Samoan Scientist Podcast

After 3 years of jumping through academic hurdles I have finally started my PhD!Research the Samoan traditional diet as one of the solutions to prevent diabetes.  

I have been waiting three years to share my story. So many academic hurdles, a lot of no's , low self-esteem and mental wellbeing. This is my story of how it took three years for me to start my PhD. 

It has been a really rough time in my career so I want to share a talanoa that I've had in my mind for a while. In the hopes of helping you on your journey and knowing that you're not alone. ps. sorry about the sniffling. 

Note: This was recorded pre COVID-19

Introducing Julia Arnott-Nee, strategist and advocate for bridging the gap of technology in our Pacific communities. Raised in Grey Lynn, Auckland and Christchurch, Julia talks about her journey into the tech industry, including her time at HP in America. We talk about Julia having an arts background and how she moved into tech, the hustle of applying for jobs, embracing her uniqueness and allowing space for others to do so and lastly, her current pursuit of empowering Māori and Pacific into the tech industry.

If you have any questions for Julia you can reach her on Facebook: Julia Arnott-Neenee Instagram: jarnottneenee LinkedIn: Julia Arnott-Neenee

Introducing Eteroa Lafele, a Samoan software engineer. Born and bred in Cannons Creek, Porirua, Wellington. We talked about how Eteroa got into tech, her transition from Wellington to Auckland, to study at the Auckland University of Technology. Speaking her truth, about her experiences in Tech, as a Pacific women and her passion for supporting our Pacific Community.

You may want to adjust your volume because, we laugh A LOT on this episode!

If you have any questions for Eteroa or want to have chat. Send her an email [email protected]or you can contact her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn at Eteroa Lafele.

Mads is from Ngati Porou on her mums side and grew up in Helensville, Auckland. On this episode we talk about Mads journey into science. Starting with growing up in Helensville, following her passion throughout university, aid work, her PhD in Maori health and food sovereignty and CrossFit.

If you have any questions for Mads you can contact her on Instagram @madeline.alice or Facebook: Madeline Shelling

Tulele talks about his childhood in Samoa, the ups and downs of his engineering degree and rugby. Listen out for the family shout outs and nostalgia!

If you have any questions for Tulele you can send them my way on IG, Facebook, Youtube or [email protected]

Lolo is currently working and living in Tonga as a GIS analyst. I managed to catch up with him while he was in NZ and he kept it real!

Lolo talked about moving to NZ from Tonga after high school, being the shy guy, university, climate change and living and working in Tonga.

2019 was very challenging for me however, I learnt a lot of things about how to get through those challenges. 

What I learnt in 2019: 1) Self reflection is key 2) The internet is amazing 3) The mind is powerful 4) The system is real 5) Stop buying stupid things

I also talked about goals and intentions for your next journey/year.