Micronesian Movement – Dissertation Study
About this Study: This research study will utilize interviews, podcast transcripts, immigration policy documents, political speeches and writings, and social policy and news media documents to develop an analysis of immigration discourses related to immigration from Micronesia to the United States. The study also analyzes the implications of China’s emerging influence in Micronesia, contributing to building an understanding of Micronesian community formation in the US while questions of Micronesia’s future are discussed and renegotiated at various levels. Study Need: The project will contribute to building an understanding of Micronesian community formation in the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement between the US and Micronesia. The study also examines the implications of China’s emerging influence in Micronesia and the implications for Micronesians not only in the islands, but also in the diaspora. Researcher seeks to interview individuals from Micronesia who now reside in the US to learn more about their experiences of migration and community-building while COFA and other questions of Micronesia’s and Micronesians’ future are renegotiated. Participant identities will remain confidential.
Eligibility:
- Adults over age 18
- English proficiency
- Time commitment: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Location of research: Zoom app
About the Researcher: 
Aaron Padgett is a doctoral candidate in Sociology at the University of Missouri. Originally from Kentucky, Aaron served was first introduced to Micronesia when he served as as a teacher at my alma mater Chuuk High School in 2014-2015. He initially learned about Micronesian movement and migration through students’ sharing about individual and family experiences. In addition to his doctoral studies, Aaron engaged in work around refugee resettlement and immigration support services.
Community Advisor / Liaison:
Dr. Vidalino Raatior, a Chuukese Micronesian community leader, serves as the community outreach liaison for the study. Vid coordinates bilateral student exchange programs for Asia and the Pacific at San Jose State University and the founder of the Pacific Leadership Assistance Network (PLAN), Pacific FocusEd, and Raatior Ventures. Feel free to contact him if you have any questions or concerns.
Interested? If you wish to be a participant in this research project, please contact Julian “Aaron” Padgett (japqn5@umsystem.edu) at the University of Missouri, Department of Sociology. You can also fill out this simple online form and he will be in touch with you directly.