High school students from Niceville make global impact with marine research presentations during recent Japan trip
Niceville, Florida – Presenting their innovative research on marine biodiversity, a team of Niceville High School students made a major impact at the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations in Shizuoka, Japan, in an amazing display of young scientific talent. The students’ involvement highlighted their special position in worldwide marine research as the only high school team from the United States linked with the NaGISA program.
Translating “where the land meets the sea” in Japanese as “Natural Geography In-Shore Areas,” the NaGISA initiative emphasizes marine biodiversity study and preservation. Participating in NaGISA over more than two decades, Niceville High School shows a continuous dedication to environmental study. This commitment resulted in their most recent trip to Japan, which fell over Thanksgiving break.
With eight students and four chaperones, the group set off on November 21st and arrived in Japan the following day. Their first days of exploration of Tokyo’s rich historical and cultural sites prepared the ground for the scholarly presentations to come.
Students Jocelyn Wheeler, Noah Stickler, Hannah Castor, and Sasha McCraine participated in a poster session on November 28th where they spoke with delegates from top worldwide universities on the school’s collecting and analytic techniques. This workshop gave them an opportunity to show their practical marine studies experience and participate in scientific conversation.
Senior Lily Suttlemyre, Craig Falzone, Jacob Milz, and sophomore Julia Milz presented a compelling presentation called “The Northwest Florida NaGISA Program as a Blueprint for Scientific Outreach.” Along with outlining their local research initiatives, this presentation positioned the NHS NaGISA program as a model for high schools across the nation to follow.
Mr. Richard Hernandez, a talented teacher at Niceville High School and NaGISA advisor, Mr. Patrick Cole, a social studies teacher, and Savannah Mikus, an adjunct instructor of Japanese culture at the University of Florida, helped the team to prepare and during the Japan visit. With Mrs. Mikus acting as the interpreter, former NHS NaGISA student Mikus and her husband Jacob Mikus, a registered nurse, guided the students through their cultural and scientific exchange.
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Richard Hernandez highlighted the importance of the event in a press release.
“This trip offered these students the rare opportunity to present alongside counterparts from some of the world’s leading universities.” He praised the students for their ability to leave a lasting impression on the esteemed gathering of scientists.
The recognition did not end there; Niceville High School was accepted as a full member of the World Association of Marine Stations, therefore entering a distinguished network of about 800 marine stations worldwide. Furthermore, the school has been invited to the next World Congress of Marine Stations, where they will contribute to the Atlas of Marine Stations.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students’ accomplishments: “This trip exemplifies our students’ incredible opportunities to engage in world-class learning experiences. The NaGISA team’s dedication and passion exemplify the excellence we strive for in Okaloosa County. I am so proud of their achievements and the way they represented our district on an international stage.”
The accomplishment of the Niceville High School students at the international conference is evidence of the value of education and the great influence committed students can bring about on the international scene. Their path not only resulted in personal recognition but also demonstrated the ability of young scientists to significantly help to address urgent world problems.
