2nd Year PhD Student, Transdisciplinary Sustainability, Grenfell Campus

What are you currently working on?

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Transdisciplinary Sustainability Studies at Grenfell Campus. This unique program encourages students to tackle complex problems and engage in abstract thinking by addressing sustainability challenges through a broad, transdisciplinary framework. This approach integrates seemingly unrelated academic disciplines with perspectives from non-academic stakeholders, including communities and industries.

 

 Can you tell us a bit about your particular research area?

My research focuses on the sustainability challenges facing island communities, particularly in the context of the evolving blue economy and the uncertainties posed by climate change and socio-economic vulnerabilities.

Specifically, I am investigating the future of small islands within the framework of the blue economy. My work draws on disciplines such as critical future studies, anthropology, fisheries sciences, environmental humanities, and political economy. In collaboration with a local partner in Atlantic Canada, I am building my proposal and advancing my research project.

 I aim to develop sustainable marine socio-ecological systems for small island communities and create innovative governance strategies to navigate the uncertainties of the blue economy's future through foresight approaches and critical thinking. This involves co-creating development projects for the future, informed by the insights of community partners and government stakeholders.

 

What makes Memorial particularly suited for your work? 

I chose to study at Memorial University because it is one of the few institutions worldwide that offers a Transdisciplinary PhD program. As someone passionate about transdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving, the unique TRSU program at Grenfell Campus was a significant motivation for pursuing my doctoral studies here.

Additionally, Memorial University is a global leader in marine and ocean-related studies, aligning perfectly with my research interests in the blue economy. The university boasts some of the top scholars and researchers in the field, providing unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional networking, as well as funding.

 

What's an exciting development in your research you'd like to share with us?

I am currently excited about my research project with the communities on Fogo Island. I am based in Tilting, Fogo Island, where I am collaborating with local stakeholders to develop my research proposal on the blue economic futures of the island.

Through this project, I aim to understand the aspirations, hopes, fears, and expectations of these communities and to develop policy recommendations that promote a sustainable blue economy future, where oceanic resources remain the cornerstone of the local economy.

 

Can you tell us a bit about your hopes and plans for the future?

I aspire to become a transdisciplinary scholar and futurist, with the capacity to work across academia and industry.

As a futurist, I plan to focus my energy and scholarship on the ocean and its futures. My goal is to build collaborative projects that contribute to the critical future literature on oceans and socio-ecological systems. In doing so, I am committed to fostering transformative and sustainable changes that address the uncertainties and challenges of the 21st century.

 

You can learn more about Ajith's work on the Future Ocean & Coastal Infrastructure (FOCI) project on their website.