DOCTOR Hilda Waqa-Sakiti is an academic powerhouse and an inspiration for young women in the Pacific region.
With blood ties to Lomati, Cicia in Lau and maternal links to Lomanikoro, Rewa, she has carved a path of excellence in the field of science and research.
She is happily married to Viliame Sakiti and is a devoted mother to three sons. Dr Waqa-Sakiti has managed to balance family life with her professional ambitions.
Her passion for traveling, gardening and spending quality time with her family underscores the importance of a well-rounded life.
Dr Waqa-Sakiti’s fascination with medicine and science took root early in her childhood.
With a mother who was a medical sister, she often found herself immersed in the world of healthcare, spending afternoons at medical centres or at the CWM Hospital in Suva. Watching doctors in their white coats left a mark on her, fueling her initial ambition to pursue medicine.
However, life had other plans. Although she received a government scholarship to undertake studies in medicine, she made a bold decision to shift her study focus to a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry program at USP.
Although the decision initially disappointed her father, it ultimately led her to a fulfilling career in academia and research, proving that the road to success is often uncharted.
“I will never forget the day when we were called to the signing of our scholarship letters, when I asked the officer for a change of my study program,” Dr Waqa-Sakiti shared.
“Throughout the years, and with a lot of hard work and determination, it has led me to where I am today. I became a doctor but in the field of academia and research.”
A proud alumnus of USP, Dr Waqa-Sakiti climbed the academic ladder with determination and perseverance. From Foundation Science, she progressed to the degree program, completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Science and a Master of Science (Biology) before earning a PhD in Biology.
Her academic journey was marked by dedication, hard work and a thirst for knowledge.
Her doctoral research, supported by the UK’s Darwin Initiative, allowed her to work with global experts in the UK, USA and New Zealand, expanding her expertise in conservation and biodiversity.
Dr Waqa-Sakiti credits much of her success to her mentor, Professor Linton Winder, who guided her through her Master’s and PhD journeys. His unwavering belief in her potential and his mentorship in biostatistics enriched her research pursuits.
Encouraged by him and the late Professor William Aalbersberg, she pursued her PhD despite the challenges of managing a young family.
As a female Pacific scientist in a traditionally male-dominated field, Dr Waqa-Sakiti faced her fair share of challenges. Initially intimidated in male-dominated spaces, she learned to navigate these environments with confidence and resilience.
“Most times, I can be sitting in a meeting dominated by males,” she said.
“At first, this was quite intimidating for me as a young female Pacific scientist, but as the years went by and through my experiences, I’ve grown to appreciate this space and learnt how to maneuver myself in these spaces.”
Currently a project team leader and academic at USP’s Centre for Sustainable Futures, Dr Waqa-Sakiti specialises in conservation, biodiversity, environmental management and climate change adaptation.
She believes in making hard decisions while also creating spaces for growth and professional development.
“Leadership is always challenging, and we are not always there to please everyone.
“Sometimes, when hard decisions need to be made, you suddenly become the bad person in the room.
“I’ve taught myself to be able to make hard decisions when I need to whilst also appreciating everyone else’s role in the team and allowing spaces for growth and professional development.”
Dr Waqa-Sakiti firmly believes science is not just for men.
She encourages young women and girls to embrace challenges, trust the journey and break barriers in male-dominated fields.
