Samoan Scientist

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

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

For everyone who feels caught between two cultures. Not Samoan enough. Not Kiwi enough. Not anything enough. I made these for you. stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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. stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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

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. stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #atlanta

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo #samoa

THE Veronica Pome'e ❤️

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

#garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

Lō (April) Aperila was Lō — named after the shoaling of small fish arriving in abundance. The ocean was our seasonal calendar. Learn more: stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

Taumafa Mua (November) Novema was Taumafa Mua — the first of plenty. Abundance, feasting, first-fruit celebrations. Explore the calendar: stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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: stan.store/samoanscientist

Palolo Mua (July) Iulai was Palolo Mua, the season of the first palolo rising. One of Samoa’s most iconic natural events. More stories: stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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: stan.store/samoanscientist

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: stan.store/samoanscientist

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. stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

In Samoan tradition, food didn’t come from “resources.” It came from ancestors, winds, tides, plants, and animals with genealogy and spirit. stan.store/samoanscientist #garyveestanchallenge #stanvideo

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. stan.store/samoanscientist #stanvideo