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The University of Guam Regional Center for Public Policy is embarking on a new chapter, positioning itself as a key player in Pacific research and regional collaboration. Interim director Chirag M. Bhojwani and dean of the School of Business and Public Administration, Roseann Jones, PhD, are guiding the center's strategic direction. Bhojwani previously served as chief of staff at the Guam Legislature and worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. As a tenured professor of economics, Jones’ expertise in economics and regional planning, coupled with her many years of living and working in the region, gives her a multifaceted understanding of current issues in the Pacific. "For the past few months, we have been finishing all preexisting contracts and closeout reports," Bhojwani said. "Now that we're done, we're shifting gears and looking at how we will move forward." Addressing regional priorities The center's renewed focus comes as international attention on Micronesia intensifies. The United Nations recently established a multi-country office in Pohnpei and convened a regional investment and partnership meeting on digital transformation last August. Under Jones and Bhojwani's leadership, the center is developing initiatives to address critical regional issues, including climate resilience, economic development, and digital infrastructure through research and policy analysis. Empowering Pacific students A cornerstone of the center's strategy involves UOG students from across Micronesia. Through policy evaluation courses, students develop research portfolios addressing challenges facing their home islands while building connections to potential grant funding and expertise. "Students from the region are looking for opportunities for themselves and for their home islands,” Bhojwani said. “At UOG, students learn about policy development and evaluation, and through RCPP, they’ll develop portfolios from their research projects that will help them find solutions to issues their islands are facing.” Through RCPP, students can remain connected to the university and to Guam and possible grant funding for projects in their home islands. Recent activities RCPP recently hosted delegates from Taiwan's Young Ambassadors program for panel discussions with local political leaders and retired military personnel on regional security and Guam's strategic role. Delegates also engaged with business leaders, community members, and students to explore economic, cultural, and educational partnerships. “This visit demonstrates the strong ties between Guam and Taiwan and reinforces our commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders while strengthening Guam’s voice in Indo-Pacific affairs,” said Bhojwani. “Projects like this, which focus on capacity building and hands-on learning, provide meaningful regional engagement and educational opportunities for our students.” As it enters this new phase, the RCPP is poised to serve as a hub for evidence-based leadership and regional resilience. By equipping students with real-world policy experience and fostering cross Pacific collaboration, the center not only advances UOG’s research mission but also empowers a new generation to shape a more resilient, connected Micronesia. Research at UOG UOG RCPP is supported by the university's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, which oversees grant acquisition and research initiatives across UOG’s nine research centers. In March 2025, UOG was designated a Research College and University by the Carnegie Classification, recognizing institutions with significant research activity. This places UOG among just 216 institutions nationwide with this designation and reaffirms its leadership in advancing research throughout Micronesia. ORSP facilitates more than $60 million in awards annually to support research that strengthens the region’s health, environment, and cultural resilience. For more information about research at UOG, visit the ORSP at www.uog.edu/research.
