Julia is of Samoan descent. Her parents are from the island of Upolu. Her father’s villages are Solosolo and Fasito’o’uta. Her mum’s villages are Moata’a and Fagaloa Samamea. Julia was born in Auckland, Papakura, and grew up in Sydney, Australia.
She returned to New Zealand in 2019 and has always had a keen interest in using technology to pioneer mental health innovation. Julia is passionate about using Pasifika concepts to underpin her research approach and hopes her research will allow her to enhance the wellbeing of her community.
Having studied biomedical science and bioengineering, she has had opportunities to work for MedTech and diagnostic companies. Julia is eager to continue her research and entrepreneurship endeavours while serving the community.