Division of Sciences Pacific Support Team from left, Natalie Snook-Nu’u, Losana Taungapeau-Ikahihifo, Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti, Dr Edmond Fehoko and Keenan Masina.
The new Associate Dean Pacific for the Division of Sciences, Dr Edmond Fehoko, has a dream for Pacific students studying within the Sciences. “I want to remind our Pacific students that the sea of opportunities available at the University is as vast as the Pacific Ocean.”
Dr Fehoko, a Senior Lecturer based in the Department of Human Nutrition, has brought together a complete, and largely new, Pacific Student Support Team to provide comprehensive support and guidance to Pacific students studying in the Sciences.
“We understand the unique challenges that Pacific students may face during their academic journey, and our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes their success,” Dr Fehoko says.
“I’m really excited to be leading this Pacific Student Support Team who are passionate about ensuring every Pacific student has access to the resources and support needed to thrive while studying at Otago.”
Meet the Sciences Pacific Student Support Team
Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti
From Fiji, Vanisha attained her PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra, and has spent over 13 years as a research and teaching consultant. She joins the team in a new role of Teaching Fellow and Coordinator for Pacific Student and Community Support, including providing academic and writing support to Pacific postgraduate students.
Vanisha’s dream for Pacific students is to see a better balance between their Pacific identities and their academic integrity and achievement. “Ultimately, I want Pacific students to feel like they belong in the academy, standing firmly in their cultural identity, having achieved academic excellence. I believe it is possible, and necessary, to achieve both.”
Losana Taungapeau-Ikahihifo
With a Bachelor of Teaching from Otago, Losana started her Pacific Student and Community Support role in 2022 and has recently returned from maternity leave.
Losana says her dream is to increase Pacific student success in whatever shape or form, from choosing the right majors to engaging and having positive relationships with staff to furthering their studies after graduating. “I would love to see our students walk through their academic journey comfortable and confident in their identities and have a sense of belonging at Otago.”
Natalie Snook-Nu’u
Natalie has a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland. In her role as Pacific Student and Community support, Natalie’s dream is for Pasifika students to be steadfast in their identity without feeling like they have to change to fit within the University system.
“That Pasifika students see themselves in the faces of their lecturers, tutors, demonstrators and leaders at Otago and feel secure in knowing that Otago is a place for them to achieve and be successful throughout their academic and professional careers.”
Keenan Masina
Of Samoan and Cook Island descent, Keenan completed a Commerce degree at the University of Auckland and has recently joined the team as Pacific Student and Community support.
Keenan’s dream for Pacific students is to graduate and grow the Pacific health workforce. “It’s also really important to me that Pacific students feel safe and supported during their academic journey in Dunedin.”
Dr Fehoko says the team are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and community for Pacific students, and encourage collaboration between students, staff and departments to create a positive and enriching experience.
“We are looking forward to developing our established connections and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and partnership across the Division of Sciences.”
The Pacific Student Support Team are based in the Sciences Divisional Office or can be contacted at divscipi@otago.ac.nz.