By: Marissa Dilmeang Spires
Thirteen University of Redlands undergraduates embarked on a two-week immersive learning experience in Palau, a Micronesian island nation, on May 10, 2024. Selected through an application and interview process, these students shared a passion for environmental studies and participated in the “Palau Expedition: Sustaining Life on a Blue Planet” May Term course. Led by Professor Lei Lani Stelle of the Redlands biology department and assisted by her artist-photographer husband Shane Keena, the course explored Palau’s marine ecology, natural history, unique matriarchal society, and ongoing efforts toward sustainable development. Established in 2000 by the late environmental studies professor Monty Hempel, the program has become a Redlands tradition.
The diverse group of students, with varying academic backgrounds and experiences, began with a three-day pre-departure campus session. This orientation covered marine ecology basics, the Anthropocene epoch, Palauan history and society, current environmental challenges, and presentations on local wildlife. Following this introduction, the students embarked on a long-distance flight to Palau, a first-time travel experience for some.
Their base in Koror provided access to thrilling snorkeling and scuba diving adventures with Rock Island Kayak Expeditions. The students explored a network of inhabited and uninhabited islands for ten days, kayaking, hiking, and swimming through pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs. Ron Leidich, Macstyl Sasao, Oleii Olii, Elilai Sugiyama, and other Rock Island Kayak Expeditions crew members facilitated their underwater exploration. The group visited numerous dive sites, including West Ngeruktabel, the Milky Way, the German Channel, the Ulong Channel, the Blue Hole and Blue Corner, Turtle Cove, the Sand Bar, the Blue Lagoon, Einstein’s Gardens, Mandarin Fish Lake, the Eastern Patch Reefs, the Big Drop-off, the Grand Canyons, the New Drop-off, and Nikko Bay. Between dives, they encountered historical artifacts like sunken Japanese Zero fighter planes. Lunchtime offered opportunities for bonding and enjoying bento meals on the boats or surrounding beaches. Committed to environmental responsibility, the Redlands team participated in beach cleanups, collecting debris left behind or washed ashore. They also reveled in playful encounters with fish, sharks, sea turtles, and pods of breaching spinner dolphins. Cameras captured these experiences, including group photos beneath the iconic Arch and adventurous feats like cliff jumping and cannonballing into the water at Cathedral Cave.
Beyond aquatic adventures, the students delved into Palauan culture. At the Belau National Museum, they met with local experts like Risong Tarkong and Adelbai I Seit Andres. A highlight was a formal meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr. at his Koror office. Professor Stelle briefed the president on the program’s academic goals and historical successes. Students then engaged in a lively discussion about Palauan society, economy, traditions, the environment, and upcoming elections. The class had previously visited Babeldaob, touring the Capitol to learn about Palau’s government and history. They gained insights into the Senate Chamber and enjoyed panoramic views from the rooftop. The following day, a World War II tour in Peleliu offered exposure to uncovered artifacts, war stories, news articles, memorials, and the very ground soldiers once traversed.
Marissa Dilmeang Spires, a rising junior with a double major in creative writing and psychology and a minor in Spanish, played a unique role. The sole Palauan student in the group, granddaughter of Justina Ramarui, also serves as the Social Media Manager for the Redlands student environmental group Students for Environmental Action (SEA). Marissa relished the opportunity to share her heritage and culture with classmates and professors, while also gaining deeper cultural understanding through their perspectives. Following their Babeldaob visit, she collaborated with her mother back in the U.S. and her Ngchesar family to prepare a delicious traditional Palauan meal for the class. While her fellow students returned home, Marissa plans to extend her stay for the summer, reconnecting with family, exploring her cultural roots, and interning for The Island Times.