Dr Sandya Gunasekara

Sandya's primary research focus lies in the study of ocean sustainability, regional fisheries management organizations, conservation and sustainable utilization of marine biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), and the management of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). Recently, she has expanded her research interests to include the examination of biopesticides and agriculture policies and laws, with a specific emphasis on understanding decision-making processes related to food security. She possesses proficient knowledge in qualitative research analysis using NVivo and Leximancer, as well as quantitative research methods employing SPSS. Sandya is also a contributing author for the 'Oceans and Coasts' chapter of the upcoming Seventh Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) report, a publication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Her research (with others) has been published in highly respected journals such as Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law and International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics. Her research findings (with others) have been showcased at numerous conferences across Australia and internationally. Sandya has received various grants to present her work abroad, such as the QUT Grant in Aid Travel Grant, the Social Science Research Council Grant from the National University of Singapore, and the UQ QPJE Higher Degree Conference Grant.

Prior to joining the Centre, Sandya held positions as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2008-2015), a research assistant (2022), and a sessional academic at the UQ Business School (2022-2023).

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sandya completed her Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in International Studies followed by her MPhil in International Studies, both at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Governance [Thesis on the governance of Large Marine Ecosystems through ecosystem-based management] from the School of Law at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and an MPhil from Griffith University, Australia.