After 12 years of rigorous and demanding studies, Keresoma MJ Leaupepe has achieved a significant milestone by completing his PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Otago. 

This accomplishment comes after a journey marked by personal sacrifice and academic perseverance.

Keresoma, the second child of Reverend Keneti and Faaleleiga Leaupepetele’s five children, has expressed immense relief and gratitude as he concludes this challenging chapter. 

His journey began at Avele College, followed by the National University of Samoa Preparatory Year. 

With a New Zealand Aid scholarship, he moved from Samoa to Otago to pursue a career in health. 

During his studies, Keresoma discovered a profound interest in biomedical sciences, leading him to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with honours and a master’s degree, and eventually, a PhD.

The COVID-19 pandemic led Keresoma to complete his PhD from his home in Apia, Samoa. 

His research focused on gout, a condition disproportionately affecting Pacific Island communities. His thesis, titled "Exploring Gout in the Polynesian Populations: Genetic Associations and Curcumin Intervention," investigated the potential of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, to alleviate gout pain. 

This research holds particular relevance for Samoan communities, where gout is prevalent, and traditional remedies are widely used.

Keresoma’s study provided evidence that curcumin combined with black pepper extract to enhance absorption can effectively relieve gout pain without the severe kidney side effects associated with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. 

The results underscore the therapeutic potential of turmeric which has been used in Samoa for generations but lacked scientific validation.

Buoyed by his initial success, Keresoma plans to expand his research through a comprehensive clinical trial involving 300 patients, in partnership with the National University of Samoa (NUS). This study aims to further validate the efficacy of curcumin-based supplements and explore their potential in broader clinical applications.

Keresoma’s research also ignited a passion for genomics within the Pacific region. 

He aspires to investigate the genetic basis of health and disease, focusing on Polynesian-specific genetic variants that influence susceptibility to conditions like gout. 

His goal is to identify genetic markers that could lead to targeted treatments, enhancing the health outcomes for Pacific Island populations.

Reflecting on his journey, Keresoma recounted the sacrifices he made including time away from family and missing significant family milestones. 

Despite these challenges, he expressed deep gratitude to his support network, including his parents, siblings, wife, sons, and extended family. He also thanked the government of Samoa, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for their support, and the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) parish in Savaia and Tafagamanu Uta for their prayers.

As Keresoma embarks on his new role as a lecturer at the NUS School of Medicine in Apia, he is committed to advancing research in natural herbal medicines and genetic variants associated with gout. 

His comprehensive education and research experience will undoubtedly contribute to future collaborations and innovations in health research within the Pacific region.