Elizabeth Fanueli

Tell us a bit about who you are and where you come from.

I am a New Zealand-born Samoan living in Auckland and hail from the villages of Aai-o-Niue, Fagamalo, Faleasiu, Lepea, Lalomanu and Toomatagi. I was born and raised in South Auckland. I am a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, School of Population Health, Department of Pacific Health and Social and Community Health. 

What is your PhD research about?

My PhD research topic is about understanding the palliative and end-of-life care experiences of Samoan families in the Auckland region. This research is a mixed methods project underpinned by Teu le Va, a Samoan conceptual framework. There are two phases to this project. The first phase is a quantitative descriptive analysis to provide an overview of the healthcare-related services used by Pacific (and Samoan) people before death. The second phase consists of qualitative talanoa (dialogue / conversation) sessions guided by talanoa with Samoan families and key supporters regarding their experiences of palliative and end-of-life care. In doing these two phases, this research hopes to identify ways to address the needs of Samoan families in palliative and end-of-life care.       

What motivated you to apply for ACAP 2024?

My supervisor had sent me the link in my first year of PhD. I had no idea this programme existed, but I knew I wanted to be part of it as I was a graduate teaching assistant for five years and wanted to know more about academia.

What message would you give to doctoral candidates who are thinking about applying for ACAP 2025?

You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain when you take part in this course, especially if you are considering being an academic. But even if you are not, this programme provides good networking opportunities because not only are you meeting other PhD students, but you also meet many academics and speakers from other areas of the University who come in to cover topics that are assigned to each student in the programme. As a PhD student, you are assigned a partner to work with on the topic you are assigned, so this programme also helps you to build your confidence in public speaking.  

What has been the best part about participating in ACAP?

It has been great learning about the breakdown and expectations of academia and where to get funding. But most importantly I have enjoyed meeting PhD students from different faculties and research backgrounds.

What skills have you learnt from ACAP?

I learned a lot about funding opportunities and ways to keep students engaged, because that was difficult during the pandemic. I learned heaps about publishing articles and what to look out for regarding predatory journals. It was great to learn that the University provides subsidies for specific journals because publishing can be expensive.

What are your words of wisdom for anyone just starting out on their doctoral journey?

Remember that it is a marathon and not a 100m sprint. Take your time when you are thinking about your area of research (not too much time though)! Choose an area of research you know you will be able to commit to for at least three years. Please know that your topic or the title of your thesis will change and that is okay. It is normal. Your first year is always a trial run. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Always take breaks!

Outside of your research, what are your interests and passions?

Outside of my PhD I enjoy heading to the gym or taking a walk along the esplanade with my sisters. I wanted to make sure I didn’t stress eat during my PhD so I had to incorporate some sort of physical activity once I enrolled. Over the years I have enjoyed helping out my Pacific youth and taking time to tutor them in various subjects. Otherwise, I am with my Christian connect group growing deeper in my understanding of God’s word.

Do you have a favourite place in Auckland where you go to relax while doing your PhD?

I enjoy the writing retreats at Long Bay. The view is always worth it. 

Where’s next on your travel bucket list?

My cousins and I are wanting to go to Japan and South Korea!

What are your plans for the future, and how has ACAP helped to prepare you for this?

If there is an opportunity to become an academic within Pacific Health in FMHS then I will pursue that. ACAP has been such an eye opener as to what is required of an academic and how the split across research, teaching and service is never 40/40/20. Now I understand why my supervisors are always busy doing activities outside of teaching!