The 23rd Class of Mike Mansfield Fellows

Richard Banh

• Financial Management Analyst, General Services Administration
• Objective: Develop a comprehensive insight on Japan’s long-term budget formulation process, especially how various institutions and practices shape the overall budget process. Gain an in-depth understanding of how Japan uses data to formulate, implement and coordinate its economic and financial policies. Examine Japan’s role as an economic leader in Asia and how the Japanese government engages with its neighbors and participates in regional economic forums.

Logan Barlow

• KC-135R Aircraft Commander, Captain, United States Air Force
• Objective: Develop an in-depth understanding of the integrated regional security efforts of Japan and the United States to provide continued stability to East Asia. With a focus on interpersonal relationships, identify appropriate and realistic opportunities for deeper U.S.-Japan cooperation through joint training, humanitarian assistance and multi-lateral peace efforts in the region.

Charles Jake Cadwell

• Cyberspace Operations Officer, Major, United States Air Force
• Objective: Observe and understand the approach of the Japanese government and industry in the development of cyber policy and implementation of solutions to emerging workforce training issues. Identify novel and unique solutions to cyber and bilateral issues facing the U.S.-Japan alliance and develop relationships in order to promote resolution of issues common to both governments.

Gabriel Mahns

• Compliance Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Objective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s national and international policy-making focused on air transportation, trade in aerospace products, and collaboration to create a safer, more efficient and sustainable global air transportation system. Upon return to the Federal Aviation Administration, seek out opportunities to use the knowledge gained to strengthen collaborative efforts and foster new partnerships where opportunities exist.

Laura Marshall

• Captain/Space Operations Officer, United States Air Force
• Objective: Learn about Japanese government and industry perspectives on space policy and how Japan will meet upcoming challenges in the increasingly contested space domain. Understand current operations and the future of Japan’s Space Situational Awareness program. Build relationships with Japanese government officials and other stakeholders for continuous improvement of Space Situational Awareness sharing.

Ian Morrison

• Meteorologist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Objective: Collaborate with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to enhance weather forecast operations between JMA and the U.S. National Weather Service. Strengthen cooperation in the field of disaster risk management and sharing atmospheric data. Return to U.S. federal government service with a practical understanding of Japanese language and Japan’s atmospheric/environmental policies.

Tony Nakanishi

• Reliability and Risk Analyst, Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Objective: Gain broad knowledge of Japan’s approaches to nuclear safety and develop relationships to further support U.S.-Japan cooperation in nuclear safety. Learn from Japan’s implementation of post-Fukushima reactor licensing and oversight processes to inform U.S. regulatory activities. Exchange technical expertise on risk-informed approaches being developed and implemented by the regulator and the industry. Observe and learn from the unprecedented decommissioning efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Deepen understanding of Japan’s national decision making processes related to nuclear energy policy issues.

Michele Tempel

• Civil Engineer Officer, Captain, United States Air Force
• Objective: Learn about Japan’s environmental policy development and implementation as reflected in the sustainable design and construction of government infrastructure. Understand Japan’s domestic and international contributions towards combating climate change through market mechanisms, engineering technologies, and the built environment. Explore Japan’s sustainable asset management practices and optimization of resources in the construction and maintenance of facilities. Build partnership capacity and apply experiences towards the operation of U.S. government facilities in Japan to serve as better stewards of the host nation’s natural capital.

Heather Ward

• International Cooperation Specialist, U.S. Agency for International Development
• Objective: Attain an in-depth understanding of how Japan makes strategic decisions for prioritizing, managing, and
  coordinating Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Indo-Pacific region. Learn more about private sector engagement in foreign assistance programs. Explore ways to strengthen donor coordination efforts.