At the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam, research serves as a bridge between historical insights and contemporary issues. The center plays a vital role in preserving and studying the rich heritage of Micronesia while addressing its relevance in today’s global landscape. Through various initiatives, MARC enhances understanding of cultural, geopolitical, and environmental dynamics.
Exploring Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Michael Carson, an associate professor of archaeology, leads efforts in exploring Micronesia’s archaeological heritage. With extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region, Carson’s work encompasses both ancient and historical periods. His notable publications include the book Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands and the collaborative volume Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan.
Currently, Carson collaborates with the U.S. National Park Service to assess archaeological resources within Guam’s federal park lands. Utilizing advanced techniques like ground-penetrating radar, he aims to conduct surveys that bypass potential hazards, such as unexploded World War II munitions. His ongoing research at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, focuses on expanding educational opportunities and building upon previous archaeological findings.
Fostering Geopolitical Understanding
In the realm of geopolitics, Kenneth Gofigan Kuper serves as a leading figure at MARC. As an associate professor specializing in political science and Micronesian studies, Kuper addresses security issues, political status, and regional diplomacy. His work includes the Micronesian Diplomatic History Project, which documents the experiences of Micronesian leaders through interviews and archival research, offering valuable lessons for future diplomatic efforts.
Kuper is also developing a training program through MARC aimed at enhancing regional negotiation and foreign affairs capabilities. Additionally, he conducts an oral history project with former governors of Guam to capture their strategies on self-determination and economic development—resources crucial for shaping Guam’s political landscape.
In 2025, Kuper successfully positioned MARC as the official archiving partner of the Micronesian Islands Forum. This role includes overseeing a centralized digital timeline and oral history project to bolster regional policymaking.
Preserving Traditional Knowledge
The center is also dedicated to honoring traditional knowledge, particularly in navigation. Professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal are working together to create a digital publication that highlights Micronesian navigation and seafaring as part of the University’s Island Wisdom initiative. Raigetal, who teaches sailing canoe construction and traditional navigation, collaborates with Taitano, an assistant professor of library science, to document the cultural knowledge systems vital to island communities.
Supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through UOG Press, their project employs a digital-first publishing approach that centers on indigenous knowledge while enhancing regional publishing capacities.
UOG Press as a Regional Publishing Hub
As a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner of New York University Press, UOG Press has emerged as a prominent publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. The press’s expanding collection of literary and academic works shares the narratives and insights of regional creatives with global audiences.
Focusing on the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of Micronesia, UOG Press promotes place-based learning and amplifies local voices in educational institutions throughout the region. It aims to nurture writers and artists, providing pathways for local talents to realize their ambitions of becoming published authors.
Through its multifaceted research, publications, and preservation efforts, the Micronesian Area Research Center not only safeguards Guam’s rich cultural heritage but also enhances its potential for future development. By protecting cultural knowledge, shaping policy, and empowering community voices, MARC exemplifies the commitment of the University of Guam to deliver public value. This initiative builds resilience, deepens understanding, and contributes to a stronger, more informed Micronesia.
Research programs under MARC benefit from the support of the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), which facilitates over $60 million in annual awards to bolster initiatives aiming to improve the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. To discover more about research at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.
