UWI notebook

Student wins research prize in USA

Charah Watson, a doctoral student at UWI, Mona, won second prize in the PhD students' research presentations competition at the annual meeting of the Florida Entomological Society at Jupiter Beach, Florida, July 25-28.

She presented her research investigations on novel pest control measures that have been developed at UWI against two alien invasive species of butterflies that were not native, but alien to the island, and are pests of the citrus industry.

The first of these, the Citrus Swallowtail butterfly, was first observed in Jamaica in 1945. The second species, one with a reputation for being a very destructive pest, Papilio demoleus, also called the lemon, lime, citrus or chequered Swallowtail butterfly, was first observed in the Western Hemisphere in the Dominican Republic in 2004, and arrived in Jamaica in 2006.

Watson won second prize from a field of eight competitors in a competition which was judged by such criteria as: the importance of the subject matters addressed, methods developed, quality of conclusions, as well as poise, clear and logical answers to questions raised, among others.

Her research presentation described two new pest control methodologies that were developed against the spread of these two invasive butterfly pests and were recently filed for patents, 'Methods of Controlling the Breeding Behaviour of Butterflies' and 'Methods and Products for Reducing the Population Size of Papilio demoleus L. (Papilionidae)'.

She had been awarded a travel grant by the Research and Publication Committee of the UWI to travel to Florida.

Her research supervisor is Dr Trevor Yee of the Natural Products Institute, UWI, Mona.

Utech focus: UTech expands dental training programmes

The University of Technology, (UTech) and Marmicmon Integrated Marketing and Communications, a body corporate under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, signed an academic collaboration agreement on June 17, for the delivery of academic programmes in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene which will commence in the 2010/11 academic year through the University's College of Health Sciences.

Marmicmon owns an accredited dental hygiene curriculum and an accredited dental assisting curriculum developed by the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Regina, Canada, and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, Canada. All graduates of the programme are eligible to write Jamaican, Canadian and United States dental licensing exams and dental hygienist exams. Marmicmon will facilitate overseas employment opportunities for graduates of the programme.

In academic year 2009/2010, the College of Health Sciences established the School of Dental Sciences and introduced bachelor's programmes in dental hygiene and dental nursing/therapy. These programmes have been modified to meet international standards and accreditation and a dental assisting programme added to the offerings. The School of Dental Sciences will also commence the new five-year Doctor of Medical Dentistry programme at the beginning of the 2010/11 academic year. Graduates of the programme will acquire a full range of clinical experiences including treatment of patients who are medically compromised. It includes a comprehensive patient care approach to clinical education and prepares students for the demanding responsibilities of dental practice.

Students shine at JCDC festival of foods

A team of eight students from UTech's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Faculty of Business and Management impressed judges at the recently held Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Regional Festival of Foods, copping 17 medals - six gold, six silver and five bronze - for their innovative and creative use of indigenous Jamaican foods. A second-place award for 'Best Use of Tastee Cheese' was also received. Led by lecturer Simone Walker-Barrett, six first-year food service management degree students, one general catering and one baking technology student entered the event. Categories entered were Batters and Doughs, Desserts, Main Course and Sponsors' Products (Grace Earth Chef Veggie Mince and Tastee Cheese).

UCC report: UCC scholars join Canadian university

A total of nine current University College of the Caribbean (UCC) students are the recipients of the Canada CARICOM Leadership scholarship to study at two universities in Canada. The total value of the scholarship is Canadian $1,500 and will cover living expenses, meal, books, transportation and all other expenses associated with this opportunity.

The invitation to be considered for the UCC study abroad programme began with "Are you interested in cross-cultural experiences?" There was a further requirement that each student be an active member of a UCC club or social activity, as well as have good academic and social records. Taje Gabbedon, Akiea Clough, Natasia Nesbeth, and Shaneika Moncrieffe are the recipients who will be attending the University of Prince Edward Island (UPI) for one semester. Additionally, Curtleigh Barrant, Trisann Blackwood, Sedrecia Francis, Kim Ann Samuda, and Shannon Lynch will be studying at Lambton College for a full academic year.

The UCC has coordinated with both institutions to ensure that the students will have the full benefit of this opportunity and most of the credits will be transferable so as to provide academic continuity. The study period begins in September of the 2010-2011 academic year and the scholarships are being facilitated by the Canadian Bureau for International Education and the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in concert with the two institutions.

Interestingly, two of the named scholarship recipients, Akeia and Shanieka, are members of the UCC team that placed third in the recently held Jamaica Manufacturing Association/National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation Tertiary Entrepreneurship Challenge. The trio, which also included Stephanie Hunter, created, developed and marketed the 'Natural Kisses' lipgloss. This organic lipgloss is made from fruits and vegetables merged with essential oils to moisturise, protect and accentuate the lips. It is offered in three flavours: beetroot, carrot and otaheite apple - all locally produced.

The UCC team created a product that involves Jamaicans in the local production sector, specifically agriculture, as this creates greater control over the quality of the final product. As such, for their efforts and entrepreneurialism, the group received monetary awards of $60,000 for the continued development of the 'Natural Kisses' lipgloss, as well as NCB Foundation scholarships amounting to $60,000.

The UCC congratulates all the named students and wishes them continued success.