Massey’s Pasifika Director, Associate Professor Malakai Koloamatangi with scholarship recipients Karizma Tuilaepa and Siaosi Jordan Koloamatangi.
Two Massey University students have received substantial scholarships towards their science studies. Karizma Tuilaepa and Siaosi Jordan Koloamatangi have won Toloa Tertiary Scholarships worth up to $25,000, over three years.
Established in 2015, the scholarships are funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to encourage Pacific students to pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.
At a recent ceremony in Auckland Ms Tuilaepa and Mr Koloamatangi were among 13 students from around the country presented with scholarships by the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Hon Aupito Tofae Su'a William Sio.
Ms Tuilaepa, who is of Sāmoan descent is studying towards a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. Her goal is to become a vet technologist, wildlife technologist or emergency and critical care vet technologist.
Mr Koloamatangi is of Tongan descent and is completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours. He already has plans to start his PhD in genetics with the goal of becoming a researcher and lecturer in the field.