Chui-Ling Tam had an epiphany while scuba diving in Indonesia that led her to study the social impacts of conservation and development on local populations. She realized local fishermen's livelihoods were affected by tourist scuba divers and conservation efforts. This prompted her to pursue a PhD in resource management instead of continuing her career in journalism. Tam now researches the social challenges of balancing resource use, environmental protection, and local community needs, especially in developing countries where local voices are often excluded from sustainability discussions.