The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) partnered with Pacific STEP-UP in 2012. Since then, local coordinator, Dr. Paul Dacanay, has provided assistance in running the STEP-UP program in FSM. Those who are accepted into the program will work with a trained research mentor at the STEP-UP Training Lab located on the College of Micronesia – FSM campus or at another local agency. At the end of the 8-week program, selected interns will travel to Washington, DC for the annual National STEP-UP Scientific Research Symposium where they will present their research projects to both peers and professionals from academia and the research industry. Additionally, a participation allowance is given to interns upon successful completion of the program.

TRAINING LAB

LOCAL COLLABORATOR

Ms. Karen Simion
Interim President
College of Micronesia -FSM

Ms. Karen Simion has been serving as Interim President at the College of Micronesia-FSM since May 2020. She has worked at the college for over 30 years and served as Vice President for Instructional Affairs, Dean of Academic programs, Instructional Coordinator and English faculty. Ms. Simion has worked at both Chuuk Campus and National Campus. She obtained her master’s degree in education from the University of Guam and her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Kansas.

LOCAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Paul Dacanay
College of Micronesia -FSM

Dr. Paul Dacanay is Chair of the Division of Health Science at the College of Micronesia-FSM and was formerly the Medical Director of Pohnpei Community Health Center, Pohnpei, FSM. Dr. Dacanay received his BS in Biology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine at the Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. Dr. Dacanay did his residency training in Family and Community Medicine at the Quezon City General Hospital in Quezon City, Philippines.