News Releases

Professor Judith Gobin Presents Deep-Sea Tubeworm to UWI Zoology Museum

For Release Upon Receipt - July 26, 2024

St. Augustine


Dr. Brian N. Cockburn, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus is accompanied by Mr. Rajindra Mahabir, Technician responsible for the UWI Zoology Museum as he receives the "Lamellibrachia judigobini” from Professor Judith Gobin, Head of the Department of Life Sciences

 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. July 26, 2024 – “I have brought the Lamellibrachia judigobini type specimen from the Natural History Museum in London back to Trinidad and Tobago where it belongs. It will reside here forever at The UWI Zoology Museum where we expect to have many researchers visiting,” said Professor Judith Gobin, Head of the Department of Life Sciences and Professor of Marine Biology at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine. She was speaking at the official handover of the type specimen of the newly discovered deep-sea tubeworm, Lamellibrachia judigobini, to the UWI Zoology Museum based at The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

This tubeworm, named in her honour, highlights her significant contributions to marine science. In March 2023, an international team of scientists led by Dr. Magdalena Georgieva from the Natural History Museum in London recognized Prof. Gobin's work by naming the species after her. It was the first time, a deep-sea species was named after a marine scientist from Trinidad and Tobago. 

“I am extremely proud and humbled to present this scientific legacy to the UWI Zoology Museum at the St. Augustine Campus, UWI,” said Professor Gobin.

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Brian Cockburn proudly received the tubeworm on behalf of the campus and congratulated Professor Gobin who is retiring after 25 years of service to The UWI. He emphasised the significance of housing the type specimen of Lamellibrachia judigobini at The UWI Zoology Museum. A type specimen is a physical example of an organism used to formally describe a new species. It serves as the reference point for the species' identity and characteristics, ensuring consistency in class. Persons interested in viewing the specimen can contact Mr. Rajindra Mahabir at the UWI Zoology Museum, Department of Life Sciences  rajindra.mahabir@sta.uwi.edu

Please click here to view highlights from the handover ceremony

 

[L-R]: Dr. Brian N. Cockburn, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus stands alongside Professor Judith Gobin, Head of the Department of Life Sciences at the unveiling of the "Lamellibrachia judigobini” (Deep Sea Worm) at the UWI Zoology Museum, Department of Life Sciences.

 

 

[L-R]: Mr. Rajindra Mahabir, Technician responsible for the UWI Zoology, Dr. Brian N. Cockburn, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, Professor Judith Gobin, Head of Department, Department of Life Sciences and Mrs. Paulette Belfonte-Paul, Administrative Assistant, Department of Life Sciences celebrate the momentous handover of the "Lamellibrachia judigobini" deep-sea worm specimen.

 

  

Professor Judith Gobin, Head of the Department of Life Sciences and Professor of Marine Biology proudly displays the "Lamellibrachia judigobini" at its unveiling ceremony at the UWI Zoology Museum, Department of Life Sciences.

 

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