Niceville High School’s NaGISA Program: A Successful Initiative of High School Student Research

Since 2003, Niceville High School has been participating in the NaGISA (Natural Geography In-Shore Areas) project, a global initiative originally established in Japan to study coastal ecosystems. Over time, Niceville students have transformed NaGISA into a collaborative, multidisciplinary research model that expands beyond traditional marine field studies by integrating diverse research methods and specialties. Current research activities include water quality analysis, DNA barcoding, specimen preservation, scientific photography, microplastics analysis and scuba based field sampling. Through past collaboration with the University of Florida and the World Atlas of Marine Stations alongside our ongoing partnership with the Marine Biological Association in England, students contribute to authentic marine biodiversity research at national and international levels. Our most recent incorporation of the ANEMONE project further expanded the scope and adaptability of our program. This unique educational research structure provides students with advanced training in scientific methodology, data collection, leadership, communication and teamwork. By engaging in field and laboratory research, students gain hands-on graduate level experience while contributing meaningfully to global biodiversity initiatives.