Episode Summary

In this episode of Aquademia, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy explore how aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and education intersect through the SeaMade Kelp Bar project at the University of New England. Guests Jaden Schoppee, student CEO of SeaMade, and Cameron Wake, Director of the Center for North Atlantic Studies, share how a kelp-based nutrition bar evolved into a fully student-led business and hands-on learning experience.

The conversation dives into how students are actively involved in every stage of the process—from harvesting kelp off the coast of Maine to managing production, branding, and regulatory challenges. It’s a real-world example of experiential learning in action, where students are solving complex business, sustainability, and food system challenges while building career-ready skills.

Featured Guests

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Links & Resources Mentioned

University of New England:

Global Seafood Alliance:

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.