Kiesha’s Story

Meet Kiesha Wear, the coordinator of data sovereignty at Wungening and a marine biologist.

Hailing from Shark Bay and Port Hedland, she is a Malgana and Karriyarra woman, who has been obsessed with the ocean since as long as she can remember.

“I always wanted to be a Marine Biologist, but I always struggled with how I could help my community while in this field. Growing up on country, I was exposed a lot to the ocean. Conservation and caring for country are a part of things like marine biology, and that part of cultural element and the connectedness between community and our well-being to how healthy our lands are is really important”

Keisha’s been working at Wungening as the data coordinator for 2 years, and prior to that spent 6 months in the comms team. During this time, she’s completed her Masters and now is undertaking her PHD whilst remaining in her role part time.

“I’ve started my PhD at the Harry Butler Institute with Murdoch University. I’m focusing on culturally significant fish in the Buccaneer Archipelago in these marine parks that have all been co-designed with traditional owners and this is some of the first work that’s kind of been done.

” So I’m really excited about it and I think a big reason that I was chosen is because I gained a lot of knowledge and experience working with Wungening as their coordinator of data sovereignty. So I got to learn a lot about ethical research with Aboriginal communities that I just didn’t have the opportunity learn about in university.”

Even now, continuing her studies, Kiesha loves the support Wungening has provided her.

“Wungening has really supported me. They’ve supported me in my masters, with my PhD by giving me flexible hours and they’ve always given me the opportunity to keep learning and keep growing as an academic. So I am really grateful for that.”

But the best part about her work, studies and passions, are in the fact they allow her to join all three into one momentous career, that will positively have impact on her own culture, community, local eco systems and Aboriginal led research.

“I’m really lucky, I get to focus on the human element (her culture and connection to land) , as well as all the fish!”

To see Kiesha’s full interview head to: https://www.facebook.com/wungening