2025, Kuper led MARC to become the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum, overseeing the establishment of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project to support regional policymaking.
Honoring Traditional Knowledge and Publishing Perspectives
The work at MARC also extends to preserving traditional seafaring knowledge. Professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal, both master navigators, are co-authoring a groundbreaking digital publication on Micronesian navigation as part of the University of Guam’s Island Wisdom initiative. Raigetal imparts knowledge on sailing canoe construction and traditional navigation within the Micronesian Studies Program, while Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, documents the cultural knowledge systems that guide island communities.
Supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through UOG Press, their project adopts a digital-first publishing strategy that centers indigenous knowledge, thereby strengthening regional publishing capacity.
As a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner with New York University Press, UOG Press has emerged as a leading publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. Its expanding collection of literary and academic works shares insights and stories from the region with global audiences. By focusing on the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of Micronesia, UOG Press enhances place-based learning and amplifies local voices in classrooms and libraries.
Through its comprehensive research, publications, and preservation projects, the Micronesian Area Research Center connects the rich history of Guam with the possibilities of the future. By safeguarding cultural knowledge, shaping policy, and empowering community voices, MARC exemplifies how research at the University of Guam delivers public value. This approach builds resilience, enhances understanding, and contributes to a stronger Micronesia.
The programs at MARC are supported by the University of Guam’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, which facilitates over $60 million in annual research grants. These funds are dedicated to initiatives that bolster the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For more information about research at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.
