News Releases

Making Waves – UWI Marine Biologist Dr. Diva Amon wins Anthony N Sabga Science and Technology Award

For Release Upon Receipt - May 6, 2024

St. Augustine


 

Dr. Diva Amon, Research Fellow at the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI St. Augustine Campus

ST. AUGUSTINE, May 6, 2024 - The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus extends congratulations to Dr. Diva Amon, a Research Fellow at the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology who was recently honoured with the prestigious Anthony N Sabga Award, Caribbean Excellence, for her commitment to improving the conservation of Caribbean and global marine environments through marine science, policy, and communication.

At the Awards, the Regional Eminent Persons Panel selected Dr. Amon as the Joint Science and Technology Laureate. This achievement underscores Dr. Amon's contributions to the field of science and technology, alongside her dedication to advancing marine sciences.

“Diva Amon is truly deserving of this recognition of significant Caribbean achievement in marine science, and the Department of Life Sciences and we are honoured to have her join us as we continue to engage in, encourage, and support marine and deep-sea science in the Caribbean; which no doubt, is of great benefit to the region,” said Professor Judith Gobin, Head of the Department of Life Sciences.

A marine biologist from the Caribbean, Dr. Diva Amon specializes in studying the lesser-known ecosystems and creatures of the deep sea, while also examining the effects of human activities on them. Her work integrates science, policy, and communication, with a strong emphasis on advocating for conservation measures in the deep ocean and involving a wider range of international stakeholders in this crucial cause.

Dr. Amon's contributions extend beyond research, as she has participated in research expeditions globally and has been featured on prominent international platforms such as Disney+, National Geographic, BBC, and CNN International. Additionally, she leads SpeSeas, a group dedicated to marine science, education, and advocacy in Trinidad and Tobago, and serves as a scientific advisor to the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her accolades include the title of 2020 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and recognition as a Friend of Ocean Action by the World Economic Forum.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Amon remarked, “It is such an honour to be following in the footsteps of so many incredible Caribbean changemakers and be recognized in my own home country and region. I am so thankful to ANSA for creating one of the few awards that allows recognition of Caribbean individuals, including scientists, and hope this is a step towards marine science being seen more as an essential career path. Also, I am very grateful to the many people who have lifted me into this position, including dear colleagues and friends- like Professor Gobin and the SpeSeas team.”

The UWI extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Amon on this significant achievement in the field of marine science.

END 

 

Dr. Diva Amon, Research Fellow and Professor Judith Gobin, Head of Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI St. Augustine Campus

 About The University of the West Indies

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years.

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world.

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

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