Professor Martin Nakata received his PhD in Education from ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø's Cairns Campus becoming the first Torres Strait Islander in Australia to do so. His thesis explored the interface of Western systems of knowledge and Torres Strait Islander positions and experiences.

Professor Nakata is now the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education and Strategy at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø and is recognised internationally as one of the leading Indigenous academics in Australia. He is widely published in national and international academic journals, anthologies and books on Indigenous educational matters. His research work in the higher education sector helps improve outcomes for Indigenous students spans almost four decades and, he has been invited to and delivered keynote addresses on his ongoing work to professional associations in over twenty countries. Find out more in the Media Release from the 1998 Graduation.