News Releases

UWI Honours New Professors Emeriti Neela Badrie and Terence Seemungal

For Release Upon Receipt - May 22, 2024

St. Augustine


 

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago —May 22, 2024 — The University of the West Indies (The UWI) announces the conferment of Emerita and Emeritus Professor titles upon Professors Neela Badrie and Terence Seemungal, respectively, both eminent members of the St. Augustine Campus community in Trinidad and Tobago.

The titles of Emeritus Professor and Emerita Professor recognize retired professors for their outstanding contributions to academia and their impact on the University community. Beyond mere recognition, Emeritus status bestows upon these professors special privileges within the institution, symbolizing the deep respect for their scholarly endeavours. This designation is not merely ceremonial; it signifies a continuation of their legacy and influence, allowing former office-holders at The UWI to retain their titles and connections to the academic community. Such recognition is reserved for those faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant impacts during their tenure, ensuring their contributions resonate long after retirement.

 

Emerita Professor Neela Badrie

Emerita Professor Neela Badrie's illustrious career is marked by her exceptional dedication to education and research. Graduating with a Ph.D. in Food Science from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Badrie embarked on a journey of scholarly excellence that spanned decades.

Throughout her tenure, Professor Badrie held various academic positions, including lecturer, senior lecturer, and ultimately achieving the prestigious rank of professor in microbiology and food safety. Notably, in 2011, she made history as the first female professor at the then  Faculty of Agriculture and Science. Her academic pursuits extended beyond the realm of science, holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from London and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Staffordshire University, UK. She is a practicing attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago, specializing in family, civil, property law and  agri-food legislation.

Professor Badrie's contributions to academia are reflected in her extensive publication record, comprising chapters in books, refereed journal publications, presentations, and invited talks across several countries. Her leadership roles within the University, including Head of the Department of Food Production and Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, underscore her commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Professor Badrie has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rudranath Capildeo Gold Medal  for excellence in the field of applied science and technology. She is a Fulbright scholar and a recipient of several fellowships and awards, demonstrating her global impact in academia and research.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Professor Badrie's influence extends to various local, regional, and international organizations, where she champions causes related to food safety, environmental health, and women in science. Her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy for animal welfare further exemplify her multifaceted contributions to society.

 

Emeritus Professor Terence Seemungal

Emeritus Professor Terence Seemungal is renowned for his revolutionary research in the field of lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With a career spanning over two decades at The UWI, Professor Seemungal's contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of COPD, with a particular focus on exacerbation.

In 2023, Professor Seemungal retired as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which comprises five schools: Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Nursing. He completed his MBBS (Hons) degree at The UWI before pursuing a Ph.D. in London, focusing on COPD and COPD exacerbation caused by respiratory viruses. He also completed specialist training in internal and respiratory medicine.

Returning to Trinidad in 2003 as Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Professor Seemungal initiated the Postgraduate Training Programme in Internal Medicine in 2008 and later on the MSc in Palliative Care Medicine. In 2012, he was elected President of the newly founded Thoracic Society of Trinidad and Tobago. In April 2020, Professor Seemungal was appointed as a member of the UWI COVID-19 Task Force.

Throughout his professional career, Professor Seemungal's dedication to teaching and research has been steadfast: his personal motto has been “we teach and learn through service to our patients”. In 2017, he and his team completed the first national study of chronic lung disease, further solidifying his impact on respiratory health in Trinidad and Tobago.

The UWI extends congratulations to both distinguished professors on this well-deserved honour and expressed sincere gratitude for their extensive contributions to academia, research, and the University community.

 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 centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 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 Open Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 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 wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). In the latest World University Rankings 2022, released in September 2021, The UWI moved up an impressive 94 places from last year. In the current global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI stands among the top 1.5%.

 The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean, it is also in the top 20 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s 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 Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 For more, visit www.uwi.edu.

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