High school students and teachers from the Michigan State University – Tokyo University of Agriculture exchange program paid a visit to the Great Lakes Commission offices on Aug. 11 as part of an intensive cross-cultural learning program in environmental studies. The visit was arranged by MSU professor and former Commissioner Dr. Frank D’Itri. Below, Jon MacDonagh-Dumler, manager of the Commission’s Regional Coordination Program, briefs the group on Great Lakes issues and the role of the Great Lakes Commission in the region. Program specialist Marcia Woodburn also offered an overview on invasive species. Afterwards, the group visited the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, also in Ann Arbor. With an emphasis on water quality and environmental research, the program is designed to promote greater scientific and cultural awareness among its U.S. and Japanese participants.