Saw You in the News!
Two students from Saipan International School, Ja Young Kim and Jiho Kong, are turning heads on the global stage with an innovative solution to one of the CNMI’s most pressing environmental challenges: coral reef destruction. Inspired by the once-vibrant reefs off Saipan’s coast, Ja Young and Jiho designed robotic coral nurseries that not only shelter baby coral but can move themselves to safety before storms hit.
These modular, hexagon-shaped “coral apartments” are powered by solar energy, emit soundscapes to attract coral larvae, and use real-time data to avoid danger—offering a smarter, more resilient approach to reef restoration. Their groundbreaking project earned them finalist honors at the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where they represented the CNMI among 1,657 top students from 62 countries. As our island communities face mounting climate threats, these two students show that innovation and hope for the future can come from right here in the Marianas. Their work reminds us that the next generation isn’t just watching—they’re leading.