The Research Corporation of the University of Guam, RCUOG, recently celebrated a notable milestone – in the 11 years since it was established, it has grown from a two-employee startup handling five grants to a 246-employee operation managing 171 grants and projects.
Over the past decade, RCUOG has become a driving force for growth at UOG, providing hands-on research opportunities to students, helping scientists secure and manage major grants, and delivering economic and social benefits for the people of Guam.
The corporation supports about 80% of the grants at UOG – managing money, hiring, buying equipment, and ensuring all actions comply with regulations and grant requirements. By doing the heavy lifting on grant administration, RCUOG allows researchers to focus on their work and discover solutions to challenges facing the region.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Cathleen Moore-Linn, RCUOG supports more than $100 million in multi-year grants. As of 2022, the National Science Foundation ranked UOG in the 68th percentile nationwide for total research and development expenditures, placing it 284th out of 890 institutions.
Helping scientists focus on innovation
RCUOG accepted its first grant in October 2014.
“By December, we had five grants from principal investigators who we call our early adopters,” Moore-Linn said.
One of them was Marine Laboratory Director Laurie Raymundo. Raymundo said the professional management provided by RCUOG has allowed scientists to focus on research rather than administration.
“Once RCUOG was established, I never looked back,” she said. “Every single thing I have done since then has been through the Research Corporation.”
When grant money is spent wisely and on time, funders are more likely to award additional grants in the future. That helps UOG attract more funding, raises the university’s profile, and strengthens its ability to serve the community.
Helping students build careers in science
More research at UOG means students have more chances to participate first-hand in scientific work.
Through programs administered by RCUOG, students have taken trips to collect data and traveled to conferences to present their work.
Students hired through the Research Corporation receive health insurance, while others earn stipends for participating in various projects. Through RCUOG, students gain valuable professional experience and begin preparing for careers in research and other fields critical to Guam’s development.
The Research Corporation’s travel awards program, which uses mileage accrued from corporate credit card purchases, has paid for 103 student trips since 2017.
A $10 million NexGen grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture allows students to gain hands-on experience in agriculture, natural resource management, and other fields. This program adds significant value to their UOG education while building the skills needed to address local environmental and agricultural challenges.
Over the summer, five UOG students traveled to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington as part of a 10-week immersive research experience. Through a Department of Energy grant administered by RCUOG, the students contributed to research on converting seawater into hydrogen, a potential energy storage solution.
Innovative projects like these reflect UOG’s mission to prepare students to solve future energy challenges, including those here on Guam.
Strengthening Guam’s economy
The Research Corporation also manages the National Cancer Institute’s Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity, PIPCHE, grant. In addition to training health care professionals, the grant helps researchers learn more about cancer on Guam and study prevention methods.
Raymundo’s work on coral diseases and reef restoration benefits the island’s economy and contributes to the quality of life on Guam. UOG researchers have also partnered with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services to track health problems and with the Department of Agriculture to study invasive species.
Much of the money brought in by grants and managed by RCUOG remains on Guam, supporting local salaries, services, and supplies.
“We are creating jobs, and that feeds back into the economy,” Moore-Linn said.
Over the last three years, the corporation has spent $69 million locally.
These efforts demonstrate how research at UOG is not just an academic enterprise – it drives tangible benefits for the people of Guam, contributing to public health, environmental preservation, and economic growth.
Flexible model for growth, innovation
In 2014, when Sens. B.J. Cruz, Judith Won Pat, and Aline Yamashita introduced the legislation that created the Research Corporation, they envisioned an institution that would grow UOG’s capacity to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits.
At the time, more than 200 university-affiliated research corporations had been established across the U.S. to provide infrastructure tailored to support research efforts.
The plan, as outlined by then-UOG President Robert Underwood, was to give UOG the flexibility to respond quickly to funding opportunities while adhering to high professional and ethical standards.
Today, RCUOG’s ability to support researchers, manage complex grants, and foster public-private partnerships ensures that UOG can stay at the forefront of research in the region.
Supporting the next generation of scientists
RCUOG’s first decade has laid a strong foundation for growth, but its focus remains on the future.
By empowering scientists and students, the corporation helps UOG address some of the most pressing challenges facing Guam and the region.
With continued support, RCUOG is poised to expand research opportunities, create more jobs, and help train the next generation of local scientists and innovators.
Looking ahead, RCUOG is paving pathways that turn breakthrough ideas into thriving business ventures, advancing Guam’s economy. By tapping initiatives like the Small Business Innovation Research programs, RCUOG can support scientists and students pursue research that addresses local and regional needs while fueling economic growth.
Together, the University of Guam and RCUOG are building an ecosystem that values both research excellence and entrepreneurial success, and where research drives solutions for Guam and beyond.
Tulos Mo’na! Biba UOG!
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