EDUCATION
University of Hawaii, Manoa (2016-)
PhD in Political Science (International Relations)
Dissertation Topic: Exploring the Tivaevae Framework of Intersectionality in Understanding the Contributions of Maori Cook Island Women in Sustainable Development and Political Participation.
Anticipated Date of Degree Completion - 2026
Committee Chair: Dr. Katharina Heyer
Committee Members: Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaopua, Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, Dr. Jonathan Goldberg-Hiller, and Dr. Tevita O. Kaili
University of Hawaii, Manoa (2013-2015)
Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution (Grad Cert.)
Completed Advanced Negotiation Skills Test (Administered by Dr. Adler)
Final Project Topic: Women in Conflict Resolution in the Pacific.
Supervisor/Chair: Dr. Bruce Barnes
University of Hawaii Manoa (2001-2003)
Master of Arts, Political Science (MA)
Plan B Non-Thesis Topic: A Chance for Democracy? Customary Law vs. Constitutional Law in Samoa.
Committee Chair/Advisor: Dr. Noenoe K. Silva
Committee Members: Dr. Sankaran Krishna, Dr. Terence Wesley-Smith, Dr. Neal Milner
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (1996-2000)
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (BA)
Minor in Communications
AREAS OF INTERESTS/SPECIALIZATIONS
United Nations and the International Community, Strategic and Security Studies, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Oceanic Governments and Politics, Pacific Regionalism, Foreign Policy, Futures Studies, International Law and Conflict, Dispute/Conflict Resolution, Governance, Pacific Island Studies, Diplomacy, Indigenous Politics, Coups and Conflict in the Pacific, Women in Peacebuilding, Policy Analysis.
PUBLICATION
AKANOA, CHRISTINA. "PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND BOUGAINVILLE CONFLICT: WOMEN IN PEACE AND RECONCILIATION” JOURNAL FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE, 2014.
Teaching Experience
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 08/03- present
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Teach and create syllabi for courses:
POSC 101 Introduction to Political Science
POSC 110 Introduction to American Government
POSC 150 Comparative Politics and Government
POSC 230 Fundamentals of Governance
POSC 320 Policy Analysis
POSC 332 Public Personnel Management
POSC 386 Regionalism and Diplomacy in the Pacific
POSC 322 Oceanic Governments and Politics
POSC 384 UN and the International Community
POSC 480 Political Futures Studies
PAIS 105 Introduction to Pacific Island Studies
IPB 390R Conflict Resolution in the Pacific
POSC 498R Political Internship
Organize and facilitate the Model UN mock competition every Fall semester.
Coordinate and organize the UNPFII field study trip and accompanying the student group to the UN Headquarters, NY to attend the conference.
Faculty Advisor of Maka’ala Human Rights Organization.
Assist the department and university with academic projects and programs.
Internship Coordinator of Political Science
Facilitate and coordinate internships for students.
Established a vast network of experience providers for the university and the department.
Assist in coordinating and facilitating the BYUH Career Connect program and Career
Services.
Assist with career building and goals for students.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
M.A.C.H ONE (NGO), 05/05- 12/06
Consultant
Researcher and Project Coordinator for an education grant awarded by the US Department of Education to propose methodologies created in institutional boxes that would better facilitate the population of Pacific Island students at Hau’ula Elementary school.
Polynesian Cultural Center, 04/02- 05/03
Promotional Team
Ambassador for the Polynesian Cultural Center in cultural performances that travel to various parts of the world.
Alawai Elementary School, 09/00- 06/01
Part- Time Teacher
Tutored students in their reading and comprehension skills
Taught Reading/Comprehension from levels K through 4th
Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Spring 2000
Legislative Aide/Intern
Performed a combination of tasks to support staff in efforts to provide constituent service and conduct legislative business; composed and wrote press releases; interacted cooperatively to complete assigned duties and objectives; opened, sorted and coded constituent mail; answered phones and referred callers to appropriate party.
American Samoa Economic Advisory Commission, 8/99-4/00
Staff Assistant/Intern
Researched, prepared and edited drafts, revised and finalized reports concerning American Samoan issues.
Interpreter for both the Samoan community and Commission in Samoan and English.
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 6/98-4/00
Resident Advisor
Supervised and supported student residents in ensuring policies and regulations are enforced and followed.
Polynesian Cultural Center, 6/96-8/99
Cultural Performer
Demonstrated knowledge of the arts and crafts and expertise in performing cultural dances of Polynesia.
COMMUNITY/ VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 08/12-current
Maka’ala Human Rights Organization Faculty Advisor/Coordinator
Partnership with the Hawaii Institute of Human Rights in completion of projects and support groups for Human Rights issues.
Coordinate awareness booths, service projects, and charity drive to allow students to do grassroots work.
Attend seminars, conferences, and forums in promoting human rights issues.
Create opportunity for students to network with NGOs and other universities and to coordinate their own individual projects raising awareness and completing tasks on human rights issues as requested.
Network with key members of the United Nations General Assembly and delegation of island nations to provide opportunities for BYUH students.
Observer Member status with the United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
University of Hawaii Manoa, 08/12-05/16
Oceania Rise (Student group)
Organize events/programs in raising awareness in the Pacific on issues dealing with militarization, colonialism, education, and decolonization.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), 08/12-current
Pacific Caucus (NGO)
Create and coordinate educational projects that would empower Pacific Island and indigenous students to complete their degrees and provide resources in assisting with academic assignments.
Represent indigenous students of the Pacific to the UN Council/Permanent Forum of Indigenous People
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 08/11-05/15
Cook Islands Chapter Advisor
Faculty advisor for the students from the Cook Islands in providing academic support and social support and to facilitate club activities.
Choreograph cultural dances/performances for the BYUH Culture Night
Create costumes for performances
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 08/03-05/05
Samoan Chapter Advisor
Provide academic and social support to the Samoan students attending BYUH and advising them on club related issues specifically in finance and extra-curricular activities.
Teach Samoan cultural dances and songs during special occasions and whenever possible.
ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED:
BYUH Women in Academia
Working Group on Women for Peace and Security, New York
Matsunaga Institute for Peace, UH Manoa
Maka’ala Human Rights Organization (Observer Member UNPFII)
Pacific Caucus- United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
Church College of Samoa Alumni Committee Member
CERTIFICATIONS
CPR Certified
Fitness Instructor of Hot Hula
Conflict and Dispute Resolution
GRANTS/AWARDS
Dean’s List 1996
Dean’s List 2000
UH POSC Graduate Scholarship 2002-2003
PROJECTS/CONFERENCES
GSO Scholarship UH Manoa- 2013
Oceania Rise Conference UH Manoa- 2013
Oceania Rise Conference UH Manoa- 2015
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues- 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023
Educational Research Fellowship- 2022
Faculty Citizenship Award- 2022
Proclaim Peace Conference- 2022
Conference on College Composition and Communications- 2023
KEY STRENGHTS
Speak 3 languages- English, Samoan, and basic NZ Maori.
MS Office, Access, Spreadsheet, Power point, Adobe programs, etc.
Multi task, Adaptability, Leadership, Teamwork, Skills set in negotiation and mediation, Work well under pressure, Networking, Writing and Research, Organization, Goal-oriented, and willingness to go the extra mile to complete tasks and assignments.
Extensive knowledge of the Pacific/Oceania.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Reading, exercise, singing, playing the piano, choreograph Polynesian dances, watching anything related to politics and international relations, spending time with my husband and family, and cleaning.
REFERENCES
(Available upon request)
CV Last Revised 06/12/2024
