Science Communication in 2019
Leg 4 of eXXpedition’s Round the World Voyage (Antigua, Bonaire, Aruba)
In November 2019, I joined leg 4 of eXXpedition’s Round the World Voyage. The all-female crew sailed from Antigua to Bonaire and then on to Aruba. This was my first time conducting microplastics research on a sailing vessel in the incredibly beautiful Caribbean Sea. Key components of this trip included (i) examining the issue of waste management on land (Antigua/Aruba), (ii) sampling surface waters, sub-surface waters and sediments for microplastics, (iii) conducting an underwater cleanup in event in Bonaire and, (iv) conducting public education and awareness sessions in Bonaire and Aruba
World Science Day 2019
In commemoration of World Science Day 2019, the Faculty of Science and Technology convened a multidisciplinary Panel Discussion on the Climate Change and Small Island Developing States. My presentation advocated for ‘An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Climate Change Adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago’. Within this talk, I also emphasized the importance of simultaneously addressing non-climate stressors. At the core, effective responses to current environmental issues must be grounded in Open Science.
Tsunamis in Trinidad and Tobago
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) of Trinidad and Tobago hosted a National Tsunami Response Workshop in October 2019. Dr. Evangeline Inniss-Springer (Lead Facilitator) invited me to present the findings of our 2014/2015 research in coastal communities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Wild Tobago Interview
Dr. Anjani Ganase of the IMA interviewed me about the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and more so in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Trinidad and Tobago.
IMA’s Public Lecture
In September, I gave a Public Lecture as part of the Institute of Marine Affairs’ (IMA) ‘Beyond the Blue’ Environmental Exhibition 2019. In this talk, I used the DPSIR Framework to give an overview of the issue of plastic pollution in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to highlighting some of the local initiatives that are currently addressing the issue, some important issues were raised as well as a synopsis was provided on the way forward.
UWI Today Article & TTT’s Morning Show NOW Interview
There’s never a dull moment in the life of a scientist! In case you didn’t realize it, one of the key skills that a scientist ought to possess is that of communication. The media plays a crucial role in communicating both science and the stories of scientists to the general public. In August 2019, my story as a Caribbean Scientist was featured by one of my alma maters in UWI Today. Additionally, I also had the opportunity to be interviewed on TTT’s Morning Show NOW (see interview here).
Vistabella Presbyterian School’s 2019 Graduation
Twenty-two years ago, I delivered the valedictory address at Vistabella Presbyterian School. Fast forward to 2019, when I was asked to deliver the feature address at graduation. After reflecting on my journey, I chose to share 5 nuggets of advice that I hoped would have been useful to this cohort of SEA students as they embarked on a new chapter in their lives. I encouraged them to (i) Bloom where they were planted, (ii) Try it all (in relation to extra-curricular activities so that they may figure out what they’re good at, passionate about, etc), (iii) Run their own race, (iv) Be a change-maker, and (v) Remember that they are not alone.
ASJA Boys Marine Science Conference 2019
In June 2019, I along with three other Trinidadian Marine Scientists (Dr. Michelle Cazabon-Mannette, Dr. Anjani Ganase, Ms. Fadilah Ali) had a wonderful opportunity to speak to secondary school students at the ASJA Boys’ Marine Science Conference in San Fernando. This event was organized by the ASJA Boys Scuba Diving and Reef Conservation Club. This club is an incredible initiative that allows young people in south Trinidad the opportunity to learn to scuba dive and get a first-hand experience of our marine environment . Pictured here is Mrs. Sarsha Lall-Soobrattee (Biology Teacher and Patron Teacher of the Eco-Activists Club of Naparima Girls’ High School) with two of her students and myself.
UWI’s Faculty of Science and Technology Week: Science in Communities
In May of 2019, I had the opportunity to share some of my recent research on microplastics in the oceans with the local scientific community. In keeping with the theme, one of the things that I emphasized was the fact that scientific research often relies on multidisciplinary collaborations. Indeed, my own PhD research was achieved through collaboration between individuals from Ireland, UK, Sweden and Germany.
IMA Research Seminar
In March 2019, I was invited by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) to present my research findings to the local scientific community. Since returning to Trinidad, this was the first opportunity that I had to share my recently completed PhD research with the local scientific community.
Life in Science Talk & Departmental Seminar
In February of 2019, I gave a ‘Life in Science’ Talk at the Department of Life Sciences, UWI. These talks are not your traditional research seminars. Instead, they provide an opportunity to share your science journey with students and fellow colleagues. Preparing for this talk was a very reflective experience.
The very next month (March), I gave a more traditional research seminar at the Department of Life Sciences, UWI where I shared some of my findings about microplastics in the ocean.