Both mental and physical health are on the agenda for the two kaimahi who won this year’s University of Otago Māori Early Career Award for Distinction in Research.
Dr Amanda Clifford (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) from the Department of Psychology and Dr Amber Young (Taranaki Iwi) from the Department of Pharmacy were recently announced the recipients of the award.
Dr Amanda Clifford
They’re both elated to receive this and attribute much of their success to the support staff and students have shown them.
Amanda says the award is a team effort.
“I have been surrounded by a team of exceptional mentors, colleagues, and tauira who have supported this rangahau and guided my mahi,” Amanda says.
“Working together we have been able to develop research questions that help us ask important questions around mental health and wellbeing.”
Her research into mental health began with a PhD exploring how parents and educators teach socio-emotional concepts vital to a person’s mental health.
Her focus extended to how kaupapa Māori and qualitative research approaches might address mental health inequities and promote positive wellbeing for ngā iwi katoa in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Her specific focus is on meeting the mental wellbeing needs of Māori communities and on the importance of impact-based research for achieving equity goals.
“This award will support learning essential for kaupapa Māori research and will help develop research into practical outcomes for mental wellness.”
Dr Amber Young
Amber’s research focuses on health equity and vaccination coverage, investigating ways to increase immunisation uptake in pēpi, tamariki, and tangata hapū.
“In Aotearoa we need to improve vaccination coverage,” Amber says.
“There are many reasons why whānau are not vaccinated, but it usually because they cannot access vaccinations or because they are not getting the information they need in a way that helps them make informed decisions.”
Receiving the award will help her support student projects and continue her research into making immunisation uptake equitable for the communities that need it most, she says.
Linked with this are her other research interests including improving people’s understanding about medications, with a strong emphasis on health equity and Māori health.
“I am thankful for the amazing collaborators I have worked with from within Otago and across Aotearoa that are passionate about health equity and vaccination coverage - I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.”
Kōrero by the Division of Health Sciences Communications Adviser, Kelsey Swart.