The 21st Class of Mike Mansfield Fellows

Kenneth Cavanaugh

• Associate Director, Division of Cardiovascular Devices, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Objective: Study the current regulatory and clinical environment for medical devices in Japan. Learn about Japanese government initiatives intended to foster medical device innovation, assist device manufacturers, improve the infrastructure for clinical trials, and modernize relevant regulatory review processes. Utilize this knowledge to advance U.S. regulatory policy development and international collaboration in this area.

Lauren Damme

• International Relations Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking, Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor
• Objective: Gain understanding of Japan International Cooperation Agency’s international monitoring and evaluation (M&E) portfolio; promote the exchange of technical expertise and management related to evaluations and surveys between the U.S. and Japanese governments; and foster ongoing U.S.-Japan collaboration on M&E in international technical assistance programming upon returning to the Department of Labor’s International Bureau.

Riley Downing

• International Programs Officer, Federal Aviation Administration
• Objective: Develop a greater overall understanding of Japan’s aviation industry. Learn how Japan balances air traffic control operations with system modernization efforts while continuing to ensure safety and mitigate environmental impacts. Experience how the Japanese government works together with local airports, airline operators and regional partners to maximize safety and efficiency. Utilize this knowledge to advance U.S. and Japanese collaborative efforts.

Michael Fletcher

• Program Manager, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Objective: Develop a comprehensive understanding of key Japanese government office roles and responsibilities that are central to scientific policy and research and development within the aerospace sector. Upon return to NASA, use the knowledge gained to strengthen existing collaborative efforts while seeking out and fostering new partnerships where opportunities exist.

Benjamin Foster

• Energy Industry Analyst, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Objective: Develop a practical understanding of Japan’s electricity industry, energy policy process, and regulatory framework. Contribute to the ongoing discussion in the United States about the value of harnessing competitive market forces in the energy industry by observing and learning from Japan’s approach to power system restructuring, electricity market design, and the grid integration of renewable and distributed energy resources. Forge deeper ties between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and its Japanese counterparts, and identify opportunities for fruitful exchange of ideas about energy issues confronting the United States and Japan.

Richard Gabbert

• Senior Special Counsel, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
• Objective: Understand the Japanese response to the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, particularly the legislative and regulatory reforms designed to increase transparency and stability in the OTC derivatives markets. Explore current issues in the implementation of these reforms in Japan, including the challenges of cross-border regulation and supervision of those markets, in order to support effective domestic regulatory efforts.

Siri Hakala

• Biologist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Objective: Gain insight into similarities, or informative differences, in Japanese and American perspectives on fisheries and the ocean ecosystem. Better understand how Japan’s marine science priorities are influenced by management needs, and how the science is communicated to the larger, non-scientific community. Learn how Japan balances the need for biological conservation with other demands, such as food security and economic priorities. Identify areas where fisheries scientists in the U.S. and Japan can increase their coordination and cooperation.

Jocelyn Roberts

• Lower Mekong Initiative Coordinator, U.S. Department of State
• Objective: Better understand Japan’s role in the economic development of mainland Southeast Asia and in the economy of the United States by reviewing Japanese policy, official development assistance, private sector investment, engagement in multilateral institutions, and national interagency coordination. Contribute to more effective review of future joint commitments through the U.S.-Japan Dialogue to benefit both governments as well as the economy of Southeast Asia.

Meyliana Tongko

• Captain, United States Air Force
• Objective: Develop an in-depth understanding of the Japanese government’s efforts in disaster relief management and gain insights into the technical and cultural aspect of the country’s logistics management. Investigate and assess interactions between federal, public, and local governments in their decision making processes, identify opportunities for deeper engagement, and develop a network of contacts to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship.

Sean Wilson

• Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State
• Objective: Strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation on the emerging security challenges of ballistic missile defense, space security, and cybersecurity. Gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese perspective on these challenges.