Samoan Scientist Podcast

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.

We are starting 2020 right as I sat down with Alyx Pivac, an indigenous scientist and activist. She is of Māori (Ngāti Whātua, Te Rarawa) and Croatian descent and grew up in Whangārei with her mum, dad and two sisters. We talked about her dual identities growing up, her passion for the ocean and speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.  If you have any questions for Alyx, feel free to message her on Instagram: @alyxpivac or email: alyx.pivac@gmail.com

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. 

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.

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 kilisitofa.p@gmail.com

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 sophia.olowhaanga@gmail.com or message her on instagram @kaitiaki.sophia

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?

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

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 brogan.mcgreal@gmail.com

With exams coming up. I want to share some tips and tricks that have helped me over the years and I hope they help you too!

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 tk.painting@auckland.ac.nz for more questions.

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. 

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?

Being a scientist is not a common job for most people, especially for a New Zealand born Samoan woman. This episode I share my unique, not your usual path into science and why Im still in science today. 

Ever had this thought? SAME. I've felt this way since high school and it's been/still a process I'm working to reverse. Today I'm unpacking my thoughts and sharing some options that have worked for me.

Talofa! This episode I'm introducing myself, the aim for the Samoan Scientist podcast and what type of content I'm planning.