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COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

The increasing island population has brought on emerging infectious diseases including tuberculosis, HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases. Awareness campaigns and efforts can be produced to help with prevention.
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The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands joined the Pacific STEP-UP Program in 2011 with the aid of local collaborators Barbara Merfalen at Northern Marianas College (NMC) and Dr. Rita Sablan with the CNMI Public School System (PSS). Students who are accepted into the program will work at the Pacific STEP-UP Training Lab or at another local agency together with an experienced research mentor. The CNMI Local High School Summer Research Symposium was held for the first time in July 2015 and there are plans to hold this Symposium annually. Students who complete the program are asked to join students from across the country in attending the National High School STEP-UP Scientific Research Symposium in Washington, DC where they present their summer research projects to both peers and professionals from academia and the research industry. Additionally, a participation allowance is given to each participant upon successful completion of the program.

LOCAL COLLABORATORS

Ms. Charlotte Cepeda
Dean of Learning and Student Success
Northern Marianas College

Jackie Quitagua, M.Ed
Associate Commissioner of Education
CNMI Public School System

LOCAL PROGRAM COORDINATORS

Asapmar Ogumoro

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System

Mr. Asapmar Ogumoro has been with the CNMI Public School System for 13 years. He taught 11 years at Garapan Elementary School as a 6th grade teacher and Science Representative. He obtained his Education degree from Eastern Oregon University and Master’s degree in International Education through Framingham State University. Mr. Ogumoro has been an active member in the Science Professional Learning Community assisting with STEM activities and curriculum discussions. He is currently the Public School System’s Science Program Coordinator and assists with the STEP-UP program for the CNMI including other STEM-related activities throughout the school district.

Velma C. Deleon Guerrero

Northern Marianas College

Ms. Velma C. Deleon Guerrero earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the Northern Marianas College (NMC) and a Masters of Arts Degree in Education from Framingham State University. She taught as an adjunct instructor in NMC's School of Education from Fall 2006 through Spring 2008. In Fall 2008, she took on a full-time instructor position in the School of Education until Fall 2011, when she agreed to serve in her current position as Liberal Arts Program Coordinator. For the past two years, she also served as the acting department chair for Sciences, Mathematics, Health and Athletics department.