AUT - Falegau Melanie Silulu
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Falegau Melanie Silulu
Faculty for Academic Studentship: Te Ara Poutama
Role: Project Coordination
Ethnic Origin: Samoan
Coordinating the Maori and Pasifika postgraduate students Wananga Series is a big task, but it is one that Falegau Melanie Silulu says has provided her with valuable work experience, and the financial support necessary to complete her Master’s degree.
When a position became available in the Pasifika Academic Studentship Programme to work within the Te Ara Poutama Faculty, and having previously undertaken a Studentship within the School of Public Health, Silulu jumped at the chance to take on the role. Describing her studentship role as coordinating the Wananga Series under the guidance of Professor Tania Ka’ai, her academic mentor, Silulu says she has gained experience with project coordination as well as networking with staff and students.
The Series includes Wananga weekends, writing retreats and a research symposium, and aims to build a culture of support for AUT Maori and Pasifika students across the entire University and foster a network of collaboration to support these students through their higher degree journey, says Silulu.
Having previously studied for a Bachelor of Science (majoring in psychology) at the University of Auckland, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at AUT, Silulu is now focused on completing her Master of Public Health. She says that her goals for the future include being in an environment and position to complete her Master’s degree and continue on to PhD studies, and hopes to enrich and empower the Pasifika community through her research.
“Doing something for my community is important to me. I hope that through my studies I am able to inform our people about the importance of taking care of ourselves, our family and friends”