UTech Jamaica’s Research, Technology & Innovation Day Returns with Cutting-edge Showcase - 2025

The University of Technology, Jamaica hosted its highly anticipated Research Technology and Innovation Day (RTID) on April 10, 2025, at its Papine campus after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, organized by the School of Graduate Studies Research and Entrepreneurship was held under the theme “Innovate. Create. Transform.” RTID 2025 featured a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge research and innovations across STEM and other disciplines, presented by both staff and students from UTech Jamaica’s eight academic units.

The all-day exhibitions and speaker’s forum presentations highlighted the university's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality learning opportunities, advancing research, and offering impactful solutions to government, industry, and communities throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, emphasized the significance of reviving Research, Technology and Innovation Day as a cornerstone of the institution’s ongoing RESET transformational strategy. RESET is the university’s framework to become more Research-intensive, Expand access, prioritize Student-centered learning, foster Entrepreneurship, and be Technology focused.

As part of reshaping the university’s research agenda, Dr. Brown shared that UTech, Jamaica is committed to building a strong culture of applied research.  “UTech, Jamaica is not only here to provide Jamaica’s workforce, we are here to solve national problems and we will only achieve this by increasing our research output,” he shared.

Dr. Brown also pointed to the need for innovative strategies to keep Jamaica’s youth engaged locally and involved in national development through research.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s declaration of Jamaica as a STEM island, Dr. Brown noted that it “signaled to us that there is a vision for us to pivot”—moving beyond reliance on tourism and cultural exports, like reggae music, and towards “making a significant step towards being known for our brain power.”  Looking to the government, President Brown implored, “we have to look at our tertiary institutions and provide support,” underscoring the need to invest in intellectual and technological growth.

Dr. Brown reiterated the expanding role of academic institutions in nation-building to address complex issues facing society.  He affirmed that UTech, Jamaica, is committed to working alongside government, public sector and the private sector to deliver impactful, real-world solutions.

UTech, Jamaica’s RTID serves as a reflection of UTech Jamaica’s “strategic focus on addressing critical areas of national, regional, and global development,” said Dr. Timar Stephenson, Senior Education Officer, Policy Analysis & Research, Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information representing Minister, Senator Dr. The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon.

He further noted, “UTech has been at the forefront of advancements in STEM, reflecting the institution’s robust and impactful work,” reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to the advancement of STEM education in Jamaica.

“Looking ahead, the imperative is clear, to leverage today’s advancement as a foundation for future resilience. The challenges of the 21st century—from technological disruption to environmental crises—demand agile, inclusive, and forward-thinking responses . UTech, Jamaica’s role in this landscape is pivotal, not only as an institution of higher learning, but as a an architect of change. By nurturing a culture of curiosity, ethical responsibility and cross- sector collaboration, the institution ensures that its graduates and research outputs remain at the vanguard of progress,” he said.

Offering commendations to the faculty, researchers and students, Dr. Stephenson encouraged collaborations to turn “challenges into opportunities,” aiming to position Jamaica and the Caribbean as leaders in the global knowledge economy.

 

In providing an overview of the day, Dr. Paul Ivey, Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the vital role of universities in their commitment to “the pursuit of knowledge,” adding that “research sets them apart from other educational institutions.”

He noted that the purpose of Research Day is to showcase academic excellence, demonstrate the university’s capabilities and resources for impactful research and consultancies, highlight ongoing partnerships and collaborations with academia and industry, and foster new ones. Additionally, the event aims to promote the university’s undergraduate and graduate programmes. “We want prospective students to say, ‘Wow, mi wah guh a UTech, dem a do some exciting things,’” he said.

Deputy President and Provost (Acting), Professor Shermaine Barrett noted that the event “is more than just a showcase; it is a platform for fostering collaboration among academia, industry, government and other stakeholders.  It highlights the breadth of our research capabilities, strengthen existing partnerships and open doors to new opportunities for innovation driven growth.”  Professor Barrett also noted that through the array of dynamic exhibitions and thought-provoking presentations, the University is affirming its role as an institution dedicated to fostering technological advancement and social transformation.

The Honourable Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport congratulated the UTech, Jamaica team for continuing to “champion research and technological advancement, key drivers of Jamaica’s sustainable development and global competitiveness.”  Minister Vaz underscored that “the challenges of recent years forced us to rethink traditional ways of operating, but as can be seen time and time again, adversity breeds innovation and today we stand here witnessing the groundbreaking work being done by UTech talented researchers, faculty and indeed students.”

The Minister also emphasized that the nation is at a crucial juncture where science energy, telecommunications and transport are shaping the future. He indicated that research and innovation should not be viewed as mere academic exercises, but as “the building blocks of national progress” encompassing “renewable energy advancements to digital transformation and intelligent transport solutions.” He further acknowledged UTech for its critical role in driving change in the country while noting that “collaboration between academia, industry and government is always essential.  This event provides an incredible platform for us to share knowledge, foster partnerships and to ensure that research is not only cutting-edge, but also applicable to real-world challenges.”

While noting that the Government is committed to strengthening Jamaica’s research and innovation ecosystem by investing in STEM education, digital infrastructure, Minister Daryl Vaz  announced, “Recently, I renewed the oil and gas exploration for the company that has been doing it for the last seven years and in that previous agreement there was a fund of some $500,000 US dollars that was dedicated for STEM education, but on the back end, if we were successful in our exploration endeavours that money would be triggered” said Minister Vaz.  He added, “I successfully renegotiated as part of the arrangements that that $500,000 US dollars would be made available immediately and today, I am challenging UTech to send me proposals as to how best you think that part of those funds could be used to help STEM educations, scholarships and other areas in STEM…I’m giving you the first option to send in proposals as to how best you think that money can be utilized.”  The Minister also embarked on a tour of the various research booths and the university’s IMEK laboratory during the event.

 

Keynote Speaker, Professor Norman Munroe, a distinguished expert in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University (FIU) shared insights from his research journey with attendees. A Guyanese national, Professor Munroe noted that he began nurturing his passion for Science and Engineering in his teens as he grew cognizant of the development potential to be derived from the country’s natural resources.

“By the time I was a teenager, I had already decided that science and engineering were going to be my lifelong pursuits…Once I became aware of Guyana’s natural resources, I dedicated myself to acquiring the knowledge with which to exploit Guyana’s mineral resources” shared Professor Munroe. Addressing the students he stated, “Find your calling – something that you are truly passionate about, find that North Star that could generate that focused passion.”

Emphasizing the positive impact of mentorship and financial support in academia, Professor Munroe encouraged established researchers and professionals to “Mentor others” adding, “You may even mentor a family member as I did, that being my brother, Mr. Norman Munroe, former Chairman of Region 4 and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.” He recalled how both mentorships and financial support through various government initiatives shaped his future and catapulted him to become an accomplished researcher, educator and engineer.

As a young intern at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Munroe recounted being mentored by then Prime Minister, Mr. Sam Hinds. He was the recipient of a Government Transfer Scholarship to pursue a BSc in Chemistry and Physics at the University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania where he was privileged to have renowned scholar and historian, Dr. Rodney Walter as a mentor. Professor Munroe shared that he later received an Inter-University Scholarship from the UK Government to complete his M.Phil in Mineral Processing Engineering at Leeds University and a third scholarship to pursue studies in metallurgic engineering at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He also received the Campbell Fellowship at Columbia University, New York City where he completed his PhD in Chemical Metallurgy.

Having stuck to his passion which fueled research driven solutions, Professor Norman Munroe encouraged current researchers to, “choose a job that you love and you will never have to work again.” Detailing the trajectory of his research endeavors over the last decades, he noted that he along with several of his Columbia University colleagues, formed and incorporated one of his first companies – Mineral Access Technologies Inc to address the challenge of fine gold particles lost in the tailings of Alluvial gold mining in Guyana. He noted that the training and experience which he garnered as a supervisor for the Asbestos Task Force at the Department of Education in New York City, reignited his entrepreneurial passion, leading to the start of two additional environmental companies, “one of which is still in business addressing the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater due to leaking underground gasoline storage tanks.”  The Keynote Speaker also disclosed that this research-based business is largely responsible for his well-established career as an expert Mechanical and Materials Engineer at Florida International University.

Among his many contributions to FIU honing and maintaining its Carnegie R1: Doctoral University status, Professor Norman Munroe stated that he has undertaken several Department of Defense and Department of Energy security assignments.  These include the transfer of renewable energy technologies, faculty development in partnership with Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions as well as the sponsorship of workshops focused on development opportunities in deepwater oil and gas which he later recorded in a 2018 book chapter – Deepwater Exploration of Oil and Natural Gas – A Roadmap for Technical Assistance”.  A subsequent book chapter looking at environmental risks and mitigation in the Guyana-Suriname Basin followed in 2023. Commenting on his most recent research on environmental preservation and climate change, Professor Munroe shared that he is working on “alternatives to Li-ion batteries, concentrated solar power, CSP energy systems and green hydrogen production from biomass or natural gas.” He also shared that his soon-to-be commercialized patent, features a deployable device that can be installed on lobster and stone crab traps to facilitate trap recovery and prevent ghost fishing.

While sharing bits of his work and success, Professor Munroe also told aspiring researchers and other professionals at the event, “You must not be afraid to fail.”  He gave this advice as he recalled how he failed his first-year final exam in Thermodynaics having experienced a mental block during the exam. Though he described this as a turning point in his life, Munroe stated that he was undeterred as he viewed that moment of failure as an inevitable hurdle along his path to growth and change. To this end, he encouraged students, “hang in there during challenging times.”

 

 

The President’s Research Award is UTech, Jamaica’s most prestigious award in recognition of outstanding research accomplishments at the University. The purpose of the annual award is to stimulate research and scholarly activities by identifying and recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional ability through their scholarly activities, research publications, research income generation and grantsmanship, creative research activity and other research outputs. The award considers the applicant’s comprehensive research performance over the three-year period leading up to the application year.

The 2025 honouree, Dr. Christine Fray, Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences, has established a robust research portfolio centered on obesity, chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), sports nutrition, gender-based violence (GBV), and related aspects of health economics. Her scholarly output includes peer-reviewed articles, academic books, media presentations, and technical reports—all of which underscore her dedication to tackling significant health issues. Notable among her publications are co-authored works that explore the psychological effects of childhood abuse, the prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica, and the economic implications of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Fray's research also delves into the link between nutrition and health, particularly in relation to Jamaican athletes and the country's ongoing fight against NCDs.

Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Fray actively engages with the public through media appearances and educational projects. She has played a key role in developing awareness tools such as “Gabby,” a video game designed to educate about child sexual abuse and has led several research projects that shape public policy and health practices. Her impactful work has earned her widespread recognition, including a recent interview on the BBC World Service highlighting her studies on nutrition and obesity.