University of Guyana / Greater Georgetown / Guyana / Tuesday, April 9, 2024

First Batch of UG’s Food Scientists to Transform Food Security for Guyana and the Region - Head of Chemistry Dept.

“We are inordinately proud of this pioneering batch of Food Scientists. They represent the culmination of years of planning with the vision of Guyana becoming a major food security player for the region by transforming the food manufacturing and food product development sectors.” These were the words of Dr Dawn Fox, Head of the University of Guyana’s Department of Chemistry, in an interview with UG’s Department of Events, Conference and Communication.

According to Dr Fox, this recent boost to our nation’s human resources capacity is happening at a time when we are set to benefit from affordable energy costs arising from the Oil & Gas sector. “We fully expect these graduates to not only impact the existing food manufacturing scene but also to expand the industry via entrepreneurship,” she said.

The Bachelor in Food Science programme was implemented in 2019 and designed as a multidisciplinary programme, integrating the study of agriculture, chemistry, biology, and business. The first two years of the undergraduate food science programme are intended to establish a solid background in math, chemistry, and physical and biological sciences, while the last two years emphasise the application of basic sciences and technology to the manufacturing, sensory evaluation, storage, distribution and safety of foods and food ingredients.

According to Dr. Fox, this achievement took a “village of supporters” including; the Department of Chemistry, particularly the Food Science team - Mr Gary Mendonca, Ms Samantha Joseph, Ms Sharlene Roberts, and Ms Kezia Bess. Special gratitude was expressed to Professor Emerita Verian Thomas of Florida A & M University for her exemplary leadership in creating and supporting the programme throughout, and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry as well as various public and private sector entities.

In an interview with DECC, some of the first batch of graduates spoke about their journey at UG and expressed how excited they were to now be in a better position to apply their newly acquired skills in the working environment. 

Ms Omadai Madray, a budding food chemist

Ms Omadai Madray said: “Throughout my time at the university, I have been fortunate to learn from brilliant educators, collaborate with passionate peers, and engage in hands-on experiences that have deepened my understanding of food science. This journey has not only been academically enriching but has also shaped my values and I am now ready to apply myself and further develop my career.”

Yonnique Wallace-Williams

Yonnique Wallace-Williams said: “In the journey towards my Bachelor's in Food Science at the University of Guyana, my passion for food safety and product development blossomed from my initial studies in Agro-Processing. I am very eager to contribute to the development of the sector.”

Jethro Warner

Despite being one of the few males amidst a predominantly female cohort in the Food Science Programme at that time, Jethro Warner embarked on a journey to obtain his Degree from the University of Guyana with determination. He said: “Coming from a family that made processing food a business, I was very confident in my ability to succeed in this course. At first, I felt like an outsider in my classes. I was the only male in a sea of female students. But as time passed, I realised that my gender did not define my capabilities or my passion for the subject. This degree will definitely help me to fast-track my career development.”

Marleysa Bishop

Marleysa Bishop said that despite earlier aspirations of becoming a doctor, she found herself drawn to the world of food science. A serendipitous scholarship opportunity reignited her academic pursuits, leading her back to the university. Today, she proudly embraces her role as a Food Scientist, ready to make a positive impact in her field. “I never thought that food science would be something that I am interested in, but today, being able to stand and proudly call myself a Food Scientist, and then diligently explain to others the benefits of food science, the complexities of the discipline and how much impact food science has on the world today.”

The University of Guyana in Brief

The University of Guyana, the national University of Guyana, now in its 60th year, was founded in October 1963, three years before Guyana became independent. “UG”, as it is fondly referred to, offers over 160 distinct programmes in over 60 disciplines, from certificates, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s Degrees to Ph.D.’s. These programmes are offered online, face-to-face or in blended formats. UG delivers through a Guyana-based system across eight campuses. This includes its 35-year-old community-based Institute for Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) and the second major campus at Tain in Berbice celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. The University of Guyana’s student population is over 11,000.

Through its eight (8) Faculties, including an accredited College of Medical Sciences, School for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation and the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences which is ranked # 5 globally. “UG” has provided education, training and research for over 60,000 alumni over its 60-year history with significant national and global impact. Other faculties include the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research, the Faculty of Education and Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The University is also home to ten (10) Research Institutes including the internationally important Centre for Biodiversity, the Institute for Food and Nutrition Security, the Institute for Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship, the Institute for Energy Diplomacy, the Green Institute, the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future, and the International Centre for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

The mission of the University of Guyana is to discover, generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of the highest standard for advancement of communities, the nation, and mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom, transparent accountability, pragmatic innovation, and universal respect.

UG’s forward-thinking Blueprint 2040 is currently setting the course for the University’s future design and institutional response to the changing needs of Guyana, the region and the world. UG is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary with a renewed focus on becoming the leading teaching and research University in Guyana. Visit UG at www.uog.edu.gy.