Kennesaw State University associate professor Daniel Ferreira has shifted his focus from scientific research to advocacy for farmers in Fukushima, Japan, following his experiences studying radioactive contamination in the region. Ferreira made this transition after a trip to Japan in May 2025 with undergraduate students as part of the Earth Science and Culture of Japan Maymester program.
Ferreira’s work initially centered on examining ions at the mineral-water interface and their impact on soil health, particularly in areas affected by the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. During his visits, he met local farmers who expressed that their struggles were largely unknown outside the region. “The first time I went to Fukushima, right as we were leaving, I asked one of the farmers what I could do to help,” Ferreira said. “What he wanted most was for me to tell people about the farmers and the struggles they were dealing with. The farmers feel like nobody knows what they’re going through. And I thought, this is my mission now.”
Ferreira decided to create a study abroad program that would expose Kennesaw State students not only to Japanese cities but also to rural areas like Fukushima and Hakodate. Through these trips, students learn about both environmental science and local agricultural practices impacted by past nuclear contamination.
Dylan Seymus, a recent graduate who participated in the program, said he gained an appreciation for how soil science can support communities recovering from environmental disasters. He noted that while many Fukushima farmers still face stigma due to produce labeling by region of origin, some continue rice farming with support from scientists and returning residents.
Students participating in the program have hands-on experiences such as planting rice alongside local farmers. Ferreira said he was surprised by their enthusiasm: “The students actually get into the rice paddy and plant about a quarter of the rice paddy with seedlings… One of them said, ‘None of my friends will ever get to do something like this.’ So they took that part of the study abroad from a completely different perspective than what I was expecting.” Senior biology major Lana Syms also found inspiration during her trip in 2024, realizing that scientific discoveries are ultimately meant to benefit people.
Ferreira’s efforts highlight how academic programs can bridge cultural gaps while raising awareness about ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by disaster.
