Throughout the years, my journey from being a CHL Trainee to my current role as a Community Health Researcher at the American Samoa Community College (ACNR) has been marked by growth, learning, and valuable experiences in the field of public health.
One significant milestone in my career was the opportunity presented to me by the Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) Program. The CHL Program awarded me a full academic scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Epidemiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa). This incredible opportunity allowed me to further expand my knowledge and skills in the field of public health, providing me with a solid foundation for many roles I took on before my current role as a Community Health Researcher.
My career journey took off in November 2016 when I joined the Pacific Islands Health Officers (PIHOA) Association as an Epidemiologist Consultant. During my tenure, I actively participated in addressing a wide range of health issues, notably including the Zika virus outbreak and the community-wide Dengue Type 2 virus outbreak in 2017. These significant experiences played a key role in building a strong foundation in the field of epidemiology and emergency response and greatly contributed to the development of my skills in data analysis and infectious disease surveillance.
This experience also sparked an interest in infectious diseases within me, prompting me to explore the interconnectedness between infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Recognizing the links between infectious diseases and chronic diseases has become important in understanding the complexities of public health and designing effective prevention strategies. This newfound awareness has fueled my enthusiasm to further explore and contribute to the intersecting domains of infectious disease and chronic disease research and intervention.
In January 2018, I was appointed to the esteemed position of American Samoa Territorial Epidemiologist within the American Samoa Department of Health. This role provided me with the opportunity to assume greater responsibilities and take the lead in responding to public health emergencies at the territorial level. A prime example of my involvement was when I served as the Lead Epidemiologist for the Measles Virus community outbreak from November 2019 to February 2020. Furthermore, I had the privilege of being the Lead Epidemiologist in the American Samoa Task Force, established in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic from February 2020 to November 2022. These experiences allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with various government departments and agencies in American Samoa. Working closely with partners at the regional level, such as PIHOA (Pacific Islands Health Officers’ Association), SPC (Secretariat of the Pacific Community), and WHO (World Health Organization), has been an honor. Additionally, my engagements with federal partners like CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and DOD (Department of Defense) have further enriched my experience. The collective effort and expertise of these esteemed organizations and individuals have significantly contributed to the successes I have achieved in my role. These experiences proved invaluable in fostering my growth as a leader and honing my communication skills. Moreover, they deepened my comprehension of infectious diseases and enhanced my ability to manage public health situations effectively.
In addition to my emergency response work, I also played a key role in the American Samoa Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program from September 2018 to January 2022. Working alongside CDC, PIHOA, and Samoa Ministry of Health, this project allowed me to contribute to the effort to eliminate this disease from the population, promoting community health and well-being.
As my career progressed, I was nominated by the American Samoa Governor to serve on the Board of Directors for the LBJ Tropical Medical Center. This position further expanded my involvement in shaping healthcare policies and strategies to improve the well-being of the community.
I am profoundly grateful for the support and opportunities provided by the Children’s Healthy Living Program, which played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. Overall, my growth from being a CHL Trainee to my current role as a Community Health Researcher has been a transformative journey. I have gained valuable experience in emergency response, research, and community health programs. My completed Ph.D. and defended dissertation have provided me with the confidence to excel in my positions with the American Samoa Department of Health and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the American Samoa community. I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute in my role.