Contact
Office 4S3 Richardson Building, South Tower
Tel +64 3 479 8364
Email jess.pasisi@otago.ac.nz
Research
Jess is of Niue (Mutalau, Hikutavake), Pākehā, Ngāti Pikiao, and Tahitian descent.
Her research thesis “Kitiaga mo fakamahani e hikihikiaga matagi he tau fifine Niue: Tau pūhala he tau hiapo – Niue women's perspectives and experiences of climate change: A hiapo approach” explored the intersections of Pacific Studies and Management Communication in understanding Niuean women's perspectives and experiences of climate change. In this research Jess developed a hiapo methodology, a Niue-centred approach and framework that upholds the specificity of Niue experience, culture, genealogy, language and connection to diasporic communities.
Jess' current research work applies Niue-centred methodology and methods to explore Niue concepts of happiness and wellbeing. Her research interests engage in critical discussions relating to Pacific Studies, Pacific health and wellbeing, climate change, and the New Zealand Realm.
Teaching
- PACI 310 Special Topic: Pacific People, Climate Change, and Power
Distinctions
- 2019: Health Research Council of New Zealand Pacific Health Researcher Award
- 2018: Tertiary Achievement Pacific Ako Award
- 2017: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Field Research Award
- 2015: University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship
Funding
- 2020: Waikato Summer Student Research funding, research grant
- 2019: Health Research Council of New Zealand Pacific Health Researcher Award, research grant