Pacific scholar champions new generation of biomedical researchers

While many Pacific young people are encouraged towards careers in medicine, law or accounting, University of Auckland doctoral candidate Gerald (Jay) Naepi is championing another pathway, one that could transform health outcomes for Pacific communities.

The Niuean (Tamakautoga, Avatele) scholar is completing a PhD in Physiology at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, researching novel treatments for diastolic dysfunction, a form of early heart failure that disproportionately affects Pacific peoples.

“Historically, Pacific peoples have often been the subjects of biomedical research rather than the researchers leading it,” says Gerald. “We're beginning to shift that narrative.”

Gerald's doctoral research in the Cellular & Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kim Mellor and Dr Fiona McBryde, investigates new approaches for treating a form of heart failure that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. He is committed to translating discoveries from the laboratory bench into tangible improvements in Pacific health.

He argues that involving Pacific researchers at every stage, from shaping the questions to sharing the findings, keeps biomedical research focused on tangible impacts for Pacific communities.

That approach was recently recognised when he received the Pacific Health Research Excellence Award, sponsored by the Sir Logan Campbell Medical Trust, at the HealthEx Conference hosted by the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

His presentation, Designing biomedical research and dissemination strategies with Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, made the case for Pacific-led approaches within biomedical science.

Community impact has always been a part of Gerald's upbringing. His mother worked as a nurse and public health nurse, and his father worked in manufacturing. Together, his parents established and ran a home-based health service and primary healthcare clinic that served Pacific peoples on Auckland’s North Shore for over fifteen years.

“That's where my interest in health and science was fostered, and where I got my work ethic and determination,” says Gerald.

Growing up as a Pacific family on Auckland’s North Shore, he saw inequality from both sides.

“Being Pacific on the North Shore, you experience the inequities yourself but live in an environment where you see how the other half live. That was eye-opening, and it became a major driving force for me.”

Gerald's path into research was not a straight line. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science at the University of Auckland, he trained as a physiotherapist at AUT and worked in clinical practice.

He later moved to Canada with his wife, Associate Professor Sereana Naepi, while she completed her doctorate. There he worked in health insurance and later became a full-time parent.

A turning point came in 2018, when Gerald undertook research with a First Nations community in Canada. The experience showed him that research could drive social change. Programmes such as the Indigenous Knowledge Makers deepened his commitment to community-led research and Indigenous knowledge systems.

On returning to New Zealand during the COVID era, he founded Matada Research Group, a Pacific-led community research organisation focused on meaningful outcomes for Pacific communities. Starting with small grants, it has grown to partner with Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health and international organisations.

"Research offered a unique intersection between my values, skills and desire to create impact," he says.

Leading that work also showed him why advanced qualifications matter.

“I realised having a PhD opens doors and creates greater opportunities to influence research agendas and outcomes.”

Gerald says success is about more than completing a PhD. It means building a pathway for Pacific scientists who can carry this work forward.

“There is a real push to get Pacific students into STEM, but many don't see where those careers can lead. We need greater visibility and more support for Pacific students who want to pursue academic, commercial or industry biomedical pathways.”

He says clinical professions remain important, but there are a myriad of other ways to improve community wellbeing.

“We need Pacific researchers, biomedical scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. If we want to create solutions to the problems we face as Pacific peoples, we need Pacific people designing and leading the research too.”

He hopes his own journey demonstrates that there is no single path to success.

At the centre of that journey has been his family.

Gerald credits his wife, Sereana, his parents, little sister, and close friends with supporting him through every stage.

The goals are clear he says: complete his doctorate, keep pursuing work that creates impact, and help grow the next generation of Pacific biomedical researchers.

“The problems our communities face are real, and the people best placed to solve them are the ones who grew up with them.”