Amata Congratulates Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai on Yale Doctorate

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata congratulates Dr. Mata'uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai'ai, Ph.D., M.P.H., on earning her doctorate in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University. Her doctoral research focused on cardiometabolic health among adolescents in American Samoa.

"Congratulations to Dr. Mata'uitafā on this outstanding academic achievement and the dedication and perseverance that brought her to this milestone," said Congresswoman Amata. "It is especially meaningful to see a daughter of American Samoa applying her education and research to improving the health of our Samoan and Pacific communities. Her accomplishments encourage our young people to pursue their educational goals and use their talents in service to others."

Dr. Mata'uitafā is from Leone, Tutuila; Olosega, Manu'a; and Safune, Savai'i. She earned her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, completing her doctoral training in the Yale School of Public Health.

She is continuing her work in Pacific public health as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship Program through Yale University, in collaboration with the Samoa Ministry of Health Collaborative Research Center. Her fellowship focuses on using social network analysis to understand peer influences on adolescent health and inform culturally relevant interventions addressing noncommunicable disease risk among Samoan adolescents.

"Earning a doctorate from Yale is a testament to what is possible for a girl born and raised in American Samoa: to pursue her dreams and receive a world-class education while remaining deeply rooted in her family and community," said Dr. Mata'uitafā. "I hope my journey reflects the strength and resilience of Pasefika women, who often pursue our aspirations while caring for and uplifting our families."

"American Samoa is proud of Dr. Mata'uitafā and all that she has accomplished," continued Congresswoman Amata. "Her example demonstrates the importance of education, determination, and using our abilities in service to others. Fa'amalo and congratulations to Dr. Mata'uitafā and her family."

Caption: Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata with Dr. Mata'uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai'ai at Yale Commons in the Yale Schwarzman Center, celebrating Dr. Mata'uitafā's achievement in earning her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University.

Caption: Dr. Mata'uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai'ai at Yale University following the completion of her Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology. Her doctoral research focused on cardiometabolic health among adolescents in American Samoa. Photo credit: Abigail Lopez Freire