Dr Siti Rafhiah Abdul Kahar Assistant Lecturer Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Dr Rafhiah Kahar is an Assistant Lecturer and Education Coordinator at the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Trained in both education and biological sciences, she holds a BSc Education (Hons.) in Biology and Mathematics, an MSc in Biodiversity (By Research) and a PhD in Biology. Her research interests include fish reproductive ecology, aquatic ecology and alien invasive species, providing a strong scientific foundation for her work in biodiversity education and public engagement. She began her career as a secondary school teacher and later joined UBD, where she has more than 20 years of experience developing and delivering biodiversity education and outreach programmes. As Education Coordinator at IBER, she leads initiatives that engage students, government and non-government agencies, and the wider public, making biodiversity science accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Drawing on IBER’s and her own experience in education and outreach and, Dr Rafhiah’s talk will highlight IBER’s efforts in connecting young people with nature, outdoor-based learning, communicating science to wider audiences, and linking scientific research with conservation and sustainability.