Dr Acushla Sciascia is of Ngāruahine Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui and Te Āti Awa descent. She completed her doctoral studies in 2013 with Massey University and since then has been working in the public sector as a research, evaluator and strategist. Dee’s research background has largely emerged from kaupapa Māori research, specifically Māori negotiating and navigating new technologies and online environments. Dee’s research interests have transitioned into the climate change space and she was a part of the National Risk Assessment Framework for Climate Change panel and is co-leading the Mātauranga ā iwi programme in the He Mounga Puia – ‘Transitioning Taranaki MBIE Endeavour-funded programme as well co-lead of the Mātauranga Māori programme for Resilience to Natures Challenges, National Science Challenge. Dee is passionate and committed to championing mātauranga Māori across disciplines, working towards the recognition of the value and mana of our knowledge system in its own right in the sciences.