Deepti Darshani Devi has graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy from the Fiji National University for her thesis titled Analysis of Kavalactone Content of Roots and Rhizomes of Fiji Kava.
Devi is also an assistant lecturer at FNU.
Speaking to fijivillage News, she says her PhD research aimed to assess the quality of kava cultivated in Fiji by analysing the roots of kava plants collected from various kava-growing regions across the country.
She says the samples were collected mainly from Ovalau, Bua, Saqani, Savusavu, Taveuni, Qamea, Kadavu, Rabi, and Rotuma.
Devi also highlighted that her goal was to measure the kavalactone content in kava products sold in local markets by analysing the six major kavalactones in bundles of kava roots and packages of ground kava.
She is encouraging students still in school to stay committed, saying hard work is the key to success, and with clear goals and dedication, anything is achievable.
