Visiting scholar - Samantha Guy

In March, Visiting Scholar Samantha Guy successfully achieved Confirmation of Candidature, marking a significant milestone in the first year of the PhD. Samantha previously graduated from James Cook University after completing a Master of Global Development in 2023, and is completing her PhD through Griffith University. Samantha has been working in the water industry across the Southeast and Far North Queensland for the past eight years.

Samantha’s research explores intercultural collaborations in drinking water management with remote Australian communities, with a particular focus on elevating Indigenous knowledge systems alongside western knowledge systems. It aims to provide guidance on how diverse knowledge systems can work together to improve drinking water outcomes. If you would like to know more about this research an abstract was recently published in the Australian Water Association Water e-Journal - Student Edition and is available here. https://lnkd.in/gS4k92Cu.

Acknowledgement is extended to the external supervision provided by Dr Jim Turnour from the Development in The Tropics (DITT) team for his ongoing support and expertise. As a visiting scholar within the team, Samantha has been able to connect with professionals experienced in navigating intercultural contexts, enriching both the academic and practical dimensions of the research. In additional to Jim, Samantha’s supervisorial team includes Professor Cara Beal, Dr. Melissa Jackson and Professor Kerry Bodle from Griffith University. 

As the research progresses, the next phase will build on literature review work, moving toward framework development and deeper engagement with place-based knowledge holders. This PhD research is supporting a broader research partnership with Griffith University, the iKnow, weKnow Project which aims to co-design a resilient water and energy toolbox for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. It is a three-year project (2023-2026) funded by project partners in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant. More information is accessible here. https://www.griffith.edu.au/cities-research-institute/research/iknow-weknow

Beyond the PhD, Samantha volunteers with the Australian Water Association’s Queensland Young Water Professionals Sub-Committee as secretary, contributing to initiatives that support the growth and development of emerging professionals.

She is always seeking to connect with other water folk to ensure other young professional access the support and opportunities offered through the broad array of Australian Water Associations initiatives. Please reach out to Samantha if you are looking to connect with fellow emerging professionals.

linkedin.com/in/samantha-guy-5875996b

Issued April 2025