Ida Ayu Vienna Yandhana (she/her) is deeply passionate about creating a mantained and sustainable, and biodiverse ocean, one that humanity may live side to side with. She is currently a student at Global Jaya School in South Tangerang, Indonesia, and has spent the few year deepening her interest in marine biology through research, conservation work, and science competitions.
Vienna grew up in a Balinese family, rooted in a culture and set of values that retain a deep appreciation for the ocean and the life it gives. In balinese culture, life is believed to always return to segara or the sea, and it is from this belief that her own appreciation for the ocean first began.
As a member of MABBI (the Indonesian Society for biodiversity and Bioinformatics) and a volunteer at the Turtle conservation Center in Bali, Vienna has studied the biological conditions behind a wide range of organisms,from sea turtle incubation and rehabilitation to mangrove abiotic growth conditions, building her knowledge through a range of pathways and experiences.
In 2024, Vienna founded ThalassicJournal.id, a youth led marine biology journal built to share marine science knowledge and spark interest in ocean conservation among new generation of young readers and contributors. Thalassicjournal has established multitudes of things, including a mangrove plantation in Pantai Indah Kapuk, alongside cleaning up the garbages that contribute to the flooding in a conservation forest.
At school, Vienna serves as Student Council President, where she initiates charity events for indonesians in need. In response to the recent flooding in Aceh, her team, alongside Global Jaya community, donated 70 million rupiah to the flood’s victim and 20 boxes worth of clothes and necessities.
Outside of this, Vienna spends her free time on the volleyball court, playing volleyball and leading her team as captain. She also teaches biology to her underclassmen and encourages them to pursue the field. Vienna’s passion for biology is not only to conserve the ocean, but also to expand the knowledge of biology and humanity’s perception.