LAISANI Ratukula, a second-year Bachelor of Marine Science student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), embodies the intersection of Pacific culture and environmental science.
Raised in a family that values tradition and stewardship of land and sea, her path has been influenced by stories and lessons from generations past, particularly from the women in her family.
Growing up close to her vanua (land) gave her an early appreciation for food security, resilience, and sustainable living.
These values shaped her personal philosophy and academic focus.
“Nurturing the land and respecting its power are lessons I carry into my work,” Ratukula said.
This foundation naturally drew her to the Matai Project, an interdisciplinary initiative under the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) at USP.
Encouraging students to link Pacific heritage with today’s environmental challenges, the project allowed Ratukula to weave together her upbringing and scientific training.
As part of the Matai Project, she chose to study two organisms that carry both ecological and cultural weight.
The Mud Lobster (Thalassina anomala), thriving in Fiji’s mangrove mudflats, plays a vital role in sustaining these ecosystems through its burrowing activity. This creature, often unnoticed, embodies the resilience and quiet strength she sees reflected in her elders.
Her second focus, the Giant Swamp Taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii), is central to Pacific food traditions. Grown in special pits and featured in ceremonies, it represents family unity, endurance, and the sharing of knowledge between generations, especially by women.
Outside her studies, Ratukula enjoys reading, swimming, and exploring coastal areas—activities that strengthen her bond with the ocean and her cultural roots. Making traditional crafts and spending time with siblings further grounded her in community values.
Through her work in the Matai Project, Ratukula shows how USP students are blending Indigenous knowledge with science to tackle environmental issues.
Initiatives like this are nurturing a new generation of Pacific leaders rooted in culture and committed to a sustainable future.