MARC Enhances Understanding of Micronesia’s Past and Future

The Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at the University of Guam is actively engaging with the region’s past to shape its future. Through extensive research, educational initiatives, and preservation efforts, MARC plays a vital role in understanding Micronesia’s cultural significance and its implications for global relations.

Researching Micronesia’s Archaeological and Political Landscape

Leading the archaeological efforts at MARC is Michael Carson, an associate professor with over two decades of experience in the Asia-Pacific region. His work encompasses both ancient and historical periods, contributing to significant publications such as the book, Archaeology of Pacific Oceania: Inhabiting a Sea of Islands, and the collaborative volume Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan. Currently, Carson is collaborating with the U.S. National Park Service to investigate archaeological resources within Guam’s federal park lands. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar, he aims to safely survey these areas while avoiding potential World War II munitions before commencing any excavation.

In addition to his work with the National Park Service, Carson continues his efforts at Ritidian, part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. His focus is on enhancing public education and building upon previous archaeological findings, contributing to a broader understanding of the region’s history.

At the same time, MARC is addressing contemporary geopolitical issues under the leadership of Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, who serves as an associate professor of political science and CHamoru studies. Kuper’s work centers on security issues, political status, and regional diplomacy, making significant strides through initiatives like the Micronesian Diplomatic History Project. This project seeks to preserve the experiences of Micronesian leaders via interviews and archival research, distilling valuable lessons for future diplomatic endeavors.

Kuper is also developing a training program aimed at bolstering regional capacity in negotiation and foreign affairs. His oral history project with former governors of Guam documents their strategies for self-determination and economic development, providing crucial insights that could influence Guam’s political trajectory. Notably, in 2025, Kuper successfully secured MARC’s designation as the official archiving partner for the Micronesian Islands Forum. He now oversees the creation of a centralized digital timeline and oral history project intended to facilitate regional policymaking.

Preserving Indigenous Knowledge and Supporting Local Authors

MARC is also committed to honoring traditional seafaring knowledge through innovative projects led by master navigators and UOG professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal. Together, they are co-authoring a digital publication on Micronesian navigation and seafaring, part of UOG’s Island Wisdom initiative. Raigetal teaches traditional navigation and sailing canoe construction, while Taitano focuses on documenting the cultural knowledge systems that guide island communities.

Their project, supported by a Mellon Foundation grant through UOG Press, is pioneering a digital-first publishing approach that places indigenous knowledge at its core. This initiative aims to enhance regional publishing capacity and ensure that local voices are amplified in the literary world.

UOG Press, a member of the Association of University Presses and a partner of New York University Press, has become a key publisher for Micronesian authors, artists, and scholars. Its growing collection of literary and academic works shares the unique stories and insights of regional creators, making them accessible to a global audience. By focusing on the cultural, environmental, and historical contexts of the region, UOG Press fosters place-based learning and supports local creatives in their pursuit of becoming published authors.

The work of MARC exemplifies how the University of Guam bridges the past with the future, protecting cultural knowledge and empowering community voices. Through its research, publications, and preservation efforts, MARC not only deepens understanding but also strengthens the resilience of Micronesia.

Programs under the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center receive support from the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). This office oversees grant acquisition and research initiatives across UOG’s nine research centers, facilitating over $60 million in awards annually to enhance the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For more information on research initiatives at the University of Guam, visit www.uog.edu/research.