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PODCAST · science

Samoan Scientist Podcast

by Amy

This is a platform to share my process and journey as a New Zealand born, Samoan women, scientist. As well as chatting to other indigenous scientists about their journey.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 15, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Dr. Saki Baleivanualala: Associate Dean leading Pacific excellence in biomedical sciences

    Dr. Saki is serving as the associate dean for the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Otago. He is involved in leadership roles, research on antimicrobial resistance, and advocating for more Pacific people to pursue post-grad and PhD studies. He emphasizes the importance of...

  2. Meet Taina Naivalu, a PhD candidate transforming Fiji's healthcare future.

    The conversation covers the importance of infectious disease surveillance in Fiji, the impact of research on community health, and the journey of the researcher and the support from the community. Takeaways Infectious Disease Surveillance Research and Impact on Community Chapters 00:00 Infectious...

  3. Meet Salā To'oā Brown : A Samoan Scientist fighting against measles

    The conversation covers various aspects of cell culture and molecular biology, including the use of bacteria, cell lines, techniques for analyzing data, and lab protocols. The discussion also touches on the use of waste bottles and the process of splitting cells. Takeaways Cell lines are used in...

  4. The Story Behind the Samoan Scientist (531pi Interview)

    Originally recorded in June 2026 for 531pi's Island Time during Sāmoan Language Week. I'm excited to share this interview here on the podcast. We talk about my journey as the Samoan Scientist, how my research explores the connections between traditional Samoan foods, genetics, and type 2…

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  5. What If Our Ancestors Already Knew the Cure?

    The Problem Was Never Our Genetics What if the key to better health for Pacific peoples wasn't a new diet trend or medication, but the foods our ancestors had been eating for generations? In this episode, Samoan scientist Amy Maslen-Miller explores the traditional Samoan diet through both…

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  6. My Journey Into Science

    It has been over 7 years since I made an episode, but I am back! This is a deep dive about my journey of identity and science starting from my childhood in the 90s to the present.

  7. PhD update - How to cope with the challenges

    Update on my PhD about feeling like I'm not doing enough and how I am addressing it. I hope that some of the podcast connects with you and helps you with your own journey.

  8. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows

    September 2023 I had achieved so many things in my PhD that I thought I would NEVER achieve, however I also experienced very upsetting news about my Nana.

  9. Michelle Elia-Siloata - A zig-zag journey will lead you to where you need to be

    In this episode, we talk with my good friend Michelle about Uber Eats Diabetes High school relationships Health

  10. PhD update - March 2022

    Talofa my name is Amy. I am PhD candidate researching the Samoan traditional diet. I have gone back into the archives and pieced together a raw PhD update for the month of March 2022.

  11. How to be an effective communicator on social media

    Talofa, my name is Amy. The creator of Samoan Scientist. I started posting online in 2015 and have built a following of over 4K followers across IG, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Podcasting and LinkedIn. Here I share my tips on how to get started in social media.

  12. What did Samoans eat during the 19th and 20th century?

    Talofa, my name is Amy. I am a second-year PhD student researching the Samaon traditional diet. This episode, I share with you common foods that Samoans ate from missionary records 1830s-1920s. In this

  13. Responding to your comments - Samoan traditional foods

    Talofa my name is Amy, I am a second-year PhD candidate researching the Samoan traditional diet. There was a lot of talanoa on a recent post and I wanted to address all of your comments.

  14. How to write a literature review

    Talofa my name is Amy, I am a second-year PhD candidate researching Samoan traditional foods. Here are 5 steps on how I wrote my literature review.

  15. How to stay motivated during your studies

    Hey. My name is Amy Maslen-Miller I am a PhD candidate researching the Samoan traditional diet. Here are some tips to help keep you motivated during your studies.

  16. Study tips

    My name is Amy Maslen-Miller a PhD candidate researching the Samoan traditional diet. Here are some of my study tips to help with your tests and exams. Let me know if you have any questions!

  17. PhD talk - Samoan traditional foods - Q & A

    I talk about my PhD research, the Samoan traditional diet an Answer some of your questions.

  18. Malo. I'm Back.

    Malo. I'm Amy Maslen-Miller, a New Zealand-born Samoan woman in Science. The Samoan Scientist Podcast is a platform to share knowledge and stories from Maori and Pasifika in STEM. What do you want to hear from the podcast in 2023? This is your channel to help you navigate STEM.

  19. PhD Update I Fepuari 2022

    After 3 years of jumping through academic hurdles I have finally started my PhD!Research the Samoan traditional diet as one of the solutions to prevent diabetes. I'm going to give monthly updates about my journey. Hopefully sharing my experiences will help you. I talk about my initial thoughts...

  20. The journey to starting my PhD

    I have been waiting three years to share my story. So many academic hurdles, a lot of no's , low self-esteem and mental wellbeing. This is my story of how it took three years for me to start my PhD.

  21. Forever Failing

    It has been a really rough time in my career so I want to share a talanoa that I've had in my mind for a while. In the hopes of helping you on your journey and knowing that you're not alone. ps. sorry about the sniffling.

  22. Julia Arnott-Neenee - Strategist and Co-founder in Technology

    Note: This was recorded pre COVID-19 Introducing Julia Arnott-Nee, strategist and advocate for bridging the gap of technology in our Pacific communities. Raised in Grey Lynn, Auckland and Christchurch, Julia talks about her journey into the tech industry, including her time at HP in America. We...

  23. Eteroa Lafele- Software Engineer

    Introducing Eteroa Lafele, a Samoan software engineer. Born and bred in Cannons Creek, Porirua, Wellington. We talked about how Eteroa got into tech, her transition from Wellington to Auckland, to study at the Auckland University of Technology. Speaking her truth, about her experiences in Tech…

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  24. Madeline Shelling- Maori Scientist

    Mads is from Ngati Porou on her mums side and grew up in Helensville, Auckland. On this episode we talk about Mads journey into science. Starting with growing up in Helensville, following her passion throughout university, aid work, her PhD in Maori health and food sovereignty and CrossFit. If…

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  25. Tulele Masoe- Engineer

    Tulele talks about his childhood in Samoa, the ups and downs of his engineering degree and rugby. Listen out for the family shout outs and nostalgia! If you have any questions for Tulele you can send them my way on IG, Facebook, Youtube or [email protected]

  26. Lolo Tukuafu- Enviromental Scientist

    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.

  27. Alyx Pivac- Indigenous Scientist and Activist

    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...

  28. What I learned in 2019

    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...

  29. What the Scientists Say!

    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...

  30. Chris Puliuvea- Immunology Scientist

    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…

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  31. Sophia Olo-Whaanga: Environment and Sustainability Advisor

    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…

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  32. Q & A

    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?

  33. Ant Vavia- Marine Biologist

    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...

  34. Brogan McGreal- Scientist

    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...

  35. Study tips for exams

    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!

  36. Te Kahuratai Painting- Indigenous Scientist

    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…

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  37. Who Stole My Taro?!

    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.

  38. Q&A

    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?

  39. How I Became a Scientist

    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.

  40. I Am Dumb

    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.

  41. Introduction

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

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This is a platform to share my process and journey as a New Zealand born, Samoan women, scientist. As well as chatting to other indigenous scientists about their journey.

HOSTED BY

Amy

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Samoan Scientist Podcast have?

Samoan Scientist Podcast currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Samoan Scientist Podcast about?

This is a platform to share my process and journey as a New Zealand born, Samoan women, scientist. As well as chatting to other indigenous scientists about their journey.

How often does Samoan Scientist Podcast release new episodes?

Samoan Scientist Podcast has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Samoan Scientist Podcast?

You can listen to Samoan Scientist Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Samoan Scientist Podcast?

Samoan Scientist Podcast is created and hosted by Amy.
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