About the Team

Grant Clay

Major: Environmental Studies
About: I'm a sophomore at Eckerd College, where I'm studying environmental science. I haven't been to Japan before and I'm excited to be doing research in a field of study that I have a deep passion for.
Research Project: The State of Japan’s Ocean Sustainability through the Analysis of the Japanese Fishing Industry and Current Environmental Efforts. By analyzing industry statistics, government policy, and public conservation efforts. I try to see if the nation, that is heavily dependent on fish for both a food source and major part of their economy, can achieve sustainability and leaving less of an impact on world fish stocks.

Nikki Cronen

Major: Marine Science
About: I am 20 years old, born and raised in Florida, and entering my Junior year of college. I have interned in environmental education, dolphin identification, spotted eagle ray tagging, and sea turtle rehabilitation. My hobbies include dog-watching, reading comics, and getting out into nature. I have been taking Japanese for one year.
Research Project: The Degradation and Restoration of Marine Benthic Ecosystems: Methods of Satoumi as a Bridge Between Community Fishery Traditions and Science. Concentrations on eelgrass restoration, oyster farming, and sediment repurposing in tidal flats.

John Rodney Marsella III

Major: International Studies/Marine Science
About: As an Eckerd College Senior, acting president of the Japanese culture club, and tutor of Japanese, my love for the culture and language of Japan knows no bounds. This my third time in Japan, and my goal is to further understand the society connections to environmentalism first-hand.
Research Project: A Comparison of Environmentalism and Historical Preservation in Japan. A look at the cultural driving forces between these two forms of conservation.

Kate Seader

Major: Biology
About: I'm a going into my Senior year at Eckerd College where I am an active member of the maritime Search and Rescue team. This will be my second time in Japan. I am looking forward to seeing how the culture I explored last time tackles the problems I study in my major.
Research Project: Eutrophication of the Seto Inland Sea; how it happened, how red tides are influenced, the impact on the fishing industry, and what is being done about it.