Thanks to a generous donation to the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, the center is able to provide a research travel award to a CPIS student, not to exceed $2,000.
With the funding provided by the Na Lei I Loloma Scholarship, I was fortunate enough to travel to Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia) to conduct research, form strong bonds with community organizations there, and spend much-needed time with my Tahitian family. The funding helped with travel costs, room and board, and multiple leisure activities. I was able to take several trips, including travel from Tahiti Island to Moorea Island by ferry. I was able to enjoy local restaurants with family and friends, and get to know Tahiti island better by my time spent there. I’m thankful for this funding, which makes a trip to Tahiti accessible to someone like me, who holds Tahiti as a high priority, but whose research was challenging given the high travel costs that make engaging the Pacific region and its societies difficult.
Jennifer Vehia Wheeler
