Homeland: Wotje, RMI High School: Northern Islands High School College: University of Guam Major: Civil Engineering Pursuing: B.S Expected Graduation: 2028
Biography
My name is Azer Lomake Bilimon. I graduated from the College of the Marshall Islands with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, with a specialization in Mathematics. I was raised on the atoll of Wotje, a small island surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and nature, an environment that has deeply influenced my passion for science, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in STEM programs focused on environmental resilience and innovation. I am currently a student researcher at the University of Guam, where I began my research path through their Summer Research Program. During this program, I presented my work under the Guam Green Growth initiative, exploring sustainable approaches tailored to island communities. As a participant in the Micronesia Bridge to bachelor’s Program, I proudly represent the Marshall Islands alongside students from the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. In 2024, I attended the SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) conference in Arizona, and the Sea Island Alliance Summit in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a member of the Guam Hub. Most recently, I presented my research at the 2025 Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025). These experiences have shaped my commitment to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability across the Pacific region. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue advanced studies in Environmental Science, with the goal of contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience for small island nations like my own.
Inspiration
As an islander from Wotje Atoll in the Marshall Islands, I see many reflections of my own journey in the life and legacy of Dr. Joakim “Jojo” Peter. His unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and uplifting Pacific Islander voices has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Dr. Jojo’s work reminded the world that the knowledge, resilience, and dignity of island communities’ matter—and that we have the power to shape our own futures through education, collaboration, and action. Like Dr. Jojo, I come from a place surrounded by the ocean, a place rich in culture, beauty, and challenges. I have witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change and limited resources on small island communities, and like him, I believe that education and community-based research are key to creating sustainable solutions. His advocacy for accessibility, equity, and the empowerment of Micronesian students has motivated me to pursue higher education not just for myself, but for the betterment of my people. I am especially inspired by how Dr. Jojo bridged cultures and institutions while always remaining grounded in his identity as a proud Micronesian. His life has shown me that it is possible to thrive in academic spaces while carrying the voices of our islands with us. His example pushes me to keep going, to represent my community with pride, and to use my skills in science to serve others. Dr. Jojo’s legacy is not only a call to honor where we come from, but also a call to rise, lead, and give back. That is the path I am committed to following.
Community Service
Giving back to my community has always been an important part of my life. As a member of Youth for Christ in the Marshall Islands, I regularly participated in community service activities such as street cleanups and neighborhood beautification projects. These experiences helped instill in me a sense of responsibility and care for the environment and the well-being of those around me. Beyond volunteer work, my internships have also served as meaningful contributions to my community. At the Marshall Islands Development Bank, I worked as a filer, organizing and maintaining important financial records that support national development efforts. This experience gave me valuable insight into the operations that help build and sustain community infrastructure. During my time at the College of the Marshall Islands, I served as a computer lab monitor. In addition to ensuring the proper use of lab resources, I actively assisted students with logging into their accounts and completing essential tasks like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Helping fellow students navigate these important processes was deeply rewarding, and it allowed me to support their academic and financial success in a direct and practical way. Each of these roles, whether faith-based, professional, or academic has strengthened my commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment. They have taught me that even small actions can create positive change when done with purpose and heart.
Leadership Experience
My leadership journey began in high school, where I served as a Student Senator representing students from my home atoll. In this role, I advocated for their needs and concerns within the larger student body, helping ensure their voices were heard in school decisions and activities. It was my first experience speaking on behalf of a community and taught me the importance of representation and responsibility. At the College of the Marshall Islands, I continued to develop my leadership skills through various roles. I served as a math tutor for four semesters, supporting students in their coursework and helping them build confidence in their abilities. I also held the position of Treasurer for our campus Boys Club, a cultural group dedicated to traditional dance and performance. In that role, I managed the club’s budget, helped plan events, and contributed to preserving and sharing our cultural heritage through performance. Currently, I am preparing to take on a new leadership role at the University of Guam as a student mentor. I will be guiding high school students joining our research lab, helping them with their independent research projects and supporting them through their introduction to the scientific process. I look forward to encouraging them just as I have been encouraged by mentors in my own journey. These experiences have taught me to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and uplift others through education and culture. I am committed to continuing this path as I grow personally and academically.
Legacy Project
For my legacy project, I envision creating a Youth-Led Environmental Research and Mentorship Program in the Marshall Islands. The goal of this initiative would be to empower high school and early college students—especially from outer atolls—to engage in hands-on environmental science research focused on issues directly affecting their communities, such as coastal erosion, water quality, and climate resilience. This project would be inspired by the mentorship and research opportunities I’ve received at the University of Guam, and by Dr. Jojo Peter’s commitment to education, equity, and island empowerment. I want to pass on the same support and inspiration to younger students who may not yet see themselves as scientists or leaders. The program would include workshops on basic research skills, training in data collection and analysis, and presentations that would allow students to share their findings with local leaders and their communities. It would also involve pairing students with mentors—including college students and researchers from across Micronesia—to guide and encourage them throughout the process. Through this project, I hope to build a foundation for more youth-driven solutions in the Marshall Islands and promote the idea that science and leadership belong to everyone, regardless of where they come from. I want this legacy to continue long after I complete my degree—to create a ripple effect where more young islanders believe in their power to protect and uplift their communities through knowledge, collaboration, and heart.
Azer Bilimon
Meet the Scholars
Sponsor a Scholar
Homeland: Wotje, RMI
High School: Northern Islands High School
College: University of Guam
Major: Civil Engineering
Pursuing: B.S
Expected Graduation: 2028
Biography
My name is Azer Lomake Bilimon. I graduated from the College of the Marshall Islands with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, with a specialization in Mathematics. I was raised on the atoll of Wotje, a small island surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and nature, an environment that has deeply influenced my passion for science, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in STEM programs focused on environmental resilience and innovation. I am currently a student researcher at the University of Guam, where I began my research path through their Summer Research Program. During this program, I presented my work under the Guam Green Growth initiative, exploring sustainable approaches tailored to island communities. As a participant in the Micronesia Bridge to bachelor’s Program, I proudly represent the Marshall Islands alongside students from the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. In 2024, I attended the SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) conference in Arizona, and the Sea Island Alliance Summit in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a member of the Guam Hub. Most recently, I presented my research at the 2025 Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025). These experiences have shaped my commitment to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability across the Pacific region. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue advanced studies in Environmental Science, with the goal of contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience for small island nations like my own.
Inspiration
As an islander from Wotje Atoll in the Marshall Islands, I see many reflections of my own journey in the life and legacy of Dr. Joakim “Jojo” Peter. His unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and uplifting Pacific Islander voices has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Dr. Jojo’s work reminded the world that the knowledge, resilience, and dignity of island communities’ matter—and that we have the power to shape our own futures through education, collaboration, and action. Like Dr. Jojo, I come from a place surrounded by the ocean, a place rich in culture, beauty, and challenges. I have witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change and limited resources on small island communities, and like him, I believe that education and community-based research are key to creating sustainable solutions. His advocacy for accessibility, equity, and the empowerment of Micronesian students has motivated me to pursue higher education not just for myself, but for the betterment of my people. I am especially inspired by how Dr. Jojo bridged cultures and institutions while always remaining grounded in his identity as a proud Micronesian. His life has shown me that it is possible to thrive in academic spaces while carrying the voices of our islands with us. His example pushes me to keep going, to represent my community with pride, and to use my skills in science to serve others. Dr. Jojo’s legacy is not only a call to honor where we come from, but also a call to rise, lead, and give back. That is the path I am committed to following.
Community Service
Giving back to my community has always been an important part of my life. As a member of Youth for Christ in the Marshall Islands, I regularly participated in community service activities such as street cleanups and neighborhood beautification projects. These experiences helped instill in me a sense of responsibility and care for the environment and the well-being of those around me. Beyond volunteer work, my internships have also served as meaningful contributions to my community. At the Marshall Islands Development Bank, I worked as a filer, organizing and maintaining important financial records that support national development efforts. This experience gave me valuable insight into the operations that help build and sustain community infrastructure. During my time at the College of the Marshall Islands, I served as a computer lab monitor. In addition to ensuring the proper use of lab resources, I actively assisted students with logging into their accounts and completing essential tasks like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Helping fellow students navigate these important processes was deeply rewarding, and it allowed me to support their academic and financial success in a direct and practical way. Each of these roles, whether faith-based, professional, or academic has strengthened my commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment. They have taught me that even small actions can create positive change when done with purpose and heart.
Leadership Experience
My leadership journey began in high school, where I served as a Student Senator representing students from my home atoll. In this role, I advocated for their needs and concerns within the larger student body, helping ensure their voices were heard in school decisions and activities. It was my first experience speaking on behalf of a community and taught me the importance of representation and responsibility. At the College of the Marshall Islands, I continued to develop my leadership skills through various roles. I served as a math tutor for four semesters, supporting students in their coursework and helping them build confidence in their abilities. I also held the position of Treasurer for our campus Boys Club, a cultural group dedicated to traditional dance and performance. In that role, I managed the club’s budget, helped plan events, and contributed to preserving and sharing our cultural heritage through performance. Currently, I am preparing to take on a new leadership role at the University of Guam as a student mentor. I will be guiding high school students joining our research lab, helping them with their independent research projects and supporting them through their introduction to the scientific process. I look forward to encouraging them just as I have been encouraged by mentors in my own journey. These experiences have taught me to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and uplift others through education and culture. I am committed to continuing this path as I grow personally and academically.
Legacy Project
For my legacy project, I envision creating a Youth-Led Environmental Research and Mentorship Program in the Marshall Islands. The goal of this initiative would be to empower high school and early college students—especially from outer atolls—to engage in hands-on environmental science research focused on issues directly affecting their communities, such as coastal erosion, water quality, and climate resilience. This project would be inspired by the mentorship and research opportunities I’ve received at the University of Guam, and by Dr. Jojo Peter’s commitment to education, equity, and island empowerment. I want to pass on the same support and inspiration to younger students who may not yet see themselves as scientists or leaders. The program would include workshops on basic research skills, training in data collection and analysis, and presentations that would allow students to share their findings with local leaders and their communities. It would also involve pairing students with mentors—including college students and researchers from across Micronesia—to guide and encourage them throughout the process. Through this project, I hope to build a foundation for more youth-driven solutions in the Marshall Islands and promote the idea that science and leadership belong to everyone, regardless of where they come from. I want this legacy to continue long after I complete my degree—to create a ripple effect where more young islanders believe in their power to protect and uplift their communities through knowledge, collaboration, and heart.