Spotlight on Samoa: workshop series for HDR scholars & supervisors
PASS-CR Program Coordinator, Dr Bree Wilson, joined Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni, our Country Engagement Lead for Samoa, to host PASS-CR workshops for Higher Degree Research (HDR) students and supervisors.
The Samoa workshop series featured a range of sessions led by PASS-CR staff, including ACPIR Director Professor Steven Underhill, and presentations from current scholars Ann Julie Johnson and Tusiata Lemuelu.
The week began with a day of academic support activities for both supervisors and students at the University of South Pacific (USP) Samoa campus.
Dr Seeseei and Dr Bree led a range of sessions, including a popular session on Managing Expectations in HDR, which was a deep dive into the roles and responsibilities of effective supervisors and students.
“It was great to have this workshop delivered to us in person, and to have both supervisors and students involved, discussing together how we can improve the academic journey,” one participant reported.
In the afternoon, guest speakers join via Zoom for sessions on how to build professional research profiles, an introduction to the Pacific Agricultural Information System (PAIS) and a tour of resources from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).
“The afternoon was great for learning about different databases and where useful resources can be found,” one participant reported.
On day two, ACPIR Director, Professor Steven Underhill, joined Dr Seeseei and Dr Bree to facilitate a workshop for HDR supervisors at USP Samoa.
The workshop topics were wide-ranging and included academic writing, grant negotiations, research ethics and integrity and time management, along with reflections on managing expectations in HDR supervision and mental health in academia.
On day three, Dr Seeseei & Dr Bree facilitated a workshop specifically for students at USP Samoa.
Conversation flowed easily throughout the day with both presenters and participants openly sharing their perspectives and advice on topics including academic writing techniques, effective time management, the importance of mental health in academia, and how to communicate science through storytelling.
“It was an incredible day of heartfelt discussions about the HDR journey from the students’ perspectives, and it was powerful beyond words to witness those conversations,” said Dr Bree.
The workshop series was wrapped up with an ACIAR Alumni Networking Dinner at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia. HDR students from USP Samoa heard from three ACIAR Alumni who shared their own experiences as research students, and their subsequent career pathways and professional development.
The event was organised by Dr Seeseei with support from ACIAR’s Pacific Regional Manager, Mai Alagcan, ACPIR, and the Australia High Commission in Samoa.
Thanks to all participants and supporters for helping to make it a fun, productive and impactful workshop series.
