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The Faculty of Science & Technology UWI, Mona Newsletter
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Faculty of Science and Technology
Faculty
JANUARY 2019 VOLUME 8
focus
News from the Faculty
FST: The Place to Go for Science Happy New Year! It is an honour to be writing this note in the capacity of Dean. I use the opportunity to salute and pay tribute to Prof. Paul Reese for his leadership of the Faculty for the past four years. We are forever indebted and grateful for his stellar contribution to the development of FST. Coincidentally, in this issue of our newsletter (which we hope to produce three times for the year) we also pay tribute to another former Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Neville McMorris, who passed away this year. It is the stellar contributions of our former Deans that have laid the solid foundation on which we now build for the future. As we go forward, the management team (see page 12) is working hard to build on this foundation. We are working to make FST the place to go for science education, training, research, and solutions. We are implementing initiatives to ensure that from entry to graduation the FST experience produces Fulfilled, Satisfied and Transformed students. We are taking steps to increase our engagement with the public and private sectors, and we are solidifying our research strengths while simultaneously exploring new areas. As we go about this we are reaching out to all stakeholders to partner with us to help make our vision a reality.
Prof. Michael Taylor Dean, FST
IN THIS ISSUE u
FACULTY COMMITTEES
2
u
STAFF NEWS
3
u
REMEMBERING A FORMER DEAN
4
u
CONGRATULATIONS
5
u
FACULTY ACTIVITIES
7
u
FACULTY RESEARCH
10
u
FACULTY COMMITTEES
12
Please enjoy reading this edition of our Faculty newsletter. You will find that a lot is happening within the Faculty. Please do not hesitate to make contact with us to find out how you can get involved or if you just want to keep in touch. Together we can ensure that the Faculty of Science and Technology at Mona continues to play its role in the development of our country and our region. Warm greetings to all!
visit www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/latest-news for more FST news
FST in Numbers*
16,839,212 Grants
66
Publications
19
Events
2881
Undergraduate Enrolment
308
Graduate Enrolment
9
Upgrade Seminars
*Data extracted from the Dean's Overview of the Faculty 2017/2018
Faculty focus
visit www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/latest-news for more FST news
PAGE 2
STAFF NEWS New Additions
FST Town Hall Meeting
The FST welcomes the following staff members to the Faculty. We are pleased to have you with us!
On September 13, 2018 approximately 150 technical, service and academic staff members attended the Faculty’s first Town Hall meeting where they highly endorsed the vision for the way forward shared by Professor Michael Taylor (Dean) whose emphatic presentation left those in attendance, feeling energized and activated. Of note are five of the fifteen primary initiatives that were officially introduced: The UWI Public Science Series, the FST Common Research Facility, the Staff Engagement Plan (StEP), The Living Lab, and The FST Experience
Dean’s Office Ms. Stephanie Hazle, Visibility and Engagement Officer In addition to providing support to the Dean’s Office, Ms. Hazle will be liaising with Marketing and Communications Office and the departments to assist with the promotion and marketing of the Faculty’s programmes and events. She is also tasked with managing the Faculty’s website and social media platforms inter alia. ______________
Biotechnology Centre Dr. Wesley Gray, Research Assistant ______________ Chemistry Ms. Candia Pavy, Assistant Analyst _____________ Geography and Geology Dr. Shira Maezumi, Lecturer Mr. Alex Moulton, Lecturer _____________ Life Sciences Mr. Michael Davidson, Boatman Mr. Patrick Francis, Laboratory Attendant Mrs. Aldith Gallimore, Laboratory Attendant Dr. Denneko Luke, Lecturer Dr. Kimberly Stephenson, Lecturer Mrs. Karlene Williams, Administrative Officer _____________
____________
Monthly Meeting of FST Administrative Assistants Members of the Faculty’s Administrative Assistants (AA's) team attended their first monthly meeting at the Faculty of Science and Technology Office on Friday, September 21, 2018. The team of AA's were brought greetings and words of encouragement by Dean Taylor who highlighted their importance in ensuring an overall positive experience for students while emphasizing the value of collaborating internally on ideas and staff related affairs. The meetings are scheduled to take place on the third Thursday of every month at 2:00 pm.
Mathematics Dr. Diptiranjan Behera, Lecturer Ms. Britta Hay, Part-time Lecturer Mr. Damian Welsh, Special Instructor _____________ Physics Dr Phylicia Ricketts, Lecturer Mr. Mario Eunick, Tutor
Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
visit www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/latest-news for more FST news
PAGE 3
STAFF NEWS FST Celebrates Technical and Service Staff Taken from the tradition of one of our departments, the Faculty of Science and Technology launched its first official Technical and Service Staff Appreciation Day on Thursday, November 22, 2018 where staff members from the Mona campus and off-campus were recognized for their dedication to the faculty with a special award ceremony and entertainment in their honour. The initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Dean, Professor Mona Webber, forms part of the faculty's Staff Engagement Programme (StEP), and will be celebrated on every third Thursday of November annually, within the respective departments.
____________
Long Service Awardees At a glitzy dinner and awards ceremony held on Wednesday December 5, 2018, the University of the West Indies paid tribute to over 130 employees for 15, 21, 30 and 40 years of service. Among those awarded were eight from FST and two from the Science and Engineering Branch Library. The FST extends appreciation to all these dedicated workers and recognizes their sterling contribution. The FST also recognizes Valerie Hall-Buckle from the Bursary for her 40 years of service to the University.
15 Years Michael Coley, Chemistry Gunjan Mansingh, Computing Dunstan Newman, Science and Engineering Branch Library Mitzie Samuel, Chemistry Jermaine Williams, FST Dean’s Office ____________
21 Years Sophia Davis, Port Royal Marine Lab, Life Sciences Leonard Notice, Geography and Geology ____________
30 Years Mervin Brown-Housen, Science and Engineering Branch Library David Miller, Geography and Geology Carleen Watson, Chemistry ___________
Remembering a Former Dean Dr. Neville McMorris The FST notes the passing of our former Dean Dr. Michael Neville McMorris. Dr. McMorris joined the teaching staff of the then Faculty of Natural Sciences in 1961 as an Assistant Lecturer. He was promoted to Lecturer in 1963, then to Senior Lecturer in 1973. In 1975 he was appointed Head of the Department of Physics. He twice served as Head of Physics. Dr. McMorris was appointed Dean of the renamed Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences in 1993 and continued in that post up to his retirement in 2000. After retirement Dr. McMorris continued to give service to the Faculty up to 2003. He is remembered as an excellent and visionary leader. The Faculty salutes his contribution to the development of the University and the Faculty, and extends condolences to his family and friends Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
visit www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/latest-news for more FST news
PAGE 4
CONGRATULATIONS Dean’s Honour Roll/Letters of Commendation
FST Hails the Ascension of One of its Own The Faculty of Science and Technology salutes Professor Dale Webber, who was inducted on October 30, 2018 as the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Mona Campus. Professor Webber is a member of the FST alumni (both undergraduate and postgraduate), a former Head of Life Sciences and the Discovery Bay Marine Lab.
The Faculty congratulates the thirty-eight (38) students who have been placed on the Dean’s Honour Roll and another one hundred and sixteen (116) who have received Letters of Commendation for their outstanding academic performance during the 2017/2018 academic year. These students will be awarded at the Faculty’s upcoming Annual Awards Ceremony scheduled for March 2019. _____________
Scholarship Recipients The Faculty congratulates the following scholarship recipients: Ms. Candice Charlton (Postgraduate) who received the 2018 OAS/University of Technology Jamaica Scholarship on October 10, 2018 under the OAS/Government of Chile Scholarship Project for CARICOM Countries to participate in the University’s Hazard Mitigation & Disaster Management Course in Kingston, Jamaica from November 4 – 10, 2018.
Mr. Akeem Campbell, BSc. Actuarial Science student, who received the new Jamaica Flour Mills Foundation scholarship.
Mr. Anthony Bryan, finalizing student pursuing a major in Electronics, who is a recipient of the Desnoes and Geddes Foundation Scholarship.
____________
Gold Award for lifetime contribution to Caribbean Climate Science The Faculty congratulates Prof. Michael Taylor who was the recipient of the Gold Award for lifetime contribution to Caribbean Climate Science at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association 27th Conference and Exhibition on October 12, 2018. _____________
CSGM Receives Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence The Climate Studies Group Mona (CSGM) from the Department of Physics was the recipient of the 2017/2018 Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in International Collaboration: Globalisation Award for the Regional Science Initiative Project. The Award Ceremony was held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Mona’s Visitor’s Lodge, The UWI. The CSGM also participated in the Global to Local Caribbean Socio-Economic Climate Change (Adaption and Mitigation Scenarios) (GoLoCarse) Project that was awarded the Multi-campus Research Collaboration: One UWI Award. _____________
____________
Graduates with PhD Degrees The Faculty congratulates the following PhD graduates who were recognized at the UWI graduation ceremony on Friday, November 2, 2018: Frederick Boyd, Botany Machel Emanuel, Botany Carl Beckford, Computing Ricardo Anderson, Computing Chinazunwa Uwaoma, Computing Taneisha Edwards, Geology Kirk Morgan, Mathematics Phylicia Ricketts, Applied Physics _____________
FST Lecturers Among the Best The UWI/Guardian Life Premium Teaching Award for 2018 was awarded on Thursday November 8, 2018 to Dr. Aisha Spencer, a lecturer in Language and Literature Education. The runners up included Dr. Venkateswara Rao Penugonda from the Department of Physics, as well as Ms. Lisa Brown (Literatures in English) and Dr. Wayne Palmer (Deputy, Dean, FMS). Lecturers with teaching scores of 4.5 or higher (maximum of 5) were also recognized including many from FST. The Faculty celebrates all these stellar awardees.
____________ Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 5
CONGRATULATIONS New Fortress Energy Awards Students Scholarships Valued at $16 Million Among the 14 students awarded the New Fortress Energy (NFE) scholarships in November 2018, was Physics student of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakeem McNally. Propelled by the vision of Wes Edens, chairman and founder of NFE, the company is committed to supporting education and helping to develop the next generation of innovators in Jamaica in a bid to build a sustainable energy sector and competitive economy. We applaud these initiatives as we seek to provide opportunities for students in FST. ____________
FST Alumni Recognized at the Science, Technology and Innovation Awards 2018 The Faculty of Science and Technology congratulates all recipients of the Science, Technology and Innovation Awards 2018. The ceremony was hosted on Wednesday, November 21 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel as a collaboration between the National Commission on Science and Technology and the Scientific Research Council (SRC), which fall under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Office of the Prime Minister. Our faculty is proud to give special mention to all awardees, consisting largely of past and current students of the faculty, including the winner of the Youth category, Mr. Jordon Freeman and current members of staff, Dr. Lindon Falconer and Mr. Yekini WallenBryan. Dr. Falconer placed first in the category of Engineering and Manufacturing for his concept "The Falcon v4" which is a remote monitoring and control device for any number of applications including for example security systems and fire alarms and offers control ability (to turn on and off system) using GSM. Yekini Wallen-Bryan was nominated for the National Innovation Awards for his concept "WatchDawg" - a device to help farmers combat praedial larceny whilst also providing an affordable security alternative to the everyday consumer. We celebrate with these scientists! _____________
2018 Innovation Youth Award Jordon Freeman was awarded the 2018 Innovation Youth Award from the National Science and Innovation Award for the product “Healthy Sugar”, which is cane sugar that have been modified to have an increase in sweetness and a reduction in calories. This is a healthier sugar that also retain plant phytochemicals and phytonutrients. The sugar acts as a repellent to ants or other pests that are looking to satisfy their sweet addiction. This results in disease-carrying pests staying away from your sugar. Jordon is an MPhil student in Biotechnology at The UWI, Mona conducting research on Hair growth-promoting plants. He is an innovator who has won several awards for innovations or entrepreneurial ideas that seek to solve minor and major individual or societal problems through innovating unique, relevant and timely products or services.
Jordon Freeman, MPhil Biotechnology student, receiving the 2018 Innovation Youth Award for his reduced-calorie “Healthy Sugar”.
____________
70th Anniversary Graduate Magazine Building on a Legacy of Science The Faculty of Science and Technology has produced a 70th anniversary Graduate Magazine - Building on a Legacy of Science - which explores the evolution of the Faculty from its early days on Gibraltar Camp Road toits current location. Features include Faculty Deans and Professors, the Business of Science, Scientific Trailblazers and Looking to the Future. The magazine can soon be viewed on our website at https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fst. Check it out!
Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 6
CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Phylicia Ricketts Wins Prime Minister's Youth Award 2018 for Science Awarded with the Prime Minister's Youth Award for innovation in science and technology, Dr. Phylicia Ricketts joins a host of youth who were recognized for their achievements last Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the esteemed Prime Minister's Youth Awards ceremony. Dr. Ricketts recently completed her PhD in Applied Physics at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
2019 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar, Chevano Baker The Faculty of Science and Technology extends hearty congratulations to alumnus of the Department of Mathematics, Mr. Chevano Baker, on being named the 2019 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar.
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FST Student Wins Prime Minister’s Youth Award 2018 for the Environment Among the list of acclaimed Prime Minister's Youth Awardees from the Faculty of Science and Technology, is Eleanor Terrelonge who is a student in the Department of Geography and Geology and founder of the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council (JCCYC). Her passion for Climate Change and its effects led her to reach out to chairman of the Climate Change Advisory Board (CCAB) and Principal of the University of the West Indies, Professor Dale Webber; and now she liaises with the board through regular, quarterly meetings. The Faculty salutes this hard-working advocate and supports her efforts to make a difference in this area. _____________
Chevano holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science from the University of the West Indies (The UWI), as well as a Master of Science degree in Financial Economics from the University of Birmingham and is now set to attend the University of Oxford where he will pursue a PhD in Financial Economics. Chevano joins an esteemed list of graduates of the faculty who have been granted this accolade, including but not limited to individuals such as Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and Public Service of Jamaica. _____________
Our Newest Professor Rupika Delgoda The Faculty is happy to welcome its newest Professor. Dr. Rupika Delgoda was, during the just concluded semester, promoted to Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy. Professor Delgoda is the Director of the Natural Products Institute (NPI). She has, through innovative grant making, enhanced the research capacity of NPI, acquiring critical pieces of equipment and seeing to its physical expansion. Her research focuses on exploring the biological activity of Jamaica’s natural resources through bioprospecting (assessing the efficacy of medicinal plants) and investigating potential drug-medicinal plant interactions (assessing the safety of medicinal plants). She also serves as the Deputy Chair of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (Institute of Jamaica), and as a Board member of the Jamaica Conservation Partners
Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 7
FACULTY ACTIVITIES FST Graduate Orientation The Faculty hosted its annual Graduate Orientation for incoming graduates on August 31, 2018. The Guest Speaker, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, encouraged the incoming students to “apply themselves into their respective fields and accomplish great things, there is so much left to explore in the world of science”. The evening also included greetings from Professor Dale Webber, Principal, Mona campus, The UWI, Prof. Eldemire-Shearer, Director, Graduate Studies and Research, Guest Speaker, Dr. the Hon. Nigel and testimonials from current postgraduate Clarke, Minister of Finance and the students. Approximately thirty graduate Public Service student attended the function. _____________
Study Skills Workshop for Undergraduate Students The first in a series of study skills workshops for students was held on September 13, 2018 in Science Lecture Theatre 3. The presenter was Ms. Jheanell Morgan, the Programme Manager of the Academic Support Unit, Office of Student Services and Development at The UWI, Mona. Her presentation followed on from an earlier workshop held at the end of semester 2 2017/2018. The workshop was open to all students and had over 70 participants from all levels. _____________
Free Public Lecture Series Launch ‘Ready for the Big One: What You Should Know About Earthquakes and Jamaica’
Audience listening keenly to the Guest Speaker
Beach Clean-up Day 2018 On September 15, 2018, a team of 50 plus representatives of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) were mobilised to assist in beach clean-up activities led by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). The annual clean-up takes place along the Palisadoes strip in light of International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day - one of the world's largest events and volunteer efforts designed to preserve and protect our coastal bodies. The activity is an annual item on the faculty's Outreach Programme calendar of events which has had a promising show of support from students and staff over the years.
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The Faculty hosted its first public lecture in a series entitled "Science For Today" on September 27, 2018 under the theme ‘Ready for the Big One: What You Should Know About Earthquakes and Jamaica’. Speakers, Professor Simon Mitchell (Head, Department of Geography and Geology; and the Earthquake Unit) and Dr. Nicolas McMorris (Civil Engineer, The Faculty of Engineering, UWI Mona) respectively presented facts on Jamaica's likelihood of experiencing a (major) earthquake in the near future. The forum was planned on the heels of the recent earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
____________ Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 8
FACULTY ACTIVITIES The Huawei “Seeds For the Future 2018” Welcome Reception The Huawei: “Seeds For the Future 2018” Welcome Reception was held on Thursday October 4, 2018 at the Pegasus Hotel. Award recipients included students of the University of the West Indies, Mona and the University of Technology, Jamaica who were addressed by the Country Manager of Huwaei Jamaica, Mr. Allen Chen; Hon. Ruel B. Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information; and the Principal and Deputy President of the two respective institutions. In keeping with the programme’s message of ‘seeding opportunities through technology’, the awardees who will have the opportunity of cultural emersion and an internship at Huawei, in China for two weeks - were reminded to make every use of the moment ensuring that they return prepared to help their home country achieve competitive advantage. The award recipients are: Jachin Mullings, Jhamali Vassell, Jahmin Chambers, Kaycilee Wright and D’Angelo Campbell.
Meet a Nobel Laureate Prof. Klaus von Klitzing, Nobel Laureate, visited the Faculty on October 8, 2018. The activities that he participated in were:
Honours Society Awards Ceremony
A conversation with a Nobel Laureate moderated by the FST Guild representative, Mr. Vashawn Saxton
Joint Public Lecture (TheUWI/UTech) entitled “From my Nobel Prize to a New International System of Units”
Coffee and Cupcakes with Academic staff, attended by over 20 academics
The day’s activities were well supported by students and members of staff.
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Students Engage on Climate Resilience, Water and Wastewater
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Digicel 5K for Special Needs FST participated in the Digicel 5K for Special Needs on October 6, 2018. The FST Guild of Students coordinated the attendance of over twenty five (25) students from the Faculty. Transportation services to and from downtown Kingston were provided by Dr. Frederick Boyd from the Department of Life Sciences.
Students from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Engineering attended the 27th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in St James on October 10, 2018. The event was held under the theme: “Climate Resilience, Innovation and Partnership for Sustainable Water and Waste Development” and featured exhibits and presentations from Industry and stakeholders in the field of Climate Resilience, Water and Wastewater. Students were engaged in technical sessions that focused on various topics in applied research, case studies and lessons learnt in the climate sensitive sectors of Water and Wastewater. The exhibitions highlighted promising new technologies and ways in which the sectors can provide service in an efficient and affordable manner. Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 9
FACULTY ACTIVITIES Goldman Sachs Internship Opportunities The Goldman Sachs (GS) recruitment event was held Thursday, October 11, 2018. Over 30 students participated and approximately 15 attended the evening (invitation only) cocktail session. GS has indicated that the recruitment process is ongoing and they will provide updates. ____________
FST Paints the Faculty Pink In recognition of Breast Cancer awareness, the Faculty of Science and Technology commenced its annual week of activities on October 22, 2018 with the well supported "Pink Day" being commemorated on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Students and Academic Staff alike participated by wearing the colour pink all week and engaged in "painting the Faculty pink" by painting words and symbols of encouragement on the primary notice board as a show of support to anyone who has faced the disease directly or otherwise. To culminate the day's activities, persons gathered to form the sign of the ribbon while donning their pink apparel.
Science for Today: Free Public Lecture 2 In celebration of Fire Safety Awareness Week 2018, the second Public Lecture in the Science for Today Series was hosted by the Department of Physics and the Jamaica Fire Brigade, under the theme “A Burning Issue - Jamaica's Fire Building Code and You” on Thursday, October 25, 2018. The Keynote Speaker was Mrs. Julia Douett, Director of Standards at the Bureau of Standards, Jamaica. Featured panellists from the Jamaica Fire Brigade included: Mr. Julian Davis Buckle (Chief Fire Prevention Officer), Ms Winsome Grant (Research and Planning Officer), and Mr. Everton Dunkley (Plan Review and Enforcement Officer). The event was moderated by Dr. Tanya Kerr, Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Head of the Mona Fire Research Group. ____________
Mosquito Control Research USAID Zika AIRS Project (ZAP) hosted an open house event at the Mosquito Control Research Unit in the Department of Life Sciences on Friday, October 26, 2018. The aim was to introduce members of the University community and other stakeholders to the resources available in the facility, current research being conducted through the facility and to encourage faculty that are not yet involved to become engaged in ongoing research activities or utilize the facilities to support their current or new research activities. Attendees included the Honourable Minister of Health, Christopher Tufton, members of the UWI community, ZAP and USAID for a night of meeting and greeting. On this occasion ZAP’s new Entomology Manager was introduced, Dr. Sheena Francis from National Products Institute. ____________
FST Recognizes Graduates for 2018 The Graduation Ceremony for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from the Faculty of Science Technology was held on November 2, 2018. Over 300 undergraduates attended the ceremony and were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees. Graduates from MSc programmes, and those who pursued MPhil and PhD research degrees were also recognized. For the first time, The FST provided its graduates with an exit letter signed by the Dean and a keepsake to remember their sojourn through the Faculty. Overall, 460 degrees were awarded from the Faculty for the 2017/2018 academic year. The breakdown is as follows:
19
GRADUATE STUDENTS Distinction
2
Pass
17
441
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS First Class Honours
34
Pass
97
Second Class Honours (Lower Division)
168
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
142
GRAND TOTAL
460
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NCB Sponsored Pilot Project for a Digital Lab The Department of Computing headed by Dr. Gunjan Mansingh, led the implementation of a Digital Laboratory Pilot Project which was sponsored by NCB. Their commitment to the development of distinctive digital capabilities within various areas of the organization's infrastructure, has influenced the project which ran from February 19 to May 31, 2018 with an aim to train 15 final year computing students as interns for NCB. Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
visit www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/latest-news for more FST news
PAGE 10
FACULTY ACTIVITIES FST Hosts World Tsunami Awareness Day Outside Broadcast The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) partnered with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus’ Earthquake Unit in observation of WTAD2018 where an outside broadcast was hosted on November 5, 2018 in the Faculty of Science and Technology. The broadcast was carried by RJR94 FM’s Hotline and was hosted by Clive Mullings. There were interviews that featured a selection of disaster specialists from the local and regional disaster fraternity. ____________
FST Booth Refreshes at CB Group UWI 5K Run/Walk The CB Group UWI 5K, which was held on Sunday, November 11, is aimed at contributing towards the development of sports and the education of The UWI Mona students. The Faculty of Science and Technology lent its support to this initiative with a booth where fruits and other refreshments were provided for those participating. The impressive turnout of staff and student body members was also of note.
Department of Mathematics Hosts 6th Annual Career Fair On Friday, November 16, 2018 the Department of Mathematics hosted its 6th Annual Career Fair held in the Assembly Hall. This was aimed at improving our final year students' "Soft Skills" as they prepare for their transition into the working world. Participants found the process uplifting and rewarding as they received great insight from the 9 companies represented. The department wishes to extend a big thank you to their partners in this initiative: Victoria Mutual Building Society, Bank of Nova Scotia, Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited, Financial Services Commission, International Organization for Migration Kingston, Digicel Jamaica, Krys Global, Duggan Consulting Limited and Bank of Jamaica. A special thank you also to the Guest Speaker Dr. AnnMarie Williams, Service and Development Manager at Placement and Career Services, UWI Mona; as well as Dr. Winklet Gallimore, FST Associate Dean (Student Experience) representing the Dean, Professor Michael Taylor. _____________
Science for Today: Free Public Lecture 3 The 21st General Meeting and Conference of The Caribbean Academy Sciences (CAS), hosted by the Caribbean Academy Sciences, Jamaica (CASJ) and held in collaboration with The University of the West Indies, Mona, was held from November 27-30, 2018 as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of The UWI and the 30th anniversary of CAS. In association with the Faculty of Science and Technology, a free Public Lecture was hosted on Wednesday, November 28, at the Mona Visitors' Lodge. The lecture was the third in the Science for Today Series and the theme of the forum was "Achieving 1.5° C: Is There a Role for Geoengineering?". ____________
____________ Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 11
FACULTY RESEARCH Taught Masters programmes in FST
11th Faculty Conference
Advanced Electronics Systems Agricultural Entrepreneurship Biotechnology Computer Based Management Information Systems (Jointly with MSBM) Computer Science Enterprise Risk Management (Jointly with MSBM) Food and Agro Processing Technology Mathematics Medical Physics Natural Resource Management: Integrated Urban and Rural Environmental Management Natural Resource Management: Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystem Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health Renewable Energy Management Renewable Energy Technology ____________
The Faculty of Science and Technology hosted its 11th Conference between April 25 and 27, 2018 under the theme Science for Society: F.I.T. for Purpose. The symposium featured:
4 keynote speakers,
42 oral presentations, and
58 poster presentations
The meeting also attracted over 150 online registrants. The sessions were funded by 10 sponsors and 8 supporting UWI entities. A 19member Organizing Committing chaired by Drs. Daniel Fokum and Tannecia Stephenson and aided by a 10-member Secretariat and 27 other Departmental Volunteers organized the Conference activities. The Faculty acknowledges the tremendous work that went into the planning and execution of the event. ____________
Are you a Graduate? We want to hear from you! Are you a graduate of our Faculty whether Natural Sciences, Pure and Applied Sciences, or Science and Technology? We want to keep in touch with you. Please send an email to [email protected] with the subject 'Alumni'. Tell us your name (then and now), the year(s) you graduated and the programme(s) you pursued. Send us any contacts you may wish to add (optional). Watch our next issue for our alumni page. Example • Mary Brown (nee Johnson) • BSc 1984 (Major General Physics); MPhil 2003 (Physics); PhD 2007 (Electronics) • email: [email protected] • Tel: 855 1234567 ____________
Outstanding Student Researcher 2018 Mr. Jordon Freeman Jordon Freeman is a Master of Philosophy student in Biotechnology at the University of the West Indies, Mona conducting research on Hair growth promoting plants. He is an innovator that has won several awards for innovations or entrepreneurial ideas that seek to solve minor and major individual or societal problems through innovating unique, relevant and timely products or services. Jordon was awarded the 2018 Innovation Youth Award at the National Science and Innovation Awards for the product “Healthy Sugar”. Academic / Volunteerism Accomplishments • Certification of Commendation and Appreciation from the Honourable Patricia Dunwell,CD,JP (Custos of St. Andrew), 2018 • Kiwanis Club of Kingston Youth in Excellence for 1st Place Leadership, 2016 • The UWI Mona Science and Technology Dean’s Honor Roll, 2015/2016 • Head Boy and Cadet Sergeant Major (Excelsior High School 2004- 2011) • Awarded the Queen’s Commission Scroll – a formal document issued to appoint an Officer in
the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, by the Queen’s representative, The Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen. Innovation Accomplishments • 2018, National Science and Innovation Award, Youth Innovation Award • 1st Place in the Jamaica Stock Exchange Business Pitch Competition, 2016 • 1st Place Vincent Hosang UWI Venture Competition, 2015 Jordon enjoys • Volunteering to help others; • Mentoring young people • Entrepreneurial activities; • Chilling with friends • Researching information Jordon is available for contracting and consultations to help make your ideas into innovative products and services. Contact him at [email protected] or 876-394-6237. Faculty of Science and Technology | 2019
Faculty focus
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PAGE 12
FACULTY COMMITTEES 2018/2019 FST Academic Quality Assurance Committee (FAQAC) Prof. Mona Webber Deputy Dean & CHAIR
FST Representatives on UWI Boards Dr. Daniel Fokum Faculty’s Representative at Mona’s Academic Board meetings Mrs. Miriam Lindo Faculty’s representative at the Treasury Management meetings
Prof. Helen Asemota
Biotechnology Centre
Dr. Novelette Sadler-McKnight
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Daniel Fokum
Department of Computing
Dr. Randy Koon Koon
Department of Physics
Dr. David Miller
Prof. Mona Webber
Deputy Dean
Prof. Paula Tennant
Department of Geography and Geology Department of Life Sciences
Prof. Marcia Roye
Dr. Sam McDaniel
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Eric Hyslop
FST Management Committee Members Prof. Michael Taylor Dean & CHAIR
Prof. Helen Asemota
Biotechnology Centre
Dr. Winklet Gallimore
Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies Associate Dean, Outreach and Development Associate Dean,Student Experience
Dr. Sylvia Mitchell
Biotechnology Centre
Prof. Helen Asemota
Director, Biotechnology Centre
Dr. Novelette Sadler-McKnight
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Howard Reid
Dr. Nickeisha Stephenson
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Thejani Delgoda
Director, Mona Institute of Applied Sciences Director, Natural Products Institute
Dr. Simon Ewedafe
Department of Computing
Dr. Gunjan Mansingh
Head, Department of Computing
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith
Dr. Roy Porter
Head, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Sam McDaniel
Department of Geography and Geology Department of Mathematics
Prof. Simon Mitchell
Dr. Masao Ashtine
Department of Physics
Dr. Tannecia Stephenson
Head, Department of Geography and Geology Head, Department of Physics
Dr. David Picking
Natural Products Institute
Dr. Dwight Robinson
Head, Department of Life Sciences
Dr. Nagarani Ponakala
Head, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Sasekea Harris
Mrs. Elecia Myers
Head, Science and Engineering Branch Library MITS/FST Information Technology Officer FST Resource Mobilization Coordinator
Ms. Stephanie Hazle
Visibility and Engagement Officer
Mrs. Terry-Ann Collins-Fray
Administrative Secretary (Acting)
Prof. Mona Webber
FST Ethics Committee Deputy Dean - CHAIR
FST MSc Science Education Committee Prof. Marcia Roye Biotechnology Centre CHAIR Dr. Sophia Bryan Department of Basic Medical Sciences Dr. Sylvia Mitchell Biotechnology Centre Dr. Andrea Goldson-Barnaby
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Simon Ewedafe
Department of Computing
Dr. Frederick Boyd
Department of Life Sciences
Dr. Dwight Robinson
Department of Life Sciences
Dr. Aldrin Sweeney
School of Education
Dr. Sherene James-Williamson
Mr. Christopher Muir
Prof. Daniel Coore
FST Entrepreneurial Committee Department of Computing- CHAIR
Prof. Rupika Delgoda
Natural Products Institute
FST Research Computing Committee Dr. Gunjan Mansingh Department of Computing CHAIR Dr. Benjamin Branch Main Library
Prof. Helen Asemota
Biotechnology Centre
Dr. Howard Reid
Mona Institute of Applied Sciences
Mr. St. Elmo Whyte
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Kevin Miller
Department of Computing
Mr. Jordon Freeman
Dr. Maurice McNaughton
Mona School of Business Management Department of Computing
Mrs. Elecia Myers
Graduate student – student representative FST Resource Mobilization Coordinator
Mr. Ricardo Anderson Mr. Christopher Muir Mr. Jayaka Campbell
MITS/FST Information Technology Officer Department of Physics
Contact us: Tel: (876) 977-1785 (876) 935-8401 / 935-8962 On-campus extns: 2401 or 2962 [email protected] www.mona.uwi.edu/fst ____________