Tyson Stanley Ghera, a 36-year-old doctoral student from the Solomon Islands, is among the latest scholars pursuing transformative research at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
Currently enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Sciences programme at the Laucala Campus, through our newly established Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF), a central hub for climate change research and collaboration.
Ghera is on a mission to address one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges – the sustainability of marine ecosystems under threat from climate change and overfishing.
Backed by the U.S-Pacific Resilience and Adaptation Fellowship Program, his PhD research is titled “The Synergistic Impacts of Climate Change and Fishing on Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) Spawning Aggregations and Livelihood Dependence in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands: A Biophysical and Socioeconomic Assessment.”
The study focuses on understanding how environmental changes and human activities are impacting the spawning patterns of coral trout – an ecologically and economically significant species in his home region.
“Communities in Marovo Lagoon are heavily reliant on marine resources for food and income,” he explained.
“This research aims to provide data-driven insights that will inform sustainable management practices for coral trout and contribute to broader policy dialogue across the Pacific.”
Ghera brings with him a robust academic background and professional experience to his research.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from James Cook University in Australia.
He also holds a Master of Philosophy in Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science at Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea.
Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, also at Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea.
Before returning to academia full-time, Ghera served in key roles within the Solomon Islands Government, including in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
His decision to undertake doctoral studies at USP was guided by the University’s strong regional reputation for environmental research and its tailored support for Pacific Island issues.
“I chose USP because of its unique positioning to address regional challenges. The opportunity to work alongside expert faculty and access research tailored to the Pacific context has been invaluable,” he said.
Now in his first year, Ghera credits his progress to the encouragement and guidance from his supervisory panel and the University’s scholarship office.
“USP has offered substantial support throughout my journey, access to resources, seminars, and faculty mentorship have helped me refine my research direction,” he said.
Looking ahead, he plans to use his research and experience to contribute to sustainable marine policy development in the Pacific.
He also envisions a future in academia or in advisory roles, helping craft solutions that safeguard marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
“I’m grateful to be part of a vibrant academic community that not only nurtures my growth but empowers me to give back to my country and the Pacific,” Ghera said.
