Samoan Scientist Podcast

Samoan Scientist Podcast

By AmyScience
Download on the App Store

Samoan Scientist Podcast episodes

  • What the Scientists Say!

    We are ending our series this year by reflecting on the talanoa I’ve had with Kahu Painintng (Indigenous Scientist), Brogan McGreal (Scientist), Ant Vavia (Marine Biologist), Sophia Olo-Whaanga (Environment and Sustainability Advisor) and Chris Puliuvea (Immunology Scientist).

    I summarised their advice about how to overcome challenges, how to get into science and their experiences of how they got started in science.


    15 min
  • Chris Puliuvea- Immunology Scientist
    This episode we chat to Chris Puliuvea, immunology scientist. Chris was born in Tonga, moved to NZ at young age and is the eldest of seven siblings. He developed his passion for science in Tonga, where he had a curiosity for understanding how things work. We talked about 1) Transitioning from Tonga to NZ schooling 2) How to get through the tough times 3) Science strengthening his faith in Christianity 4) Giving science a go.
    If you have any questions you can email chris [email protected]
    42 min
  • Sophia Olo-Whaanga: Environment and Sustainability Advisor
    This episode we chat to environment and sustainability advisor, Sophia Olo-Whaanga. With a Postgraduate diploma in environmental science, she is the first grandchild from her mother’s side to graduate from university. Sophia is very passionate about giving back to the community by working with her marae (Makaurau Marae, Ihumātao) and by encouraging rangatahi (younger generations) into science. We talk about how to navigate university, being indigenous in the workplace and to just do it, if you’re thinking about getting into science.
    If you have any questions you can email Sophia at [email protected] or message her on instagram @kaitiaki.sophia
    38 min
  • Q & A

    This episode you ask the questions and I answer them 1) Whats the money like being a scientist? Are scientists paid their worth? 2) How did you choose the right university best suited for you and your goals?

    13 min
  • Ant Vavia- Marine Biologist
    Marine biologist and vaka enthusiast, Ant Vavia, talks about his scientific voyage. Ant set out on his journey, discovering his passion for the outdoors, adventure and marine science. Currently pursuing his PhD in marine biology, he is taking his research back home to Mitiaro, Cook Islands. This episode we talk about navigating through high school, university life, research in the Solomon Islands, standing out as a Pasifika student and vaka.
    If you have any questions for Ant, send him a message on Facebook: Ant Vavia or Instagram @antstagraamm. Plus he has a YouTube channel in the works! So watch this space
    1 hr 1 min
  • Brogan McGreal- Scientist
    This episode we talk to Research Associate, Brogan McGreal. Brogan is the eldest of two brothers and grew up in West Auckland. She is Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne and Ngai Tahu. She currently works at Plant and Food Research, looking at plant disease on apples and avocados.
    We chatted about gap years, wanting to be a doctor in high school, job experience and so much more (and a lot of laughing). If you have any questions for Brogan, you can email her at [email protected]
    33 min
  • Te Kahuratai Painting- Indigenous Scientist
    Our first indigenous scientist we chat to is Te Kahuratai Painting, learning advisor at Te Fale Pouāwhina, The University of Auckland. Kahu has a background in biomedical science, applied mathematics specialising in mathematical biology and Mātauranga Māori. We touched on many topics such as change in careers, climate change, indigenous knowledge, tips for getting into science and so much more! You can hit him up on Facebook- Te Kahurertai Painting or email [email protected] for more questions.
    44 min
  • Who Stole My Taro?!

    This episode I read to you the mythology story of the beautiful taro. This story is from the book, Samoan Heroes by David Riley and illustrated by Michael Mulipola. 

    8 min
  • Q&A

    This episode you ask the questions and I answer them. 1) How do I learn Samoan? I'm the only plastic one in my family and trying to actively learn. 2)  Has science been a viable career for you so far? 3) What vision do you see our up and coming pasifika scientists achieving?



    12 min

About Samoan Scientist Podcast

From the publisher's feed

This is a platform to share my process and journey as a New Zealand born, Samoan women, scientist. As well as chatting to other indigenous scientists about their journey.