Vave Lab · Transdisciplinary Inquiry

Research

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Research Philosophy

Transdisciplinary & Community-Led

My research work and interests are very broad and transdisciplinary, with a focus on the human and ecological dimensions of natural resource management by indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC). My primary research areas include indigenous resource management, ocean governance, and ecosystem services — including how the cultural practices and socioeconomics of IPLCs influence and affect socioecological resilience.

Other research interests include climate change, deep sea mining, animal culture, and indigenous-led research and authorship.

Watercolour illustration summarising Vave Lab research themes across the Pacific

Active Work

Current & Upcoming Projects

World map showing global distribution of iTaukei scholars and the universities where they completed their theses

iTaukei Research Database & Interactive Dashboard

A first-of-its-kind public database and interactive dashboard created to showcase and elevate iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) scholars and their scholarship — documenting, to date, the global footprint of 342 scholars whose 220 Masters and 122 PhD theses were completed at 76 universities across 18 countries. Searchable and filterable by scholar, publication, research topic, study province, and chiefly confederacy (Kubuna, Burebasaga, Tovata), the database is actively growing as new scholars, theses, and publications are added.

Fiji

In Progress
Watercolor illustration of Pacific Island funeral mourners

Systematic Literature Review of Funeral Impact on Grief in the Pacific

A comprehensive systematic review documenting how indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) funeral practices intersect with grief processing, social cohesion, and cultural resilience across the Pacific region.

Pacific Region

In Progress
Illustration of Solomon Islands jiru cultural practice

Jiru Mapping in the Solomon Islands

Often called jiru in the Solomon Islands, culturally protected waters or land after passing of a community member are largely undocumented. This online survey seeks to understand the extent of jiru practice to improve socioecological management & resilience.

Solomon Islands

In Progress
DOV methodology diagram

Fish Behavioral Change in Funerary Protected Areas (FPAs)

Using Diver Operated Video (DOV) methodology to elucidate changes in food fish behavior within a community's funerary protected area known as jiru — testing whether culturally-enforced closures produce measurable ecological outcomes.

Solomon Islands

Upcoming
Coastal water body at sunset in Fiji

Indigenous Culturally Protected Water Bodies (CPWBs) of the Pacific

Documenting and assessing the extent and conservation impact of culturally protected water body practices across Pacific Island nations — connecting traditional governance to contemporary marine biodiversity outcomes.

Pacific Region

Upcoming
Chimaera (Hydrolagus) captured on BRUV in deep waters of Fiji

Fiji Nat Geo Deepwater Species Identification

Annotating deepwater species from BRUV deployments at 440m–2,454m depth during the Nat Geo Pristine Seas 2025 Fiji expedition (Rotuma, Yasawa Islands, Great Sea Reef, Ringgolds, Beqa). Capacity building through UH Mānoa’s DARC Lab using the TATOR platform.

Fiji

Completed

Collaborative Networks

International Projects

Valuing Reef Passages in the South Pacific Region

Collaborative project assessing the ecological and cultural value of reef passage systems across Fiji and New Caledonia — integrating biophysical and social science methods.

Ocean Defenders Project

Global initiative documenting ocean defenders — individuals protecting marine environments and human rights. Supporting indigenous and local community voices in ocean governance.

Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR)

Contributing to IMBeR's global marine biosphere research network, examining human–ocean interactions across scales from local communities to international policy arenas.

Advancing Ocean Equity

Synthesizing insights on equitable governance across coastal contexts and sectors, and developing pragmatic tools to support practitioners designing, implementing, and evaluating equitable ocean initiatives that address local barriers and ensure genuinely inclusive outcomes for indigenous and local communities.