EDUCATION
PhD University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Social Welfare 2020
MSW University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Social Work 2011
Advanced Standing: Cumulative GPA, 3.97
BSW BYU-Hawai’i, Social Work 2010
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Lai’e, Hawai’i 2017-Present
Associate Professor 2010-2015
Bobby Benson Drug and Rehabilitation CenterTherapist/Youth CounselorACADEMIC POSITIONS
Director of Field Education in Social Work 2021-Present
Faculty Advisor Social Work Club 2017-2020
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor, BYU–Hawaii 2017-Present
Designed and presented course materials for social work majors and minors
Visiting Faculty, BYU–Hawaii 2015-2016
Designed and presented course for social work majors, introduction to social work, Social Work with Individuals, Social Work with Communities, Social Work Policy Adjunct Faculty, BYU–Hawaii 2013-2014
Designed and presented course materials for a course designed for pursuing a career in Sociology and Social Work
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Committee Member, Peral Haven-Ho’ola Na Pua 2020-Present
Consult with other members on how to support non-profit organizations and facilitate methods to connect families with resources to address human trafficking in Hawai’i.
Conference Referee, BYU–Hawaii 2021
Evaluated in a timely manner abstracts and articles for presentation at the Tongan Research Association Conference
Lecturer, BYU–Hawaii 2013
Designed and presented lectures, evaluated papers, for freshman students
Guest Lecturer: UH Manoa at Hawai’i 2013
Presented on special topics regarding social work and mental health
Research Assistant, UH Manoa at Hawai’i 2012
Na Kamalei-Koolauloa Early Education Program Evaluation
Consultant; Bridge to Hope Hawai’i 2012
Evaluating Social Programs in Hawai’i
HONORS AND AWARDS
Sentaro & Laurel Kaneda Scholarship Award 2013
Awarded to University of Hawaii at Manoa students who show academic commitment at the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work.
Gertrude M.F. Moir and John T. Moir Scholarship Award 2012
Awarded to student that demonstrates community service, work experience, and have satisfactory scholastic achievement.
The Jensen Lampson Memorial Scholarship Award 2011
Awarded to full-time or part-time students in the PhD Program in Social Welfare doing research in the Hawai‘i/Pacific region.
PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES
Kaufusi, V. (2023). Culturally tailored health strategies: Grounded theory analysis of Tongan American dietary experiences. Global Journal of Health Science, 15(7), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v15n7p1.
Kaufusi, V. (2023). Developing a conceptual framework for understanding Tongan American dietary behaviors: Insights from grounded theory study informing public health strategies. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(5), 603-610.
https://doi.org/10.13189/ujph.2023.110508
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Kaufusi, V., & Kaufusi, M. (2021). Health disparities among Pacific islanders. 18th Tonga Research Association Conference, BYU Hawaii. https://napelacenter.byuh.edu/the-18th-tonga- research-association-conference.
Kaufusi, V., & Kaufusi, M. (Year not provided). Exploring Dietary Experiences among Tongan Americans: Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Diets. 11th International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society, Sorbonne Universite Paris, France (Hybrid Event). https://healthandsociety.com/2021-conference.
Kaufusi, V., & Kaufusi, M. (2022). Facilitators to Pacific Islander Health and Wellness. Twelfth
International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, South Africa.(Hybrid Event) https://healthandsociety.com/2022-conference.
Kaufusi, V. (2023). Perceived Facilitators to healthy dietary behaviors among Tongan Americans. Presentation at the World Obesity and Weight Management Conference, Boston, Massachusetts. (Hybrid Event). https://obesityworldconference.com/speakers/2023.
V. (2023). Culturally tailored health strategies: Grounded theory analysis of Tongan American dietary experiences. Paper to be presented at the International Conference on Obesity and Weight Management, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
https://www.obesity.scientexconference.com/brochure. (virtual)
CV Last Revised 6/24