These Niceville High Schoolers Are The Only Non-Graduate Students To Present At Research Conference In Japan

Eight students and four chaperones from Niceville High School’s NaGISA program represented the United States at the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations in Shizuoka, Japan, during an 11-day trip over Thanksgiving break. The students presented their research on marine biodiversity, showcasing two decades of contributions to the international NaGISA initiative.

Niceville High School is the only U.S. high school affiliated with NaGISA, a Japan-based program focused on cataloging and monitoring in-shore biodiversity. The students’ presentations, including a detailed “Sandy Beach” protocol, were aimed at inspiring other high schools to join the effort.

In addition to attending the conference, the group toured Tokyo and engaged with global scientists during poster sessions and presentations. Students Jocelyn Wheeler, Noah Stickler, Hannah Castor, and Sasha McCraine presented collection and analysis protocols, while Lily Suttlemyre, Craig Falzone, Jacob Milz, and Julia Milz delivered a main presentation on scientific outreach.

Accompanying the students were NHS teachers Richard Hernandez and Patrick Cole, along with Savannah Mikus, a former NHS NaGISA student and adjunct lecturer of Japanese culture at the University of Florida, and her husband, Jacob Mikus, a registered nurse.

The trip resulted in new honors for the program, including full membership in the World Association of Marine Stations. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students, stating their work exemplifies “the excellence we strive for in Okaloosa County.”