Yarning with Our Mob: Kyah

Tell us about you and your mob? 

My name is Kyah. I am a Walbunja woman from the Yuin nation. The Walbunja mob are saltwater people who spend a lot of time in and around the water. Growing up, I spent most holidays, weekends and spare time in Moruya, NSW. It was there, alongside my father and grandfather, that my connection to water and marine life was solidified. 

Tell us about your Career? 

I am a research technician at CSIRO, within the Environment unit. My career with CSIRO began in the Agriculture and Food unit, researching my own project on different species of seagrass, which was fascinating! Currently, I am working on a NESP Project, looking at barriers faced by Traditional Owners in restoring Sea Country.  

What Pathway did you take to become a researcher in the CSIRO’s Environment unit 

I started my journey with CSIRO through doing a week of work experience in 2018, which inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Science, and apply for the CSIRO Indigenous Cadetship Program. I was successful, and I worked full-time during my university breaks at CSIRO. Once I graduated, I decided to pursue Honours in Marine Science. I applied for the CSIRO Indigenous Graduate Program, which supported me throughout my Honours year, working one day a week. Currently, I am working full time, and have applied for a PhD next year at the University of Wollongong, and the CSIRO Indigenous Fellowship Program for next year.  

What Skills do you need succeed in your role? 

Passion is the main thing that you need to succeed as a scientist; a passion for science and to create change within your field. The specific skills needed are clear communication, ability to collaborate across a wide network, problem solving/critical thinking skills and curiosity. 

What is the deadliest thing about your career? 

I feel like my career makes a difference. The process may be long and tedious at times, but working across different fields and habitats makes me feel like I am making little pockets of change which have a greater impact alongside other peoples’ pockets of change. Feeling like Country is healthier because of something you’ve done is very rewarding. 

What career advice would you give to mob? 

·   Keep learning, be curious. We sometimes lose our curiosity as we get older and become adults with 9-5 jobs, but staying curious and learning will enable you to find opportunities and to grow as a person. Keep asking questions! 

·   Utilise your support system. Your family, friends, co-workers, teachers. Find people who you connect with and lean on them. Talk to them about your aspirations, vent to them when you’re overwhelmed. Nobody successful has done it alone. 

·   Have boundaries. It is easy to fall into being pulled many different directions, especially as Indigenous employees. Often, we are asked to do lots of extra things on top of our current role which may already be too busy. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’!