The School of Sciences, Technology and Allied Health held its annual Science Week 2020 celebrations under the theme: Water and Climate Change: The Great Meltdown, Pollution, Flooding and Heat from 10th to 15 February, 2020. It was an activity packed week that began with the Chapel Launch on Monday 10th, Science Day on Thursday 13th, the first ever Science Week symposium on Friday 14th and it culminated with the Science Week Divine Service on Saturday 15th February at the USC University Church.
The Chapel Launch program saw an appeal to the USC community to carefully consider this important issue not only by the Dean Antwi but also by Dr. Hillary Bowman, President of USC as well as Dr. Wanda Chesney, Acting Provost. The key note speaker for the chapel session was Mr. Kenneth Kerr, a climatologist associated with the Meteorological Services of Trinidad and Tobago also reinforced this call. He spoke extensively about the effects of climate change currently being experienced by Trinidad and Tobago and the role and contribution that the public makes towards this issue. His informative and captivating presentation was well-received by the audience which comprised students, faculty and staff from various departments across the university.
On Thursday 13th February, the Science Complex became a bee-hive of activity with the visits from secondary schools students from across the country who were actively engaged in demonstrations and discussions at the various booths highlighting the theme and hosted by faculty and students of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemical & Physical Sciences, Family & Consumer Sciences, Computing & Mathematics, Nursing and Occupational Therapy. There were also other interactive booths that were put on by various environmental stakeholders including the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL), El Socorro Wildlife Conservation Centre and Altech Energy.
The Science Week Symposium held on Friday 14th February saw a joint collaboration of School of Sciences, Technology and Allied Health and the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). Mr. Wayne O. Williams of CWWA TT Chapter was in high praise for the opportunity to share about his organization and Dr. Quincy Edwards, an environmental researcher who joined the session using zoom was able to share with the young audience his findings with regard to the emergent pollutants such as caffeine in ground and surface water in Barbados. Mrs Anuradha Maharaj-Jagdip examined thoroughly the case of Trinidad and Tobago in water and climate change. After these experts had their say it was then time for young leaders to add their voice and a special panel discussion which included the USC Associated Student Body President, Mr. Jamel Providence, UTT Guild President, Mr. Berald Joefield and Ms. Arielle S. Ramsook, NAPS Girls student and Environmental Officer of the Sixth Formers’ Association Services and moderated by Chyienne Samuel of the GNOSTAI Science club.
The Divine Service Sabbath program was another major highlight of Science Week 2020. There were many creative, engaging and interactive presentations based on the theme: Earth Metamorphosis: Creation, Destruction, and Restoration. From Creation to Restoration segments the students and faculty of the various departments of the School of Sciences, Technology and Allied Health engaged the church audience in deep reflection. There were many references to the natural aspects of Earth’s creation and existence and emphasis of the spiritual journey of man. There were many outstanding musical items performed by the University Church Orchestra under the master directorship of Mr. Kerron Hislop, Chair of the Department of Music. Also, supporting the music ministry was HIS LUV. An engaging story entitled “The CDR Principle” was the Children’s feature that captivated the little ones among the audience. The seriousness of the theme and occasion was brought during the panel discussion which was moderated by Dr. Diadrey-Anne Sealey, an Associate Professor at USC. The panellists included Dr. Joan Latchman, UWI Seismologist, Dr. Jerome Joseph, Associate Professor at UTT and Mr. Peter Missole USC Ministerial student. Pastor Clive Dottin was the main speaker and expounded on the topic in his unique style and charisma whilst University Church Pastor, Terry John closed the afternoon with a solemn prayer for Restoration. Indeed it was a fitting end to Science Week 2020 and we look forward to 2020!
