Researchers, intellectuals, students, and many others part of Saipan’s scientific community took part in the annual Asian Pacific Academy of Science, Education and Environmental Management conference held from Nov. 20 to 22 at the American Memorial Park Theater in Garapan.
The conference featured the research and presentation of 12 individuals and covered various topics such as the environment, Marianas culture, and economy.
Day 1 saw Marianas High School’s Alexander John T. Olaitiman share his research on hydroponic fertilizing systems to combat climate and pests in the CNMI and Kagman High School’s Evangeline Taitingfong present on marine debris and plastic pollution.
On Day 2, Mark Terlaje-Pangelinan, a Northern Marianas College Student-Environmental Natural Resources Organization ambassador, delved into his research “Geographic Distribution of Yellow Crazy Ants on Saipan” and Micronesia Climate Change Alliance’s Moñeka De Oro spoke on ÅMUT walks through the Marianas, as a journey for peace, healing and unity.
Daisy Demapan, a University of Guam alumnae and California Southern University School of Behavioral Sciences graduate, spoke on the impact of historical trauma on natives of the Marianas. BECQ-Division of Coastal Resources Management’s Mary-Fem Urena and Jovahnna Taitingfong kicked off Day 3 of the conference speaking on CNMI coastal management and enhancement priorities.
Kånnai Komunidat- payuur toulap Candice Nicole L.G. Muña spoke on “Breaking the Cycle,” covering her research on disadvantaged communities and pathways to resilience in the CNMI.
University of Guam Drone Corps/Communications coordinator under the NASA Guam Space Grant’s Keanno Lawrence A. Fausto and his team—Jonelle Sayama, Annisa Lujan, and Andrea Velasquez—did a presentation on enhancing regional natural resource management with drone technology and UOG drone Corps’ mapping campaign on Saipan.
Eloise Rose Enrico Lopez, APASEEM’s media coordinator intern, shared with Saipan Tribune that as hoped the APASEEM conference this year had presentations from field professionals, independent researchers, and students.
“While we had more last year, we wanted to give presenters ample time to share their insights and provide valuable information to our community.” She added “Despite the short timeline, we had a strong and diverse group of presentations with fresh, engaging topics. For next year, we plan to start calling for presentations earlier, beginning in February 2025, to ensure an even greater variety of contributors.”
In a conversation with APASEEM president Roy Adsit, he shared that this year’s event spotlighted the power of community-driven research and the importance of creating a platform for diverse perspectives in science.
Adsit, a longtome science teacher at Saipan Southern High School with well over 15 years teaching on the island, shared that he has a passion for making science accessible and meaningful to his students and the community. Adsit’s experiences as a teacher had played a major role in starting up APASEEM.
“Teaching isn’t just about the content,” Adsit shared. “It’s about helping students see how science connects to their lives and the world around them. That’s the same vision we have for APASEEM.”
A platform for all
Founded in 2008, with colleague John Fury, APASEEM was created to unite scientific minds while remaining accessible to the general public. Adsit emphasized the conference’s unique approach: “Many conferences aren’t practical for working people. Our event is tailored to include everyone—students, shift workers, and community members—not just career scientists.”
The inclusivity also extends to the content itself. While traditional scientific research plays a significant role, this year’s conference also welcomed presentations on indigenous knowledge and non-traditional science. “We’ve worked hard to highlight indigenous perspectives. It’s been enlightening and unifying,” Adsit noted.
Citizen science in action
One of the conference’s key themes was the role of citizen science in tackling environmental challenges. Adsit described projects like Guam’s Coral Watch initiative, which relies on input from divers, fishermen, and snorkelers to monitor marine health. “Thousands of observations a day are collected by the community—something professional scientists alone could never achieve,” he explained.
Adsit also encouraged attendees to embrace the scientific method in all its forms. “Science isn’t just for the experts. Whether you’re analyzing coral reefs or observing local weather patterns, anyone can contribute valuable data.” He shared that although their goal is to provide a space where researchers can freely share their research, it all has to be based in a viable method of scientific research, that can yield the same results when done by others.
“We have had to work to make sure that we stay true to our goals of providing a platform. A platform as opposed to a soapbox, if that makes sense. We’re here to help people and we have to make sure that their presentation is—and again, there’s a lot of ways to do science—but it’s all based on the premise that you’re gathering data to answer a question. And that anybody could go and repeat that or build on it or look at it from a different perspective. And the data is going to hold. It’s not a sage on a stage. It’s observations and hopefully we did a good job.”
Inspiring the next generation
The conference served as a stage for local students to shine. Adsit proudly shared that some of his current and former students participated as presenters, sharing their findings and contributing to the island’s growing body of research. “Investing in students’ lives pays off,” Adsit said. “Many of them go on to become professionals who make meaningful contributions to the community.”
Rebuilding momentum
This marks the second year APASEEM has been held since its hiatus due to typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic. Adsit acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding momentum but remained optimistic. “The second year back is always harder—gearing up and oiling the gears. But the support we’ve received from the community and partners like American Memorial Park makes it worth it.”
Looking to the future, Adsit envisions APASEEM becoming a long-standing island institution. “Our goal is simple: To provide a platform for sharing data and ideas. We’re here to help people present their research and foster collaboration in a world that often feels polarized.”
A unifying force
As the three-day event concluded, Adsit reflected on its impact. “APASEEM isn’t about pushing agendas or opinions. It’s about uniting people through shared knowledge. Science should bring us together, helping us see the world—and each other—from different perspectives.”
With its emphasis on inclusivity, community, and data-driven discovery, APASEEM hopes to continue to serve as a vital platform for the scientific and broader Saipan community.
“Let’s work together to build a sustainable future for our islands!” said Lopez. “I hope APASEEM continues to bring together passionate individuals from across the Asia-Pacific region to address environmental and energy challenges. By sharing knowledge, empowering local communities, and inspiring practical, science-based solutions, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for everyone—especially for our beloved islands.” To those interested she said, “Are you a student passionate about the environment? Join APASEEM and be part of the solution!”
This post was originally published on here