AMONGST the almost 1000 Solomon Islands National University (SINU) 2024 graduates was the institution’s first PhD student Dr Mary Tahu Paia, whose graduation set a historical milestone for both herself and the university in its strife for academic excellence and international recognition.
Forty-year-old Dr Tahu Paia is of mixed Western Province and Choiseul Province parentage.
She is wife to Patrick Paia from Roviana in the Western Province and daughter to the United Church Minister, Reverend Mareta Tahu.
Dr Tahu Paia started her PhD program in 2018 whilst being a lecturer herself at SINU.
Her educational journey started in 1991 when she did Grade 1 at Mbua Valley Primary School in Honiara and in 1996 after completing her sixth grade, she went on to do Form 1 and part of Form 2 at Goldie College in the Western Province.
She completed Form 2 at King George Sixth School in Honiara where she went on to do Form 3.
From 2000 to 2002, she did Form 4 to Form 6 at the Betikama Adventist College and in 2003, she did her Foundation program (Form 7) at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
In 2009, she successfully completed her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at the regional university.
From 2010 to 2012, she went on to do her Master of Science in Climate Change at USP and her thesis was on ‘Climate change, sea level rise and coastal biodiversity of Gizo Island’ and she successfully completed the program.
From 2012 to 2014 she did her second Masters in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development at the University of West Indies, Saint Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago and completed it with a Distinction.
Her thesis then was on ‘Decomposition rates of mangroves in the Caroni Swamp, Trinidad’.
In 2018, Dr Tahu Paia embarked on PhD program and her thesis was on ‘How mangroves support climate change adaptation in Solomon Islands: applying perspective from science and indigenous knowledge.’
When asked why she chose to do her PhD at SINU, Dr Tahu Paia said the reason was two-fold.
“Firstly, SINU is the highest and only national institution in the Solomon Islands, offering a unique opportunity to pursue advanced studies within my home country.
“Secondly, SINU awarded me a scholarship, enabling me to continue my studies here. This scholarship not only allowed me to stay close to my family, but also provided convenient access to my research sites in Marau Sound and Marovo Lagoon.”
Dr Tahu Paia said, her PhD journey was far from smooth, adding that it came with its share of challenges as she had to balance dual responsibilities as both a staff member and a PhD student.
She added this dual role required substantial time and energy from her and often resulted in long working hours and late evenings to catch up on classes.
To manage this, Dr Tahu Paia developed a detailed time management plan by prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals and creating boundaries between work and study time.
Furthermore, she sought support from colleagues and supervisors and also utilized institutional resources for time management and stress relief.
The impact of COVID-19 also caused significant setbacks for Dr Tahu Paia, particularly with field data collection and delays in receiving essential research equipment at SINU but at the same time, it allowed her to focus on writing her thesis.
“These disruptions extended the time needed for data collection and analysis.
“During lockdown period, I focused on writing my thesis chapters and maintained frequent communication with my supervisors to seek their advice and input on the relevant sections.”
Dr Tahu Paia said her PhD focused on addressing environmental challenges affecting coastal ecosystems and communities, a subject she developed an interest in during her first master’s program.
“My interest began during my first master’s, where I studied the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on coastal biodiversity.
“This deepened during my second master’s, where I researched mangrove decomposition rates. My PhD works at SINU centered on the role of mangrove in supporting ecosystems and aiding climate change adaptation in the Solomon Islands.”
Dr Tahu Paia said, with her PhD in Environmental Science qualification, she plans on addressing environmental degradation in the country through Education and Awareness, Policy Development and Advocacy and Community Engagement.
“With my PhD in Environmental Science, I plan to address environmental degradation in the Solomon Islands by focusing on Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about environmental issues, including the negative impacts of, logging, and mining, while promoting the benefits of conservation in schools and communities; Policy Development and Advocacy: Collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to develop and advocate for sustainable policies. SINU is currently collaborating with the Korea Environmental Institute (KEI) and Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) to develop an integrated Coastal Zone Management and Mangrove Policy Framework for the Solomon Islands and Community Engagement: Empowering local communities to protect and conserve their resources, fostering long-term change.
“Currently I am working with communities in Marovo Lagoon to map potential mangrove protected areas to enhance climate action and adaptation.”
She said increased funding for environmental initiatives in Solomon Islands would be highly beneficial, given the country’s vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation.
“Additional investment could help to address current challenges enhance resilience and promote sustainable development in the Solomon Islands,” she added.
When asked if she has a message for other Solomon Islanders who opt to pursue their PhD programs abroad than at SINU, Dr Tahu Paia said, “Studying at SINU allows you to directly contribute to the development of the Solomon Islands by conducting research that informs policy, improve sustainable practices, and addresses key national issues.
“Building local expertise is crucial for the country’s growth, and advanced degrees from SINU will help create a strong base of local experts. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to mentor future SINU students and researchers while conducting research relevant to the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region.”
Asked if she has an advice to current female students at SINU, Dr Tahu Paia’s said, “I want to offer the following advice as you pursue your qualifications: Focus on a research area that excites and motivates you, and cultivate a passion for what you do.
“Aim high and remain focused, stay positive believing in your ability to succeed despite the challenges. It’s through these obstacles that you will grow stronger. Don’t fear failure or criticism. Most importantly, seek God’s guidance and blessing for your academic journey.”
Asked who would she attribute her academic success to, Dr Tahu Paia said first and foremost is God for his love strength and wisdom which guided her throughout her academic journey, secondly is her family for their unwavering support, encouragement and prayers, thirdly to her supervisors for their invaluable guidance and feedback that helped her overcome research challenges and to focused and ultimately achieve her PhD.
Furthermore, Dr Tahu Paia thanked her colleagues and friends for their continuous support throughout her academic journey.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
