Dr. Sereana Naepi
Pacific Academic
Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Friend and Pacific Academic. These roles not only describe me but also my philosophy in life. As the saying goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and as a child of the Pacific I owe my success not only to my hard work and dedication but also the community of people whom have helped and supported me along the way.
About me
I am a Pacific researcher located in Aotearoa New Zealand who enjoys the challenge of taking on complex problems from multiple angles. My work uses multiple approaches to explore how universities and our wider research sectors can become places that embrace all learners, esteem all knowledges and serve all communities. As this is a complex problem, I draw on qualitative and quantitative methods and work across various different research teams and collectives both nationally and internationally.
I grew up in Mount Wellington with my two brothers and my Mum (Fijian) and Dad (Pakeha). I attended Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland until going to University of British Columbia to complete my PhD. I have two daughters and I am hopeful that the work I do now will build a better future for them and my family.
The values of relationship and service ace foundational to my research approach. I believe in research that contributes to change and I pursue projects that will have a positive impact for my communities and family.
About me
I am a Pacific researcher located in Aotearoa New Zealand who enjoys the challenge of taking on complex problems from multiple angles. My work uses multiple approaches to explore how universities and our wider research sectors can become places that embrace all learners, esteem all knowledges and serve all communities. As this is a complex problem, I draw on qualitative and quantitative methods and work across various different research teams and collectives both nationally and internationally.
I grew up in Mount Wellington with my two brothers and my Mum (Fijian) and Dad (Pakeha). I attended Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland until going to University of British Columbia to complete my PhD. I have two daughters and I am hopeful that the work I do now will build a better future for them and my family.
The values of relationship and service ace foundational to my research approach. I believe in research that contributes to change and I pursue projects that will have a positive impact for my communities and family.
My work philosophy
I engage in research as a way to be of service to my community. I fundamentally believe that all people have a right to reach their potential and for now I am focused on how higher education institutions can better serve the people who work and learn within their institution.
Collaborate
Over the years I have come to understand that any research of major importance can only be initiated with community engagement and collaboration. This community engagement allows for better research practice that engages a more holistic approach towards research.
Understand
In all aspects of my research I seek to form a deep understanding of people, communities, practices, systems and information that helps me improve outcomes for Pacific peoples as there is greater transference of this knowledge into practice.
Implement
One of the most important aspects of my research is not allowing it to disappear into the ether but instead I work hard to bring current research to the fore to effect change. Even though it is not an easy process it is the most important reason why I do the work I do.
EDUCATION
RESEARCHERS
the Royal Society Te Aparangi Early Career Re searchers Forum and I serve on a number of inqui ries and working boards to ensure that early careers researchers have a voice at the table.
A highlight of this work has been being involved in He Pito Mata Wananga which bought together 300 researchers from across Aotearoa to envision the research sector we want, engage with the decision makers and get an opportunity to meet each other
TO UNIVERSITY
EDUCATION SYSTEM
METHODOLOGIES
HIGHER EDUCATION
EDUCATION
the Royal Society Te Aparangi Early Career Re searchers Forum and I serve on a number of inqui ries and working boards to ensure that early careers researchers have a voice at the table.
A highlight of this work has been being involved in He Pito Mata Wananga which bought together 300 researchers from across Aotearoa to envision the research sector we want, engage with the decision makers and get an opportunity to meet each other
TO UNIVERSITY
EDUCATION SYSTEM
METHODOLOGIES
HIGHER EDUCATION
Pacific Research Methodologies
I engage in research as a way to be of service to my community. I fundamentally believe that all people have a right to reach their potential and for now I am focussed on how higher education institutions can better serve the people who work and learn within their institution.
Pacific & Higher Education
My work is centered around improving outcomes for Pasifika in higher education. This ranges from student to faculty experiences of higher education and is typically framed from a Pacific research methods and methodologies point of view.
My Research
I engage in research as a way to be of service to my community. I fundamentally believe that all people have a right to reach this potential and for now I am focused on how higher education institutions can better serve the people who work and learn within their institution.
Publications
I have had the great pleasure to work and research with an amazing number of domestic and international academics who have helped me create the work that is important to me and the communities that I work with. Please check out my work below for more information.
Presentations
Presenting has been important in establishing my career as an academic and has contributed to creating strong networks both domestically and internationally. I have been fortunate to have been a keynote speaker as well as presented my work in many conferences.
Public Scholarship
I believe it is important for researchers to engage in public debate and ensure that their work is accessible. Public engagement includes media, social media, public lectures, free to access publications and my blog.
Please check out my work below for more information.
Consultation
My work on systems level bias has provided me with insight into ways that large companies, institutions or entire sectors can shift their practices to be more inclusive. I work with research houses such as Matada Research and have done work with a number of government agencies and the private sector.
Media
Articles
Questions we need to ask about higher education
This blog is from my presentation at the Indigenous Graduate Student Symposium in Vancouver 2017. In it I consider what it is we are asking for participation in and what is the price of this participation on both our communities and ourselves.
Non-Performative Diversity and Pasifika Women
Pasifika women experience non-performative diversity in universities in New Zealand. Non-Performative diversity operates as a way for universities to commit to diversity while simultaneously excluding diversity.
When actions speak volumes on values: UoA response to Action Zealandia
This blog is a little bit of an opportunity for me to try and sort out my thoughts on the matter, an attempt to weave higher education theory on freedom of speech, academic freedom and race theory in higher education.
See my CV for more information
I engage in research as a way to be of service to my community. I fundamentally believe that all people have a right to reach theis potential and for now I am focussed on how higher education institutions can better serve the people who work and learn within their institution.
If you are interested in working with me feel free to check out my CV at the link below, or contact me if you have any queries.