Research Assistant, Crown of Thorns Starfish Research and Management Project, JamesCook University

Tyá Dynevor is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman. Born on Dharawal Country in Campbelltown, Greater Western Sydney, she grew up between Darwin, Larakia Country, and Cairns, Gimuy-walbarra Yidindji and Yirrganydji Country, alongside her mother. Her mother’s heritage includes the Gudjal People from Charters Towers, the Gurindji People from Kalkarindji NT, and the Gumuligal of Wagedagam Peoples from Mabuiag Island in the Torres Straits. Her father’s lineage is from the Kullili tribe in Thargomindah, South-West Queensland. Currently, she is a third (and final) year student at James Cook University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Zoology and Ecology, with an expected graduation in June 2025. Additionally, she serves as a Research Assistant at The Cairns Institute, contributing to the project: Developing genuine partnerships with Reef Traditional Owners: Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) research and management in the Great Barrier Reef (CCIP-R-09); funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) under the COTS Control Innovation Program (CCIP).