PICRC Research Staff Adrian Ililau Receives Full Scholarship to Attend US Coast Guard Academy

Adrian Ililau, a Research Assistant with Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), was recently admitted to the US Coast Guard Academy on a full scholarship!

Over the next four years Ililau will receive academic, military and seamanship training at the prestigious school. His program begins on June 21^st at the Academy’s swearing in ceremony in New London, Connecticut. 

Ililau previously graduated from Palau Community College with a major in Environmental/Marine Science.

“I’m planning to build on my studies at PCC and continue pursuing environmental and marine science while I’m in Connecticut” said Ililau. “I’m also interested to branch out into naval architecture and other maritime fields.”

As a Research Assistant with the Center, Ililau joined coral reef surveys, laboratory experiments and offshore research voyages. He also completed an internship with the Center in April 2021. 

“My experience with the Center definitely prepared me for this opportunity. It showed me what real work is like, and I was lucky to work with a great team” continued Ililau. “I really hope to stay connected to the Center in the future.”

Ililau also represented Palau in the 2020 Summer Olympics. He plans to continue running for the Academy’s track and field team. 

“Adrian is a model of what we can achieve with hard work and dedication” said Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, the Center’s CEO.  “We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and wish him all the best as he starts this new chapter.”