News Releases

UWI Chemist First and Only Caribbean Recipient of ACS Science Outreach Award

For Release Upon Receipt - September 21, 2026

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago – Monday 21 September 2026 — Ms. Danae Johnson, an M.Phil. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, has been recognised by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for her outstanding leadership in science outreach and public engagement.

Ms. Johnson is the first and only recipient from the Caribbean of the ACS Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program for Leadership in Science Outreach and Engagement, announced on Saturday, August 22, 2026. This year, 64 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world were recognised in the category. The programme recognises talented scholars in the chemical sciences who demonstrate leadership in areas including mentoring, inclusion and belonging, research safety, science outreach and engagement, and science advocacy.

The Leadership in Science Outreach and Engagement category recognises exceptional leadership in promoting chemistry through outreach and public engagement, including coordinating chemistry outreach events, visiting schools and participating in initiatives that raise public awareness of science.

Ms. Johnson was assessed across five areas: leadership and initiative; collaboration and partnership development; community and school engagement; effective and inclusive communication of chemical sciences; and integrity and professionalism. She scored highly across all five areas.

In recommending Ms. Johnson for the recognition, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Arvind Kumar, described her as an exceptional ambassador for the chemical sciences. “She has consistently distinguished herself as an exemplary ambassador for the chemical sciences and has played a significant role in expanding the reach, visibility, and impact of the Department’s outreach programmes,” Dr. Kumar said.

This commitment to outreach has often required Ms. Johnson to make significant personal sacrifices. Dr. Nigel Jalsa, Department Outreach Chair and Ms. Johnson’s research supervisor, highlighted her willingness to give her time and resources to support the Department’s outreach efforts.

“Most times, Ms. Johnson is the only volunteer. Many times, this has involved her incurring personal expenses and sacrificing time spent on her postgraduate research,” Dr. Jalsa said.

For Dr. Petrea Facey, Faculty Advisor for The UWI St. Augustine ACS Student Chapter, of which Ms. Johnson is a member, her nomination was an obvious choice. “Her leadership within the chapter’s activities has been stellar. On multiple occasions, she has stepped forward to lead outreach teams, taking full responsibility for coordinating activities and mentoring the undergraduate members of the Chapter,” Dr. Facey said.

Ms. Johnson’s recognition reflects the growing impact of chemistry outreach at The UWI St. Augustine Campus and highlights the contribution of Caribbean scholars to advancing public engagement with science.

Through her leadership, mentorship and sustained commitment to science outreach, Ms. Johnson has helped to bring chemistry beyond the laboratory and into schools and communities, inspiring greater awareness and appreciation of the chemical sciences

 

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About the American Chemical Society (ACS)

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is one of the world's largest scientific organizations and a global leader in advancing scientific knowledge. Founded in 1876, ACS' mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Guided by its vision of a world built on science, ACS brings together people, ideas, and resources to drive discovery and innovation, support the professional growth of scientists and students, and advance scientific discussion. Through its trusted publications, scientific meetings, community networks, education and career resources, and scientific information solutions, ACS helps scientists, educators, and students make a lasting impact on their communities and the world at large. Together, these efforts support ACS' commitment to improve all lives through the transforming power of chemistry.

 

About The University of the West Indies 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region. 

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts 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, along with international centres in partnership with universities across 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 leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world. 

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This recognition has also spring boarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development. 

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu. 

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