Carya Maharja, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 3

I am an early career researcher working at the intersection between marine natural and social sciences, situated particularly within the meta-discipline of oceans and human health. Previously, I have been working as a researcher in Indonesia analysing various facets of the entanglement of people with nature in marine social-ecological systems, in two UK funded interdisciplinary research projects (Blue Communities and PISCES). I am also a documentary filmmaker whose works have been screened in international film festivals in Indonesia, Australia, Finland, India, and South Africa.

My research works have focused broadly on the relationship between marine environment and human wellbeing, particularly the wellbeing benefits of interactions with the sea, and exploring how social-ecological stressors, including climate change and plastic pollution, may alter this relation. In the studies I have contributed to, and led and published as a first author, I have applied a diverse range of methodologies, encompassing quantitative (e.g., surveys, quasi-experiment), qualitative (e.g., phenomenology, photovoice), and mixed methods research combining statistical analyses with thematic coding. I am looking to further develop my inter- and transdisciplinary research skills with CDT SuMMeR.

My PhD project explores why and how marine and coastal environments influence human wellbeing, particularly focusing on how natural assets are linked to human well-being benefits, for whom, and what kind of management interventions would be most appropriate to both safeguard the environments and enhance the wellbeing benefits inclusively and equitably, particularly within the context of UK. The methodological approaches in this research are interdisciplinary, conceptualised through a transdisciplinary collaboration with non-academic stakeholders, including the JNCC (The Joint Nature Conservation Committee) and Natural England. The project will co-create policy and practice relevant knowledge by synthesising concepts, frameworks, methods across a diverse range of disciplines, including environmental psychology, heritage and visitor studies, ecosystem service sciences, applied health sciences, and systems thinking. The project is supervised by Dr Kayleigh Wyles (University of Plymouth), Professor Ian Baxter (Heriot-Watt University), Professor Melanie Austen (University of Plymouth, Dr Nicolas Farina (University of Plymouth), Lauren Molloy (JNCC), and Dr Tara Hooper (Natural England).

The research topic is aligned perfectly with my research interests. I am passionate about the sea, which has been a source of solace, comfort, wonder, and awe over the years for me. But I understand the picture can be much more complex and I am looking to untangle the complexities through my research, now and in the future. The PhD opportunity with CDT SuMMeR will enable me to learn from world-leading and a diverse range of experts to advance my interdisciplinary research skills and gain a first-hand experience in transdisciplinary knowledge co-creation processes and the science-policy interface.