鈥淭he opportunity to do research that will have an impact on my mokopuna, on my iwi, for my people across Aotearoa鈥攖hat鈥檚 the reason I do everything I do.鈥
Lucy Jessep鈥檚 research focuses on the experiences of M膩ori wh膩nau with diabetes and aims to improve access to diabetes management technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. Her work is deeply grounded in kaupapa M膩ori research practices and a commitment to supporting her community through meaningful, lasting change.
Why UC? Staying Connected to Wh膩nau and Whenua
For Lucy, studying at the 麻豆传媒高清 (UC) was a deeply personal decision.
鈥淐anterbury, Waitaha is home. I whakapapa to Ng膩i T奴膩huriri and Ng膩i Tahu, so this University is within our takiw膩. It鈥檚 close to our marae, it鈥檚 where our people are, and it鈥檚 where the Ng膩i Tahu Research Centre is. It was about staying connected to where I鈥檓 from.鈥
Being at UC has allowed Lucy to remain grounded in her whakapapa while growing as a researcher within her own community.
A Research Journey Rooted in Identity and Growth
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a huge journey, but one filled with incredible people who鈥檝e given me the space to be who I am in the research and to work out what kind of researcher I want to be.鈥
Lucy has worked closely with mentors, scholars, and peers who have encouraged her to bring her values into her work. She鈥檚 used her time at UC to shape her identity as a researcher and contribute meaningfully to the communities she鈥檚 passionate about.
Scholarship Support: Space to Focus and Connect
Lucy鈥檚 scholarship has given her the time and freedom to fully dedicate herself to her research.
鈥淚t鈥檚 meant I don鈥檛 have to worry about working a job on top of study. It鈥檚 allowed me to be here, to work in the community, and to connect with the people and research groups I care about.鈥
Graduate School Support and Culturally Grounded Guidance
鈥淭he most important support has come from our Kai膩rahi M膩ori, Karira听. Having someone in the Graduate School who understands what it is to be a M膩ori researcher has been invaluable.鈥
Supervisory Relationships that Foster Independence and Connection
With a team of three supervisors, Lucy鈥檚 support system is strong, with her primary supervisor鈥听鈥攑laying a particularly vital role.
鈥淪he鈥檚 been by my side at every step鈥攈elping me think through ideas, attending conferences together, and providing me with the space to grow. Most importantly, she鈥檚 helped me connect with the people I need to do my rangahau effectively.鈥
Opportunities Beyond Expectations: Interdisciplinary Collaboration
One of the most surprising aspects of UC for Lucy has been the breadth of interdisciplinary opportunities.
鈥淚鈥檝e worked with mechanical engineering and bioengineering researchers on some massive projects. I really underestimated how many chances there would be to collaborate beyond my discipline鈥攊t鈥檚 helped me grow as a researcher and find where my expertise lies.鈥
Community-Centred Facilities and Spaces
Lucy values spaces like听Te Whare 膧konga o Te Akatoki听and Te Ako M膩rama, where M膩ori researchers can work together and support one another.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all doing kaupapa M膩ori research, and while we may come from different disciplines, these spaces let us connect and collaborate.鈥
艑tautahi Christchurch: A City of Growth and Regeneration
鈥溑宼autahi is a city of change. You get to see new things emerge all the time鈥攊t鈥檚 a really exciting place to be.鈥
With access to the natural beauty of the mountains, beaches, and native ecosystems, Lucy finds Christchurch to be both inspiring and grounding for research.
Advice to Future Research Students
鈥淐anterbury is a special place, filled with special people who are passionate about what they do. If there鈥檚 something you want to explore, UC will give you the space and support to do that.鈥
Why Research Matters: Impact for Wh膩nau and Future Generations
Lucy鈥檚 research is deeply personal鈥攎otivated by her whakapapa and her desire to contribute to positive health outcomes for M膩ori.
鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible to work on a project that will impact my mokopuna and my iwi. Research here is about creating real community impact鈥攂uilding m膩tauranga with and for our people.鈥
Discover how a research master鈥檚 or doctoral degree at the 麻豆传媒高清 can advance your future.
