In Indonesia, Maya is researching heavy metal bioaccumulation in sharks and rays. She is based in Tanjung Luar, Lombok, and is affiliated with the University of Mataram, Udayana University in Bali, and the Rekam Nusantara Foundation.

Maya received a bachelor of science in behavioral neuroscience from Michigan State University and a master of public health in veterinary public health from the University of Missouri.

Through her research, she is working with students at the University of Mataram to collect tissue samples, species, and morphometric data from sharks and rays landed at Fish Landing Base in Tanjung Luar. These samples will be analyzed via spectrometry at Udayana University to determine if heavy metals are present in the tissue. Once data has been collected, this information will be shared locally, nationally, and internationally with the Rekam Nusantara Foundation.

Maya’s research in Lombok is one of the first studies in Indonesia to study heavy metal concentrations in sharks and rays. Once her research is complete, it will be the first data set produced from this region. Maya hopes this data can be used to shape future fishing regulations and help inform the public which species may pose the greatest danger to their health if consumed. Additionally, sharks can be used as indicators of environmental pollution; if the presence of heavy metals is detected, catch data can be used to determine the cause of environmental pollution. Finally, many shark species sold in this market are at risk of overfishing. Maya hopes that by collecting species data, the information can be used to create a standard for sustainable shark fishing practices.