Samoan Scientist

Breaking down science so our communities see themselves in it.
PhD | STEM | Indigenous Knowledge|

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

My PhD is about investigating the Samoan traditional diet to see if it can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in Samoan women living in New Zealand.

I hope this knowledge will help Pacific families live healthier and longer lives

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

I went to an international conference in America expecting to feel behind.

Instead I realised New Zealand researchers are doing world-class work with almost nothing.

We are not behind. We are just under-resourced.

Big difference.

#STEM

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

For everyone who feels caught between two cultures.

Not Samoan enough. Not Kiwi enough. Not anything enough.

I made these for you.

https://t.co/83BpZsxE4I

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

I grew up not knowing if I was Samoan enough.

So I created resources to help people like me reconnect with our culture.

The Samoan Seasonal Calendar. Myths and Origins of Samoan Foods. Knowledge that belongs to us.

https://t.co/83BpZsx6fa

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Nobody tells you that a PhD is not just about research.

It is about learning to communicate complex ideas simply.

That skill transfers everywhere.

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #STEM #phd

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Traditional knowledge was never meant to be locked in universities.

I spent years in academia learning about Samoan foods, seasons, and stories.

Now I am giving it back.

https://t.co/83BpZsx6fa

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Hot take: Science communication is not a side skill.

It is THE skill.

If you cannot explain your research to someone outside your field, you do not understand it well enough.

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #STEM

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #atlanta

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #samoa

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

THE Veronica Pome'e ❤️

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Lō (April)

Aperila was Lō — named after the shoaling of small fish arriving in abundance.
The ocean was our seasonal calendar.
Learn more: https://t.co/X6mdpaAn0A
#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Taumafa Mua (November)

Novema was Taumafa Mua — the first of plenty.
Abundance, feasting, first-fruit celebrations.
Explore the calendar: https://t.co/X6mdpaAUQ8

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Fa’aafu (March)

Mati was Fa’aafu — the withering of the yam vines.
Plants turning “like shells” signalled seasonal change long before Western calendars.
See more stories: https://t.co/X6mdpaAn0A

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Palolo Mua (July)

Iulai was Palolo Mua, the season of the first palolo rising.
One of Samoa’s most iconic natural events.
More stories: https://t.co/X6mdpaAUQ8

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

Toeutuvā (February)

Fepuari was Toeutuvā — digging the yams again to raise storms.
Our ancestors understood weather shifts deeply through food cycles and planting rhythms.
Full calendar here: https://t.co/X6mdpaAn0A

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

In old Samoan time, Ianuari was Utuvamua — the season of first yam digging. Storms were explained through the story of two brothers, Utuvamua and Utuvamuli, fleeing a war in the heavens.
Connecting story, land, and season.
Explore more: https://t.co/X6mdpaAUQ8

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

If I make it to New York to meet Gary V, I am taking all of you with me in spirit.

I will carry your questions, your ideas and your dreams into that room. If I win, we all win.

https://t.co/X6mdpaAUQ8

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

In Samoan tradition, food didn’t come from “resources.”
It came from ancestors, winds, tides, plants, and animals with genealogy and spirit.

https://t.co/X6mdpaAUQ8
#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

[Samoan Scientist @ScientistSamoan]

To be in the top 10 of the Gary V Stan Challenge I need to earn 198,734 USD in 11 days.

Big number. Big dream.

If I make it to New York to meet Gary V, I am taking our community with me through behind the scenes and shared learnings.

https://t.co/X6mdpaAn0A

#stanvideo