SAGEONS Monthly Update – January 2025 – February 2025

 

Health/Wellness Day
SAGEONS kickstarted this year with a Health/Wellness Day to be every Wednesday of the week from 3pm – 4pm. A few interesting activities have been conducted. The initiative is gaining great momentum, and staff are strongly encouraged to join. Remember, health is wealth!

DAFT Seminar Series
Prof. Daniel Tan from the World Vegetable Center, Sydney Australia visited the Future Earth Project at the Discipline of Agriculture and Food Technology (DAFT) Samoa Campus in January 2025 and presented on “Breeding and management of high temperature”.

 

TA’s Workshop

SAGEONS and STEMP Teaching Assistants had their combined workshop on the 8th of February. The workshop theme was Mastering Professionalism, Research and Inclusivity This new initiative by was to build essential skills in professionalism, research and ethical teaching. Learning expert strategies for time management, research funding and gender inclusivity and sensitivity were also part of the discussions. Keynote Speakers included Ms Dulari Traill, Ms Afshana Anzeg, Ms Charlotte Taylor, Prof M Rafiuddin Ahmed and Associate Prof. David Rohindra. The organizing team is working on themes for the next workshop. Ideas and suggestions are invited.

 

Women & Girls in STEM

This year saw another new initiative unfold with the launch of a professional Women in STEM Society. The launch was held on the 13th of February when our female staff got together for the Global Women’s Breakfast to celebrate the International Day for Women & Girls in Science. DVCE, Prof. Jito Vanualailai officiated the event with special guests from secondary schools and organizations. The 1st task of the WISS will be unveiled soon.

 

DAFT PhD Student Research Findings

Two of DAFT PhD Students, Sateki Fangupo and Alesana Malo attended and presented parts of their research findings during the International Graduate School Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii from the 13 – 16. February 2024. Both are PASS-CR scholars, a scholarship funded by the ACIAR.

 

Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries visit

Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries headed by the CEO, Dr. Seuseu Joseph Tauati, and the team visited DAFT to discuss collaboration that promote sustainable agriculture in Samoa. 2025 First year Students Orientation

 

SAGEONS First Year Student Orientation

Students gathered at the ICT Lecture Theatre on 24th February for their School orientation. The session was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant cohort of first-year students and fostering strong engagement from staff. Designed to introduce students to university life, academic expectations, and key support services, the event provided an interactive and enriching experience. Please visit the school website for snaps.