Rate My Professor Latika Samalia

Samalia's research interests centre on anatomy education equity, particularly for Pasifika students, exploring ethnic differences in academic stress, learning preferences, confidence, assessment preferences, visual attention to anatomical images, and the sustained impact of high school background on performance compared to New Zealand European students. She is a member of the Anatomical Sciences Education Research Team (ASERT), contributing to reproductive biology research. Key publications include 'Ethnic differences in academic stress and learning preferences in anatomy between Pasifika and Pākehā students' (AlterNative, 2026, with R.R. Prasad and E. Wibowo), 'The lived experience of Pasifika anatomy students living in Ōtepoti and studying at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka' (MAI Journal, 2025, with I.F. Fakapulia and E. Wibowo), 'The sustained association between high school background and academic performance of Pasifika and New Zealand European Anatomy students' (New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 2025, with S.F. Uhi and E. Wibowo), 'Differences in academic confidence, assessment preferences, and perception of anatomy learning' (New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 2025, with W.S. Time et al.), and 'Comparison of visual attention to anatomical images' (Medical Science Educator, 2025, with I.F. Fakapulia et al.). In 2021, she received the Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, alongside awards for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching and Excellence in Supporting Pacific Learners. She serves on committees including CARG, TMC, Body Team, Otago Pacific Academic Caucus, Pacific Island support in Otago Medical School, PIRSSU, PASC, and OSMS Pacific Strategic Framework Group, enhancing support for Pacific health professional education.