A remarkable achievement
Dr. Amanda Nasse, currently a member of the Bahá'í community of Palmerston North, made history earlier this month as the first woman from Tanna, Vanuatu to earn a PhD.
Graduating from Massey University with a PhD in ethnobotany, Dr. Nasse’s research focused on the interaction between indigenous cultures and plants, specifically examining the role of sweet potato in local food systems. Her thesis explored how the cultivation of sweet potato can support food security and resilience in subsistence farmer communities. Through her study, she demonstrated how the revitalisation of sweet potato, along with the integration of traditional farming knowledge and modern agricultural practices, can help strengthen local resilience, especially in the face of extreme challenges such as climate change.
Dr. Nasse’s journey into horticulture and ethnobotany has been deeply influenced by her personal experiences, growing up as a Bahá'í in Tanna and learning from her parents of the importance of education as a tool for both individual growth and social transformation. Her academic path was shaped by a commitment to community development, and her fieldwork in Tanna involved working closely with local communities, blending local culture with scientific research.
The island of Tanna has a rich history and strong connection with the Bahá'í Faith. The island’s Bahá'í community has been acknowledged in the past for service endeavours, with youth playing a key role in community-building efforts. The junior youth spiritual empowerment programme has fostered a culture of collective action among the young people of Tanna, as has been seen in the active response to natural disasters and community challenges.
Dr. Nasse’s research shows how education and service are deeply intertwined with Bahá'í principles, and how they can bring about lasting change. Her work and her academic achievement are a wonderful example of the Bahá'í belief in the transformative power of striving for knowledge and the pursuit of social and environmental justice.
The New Zealand Bahá'í community warmly congratulates Dr. Amanda Nasse on the well-deserved recognition she has received for her academic achievement and for being the first woman from Tanna, Vanuatu, to earn a PhD. Her dedication to advancing food security and resilience for smaller communities through her research is a remarkable contribution to both her community and the wider society.
Below are links to other recently published articles about Dr. Nasse’s achievement.
Tanna’s First Female PhD Graduate Champions Sweet Potato Research to Strengthen Food Security
Pacific Island’s First Female PhD Graduate Champions Food Security
