UWI graduates are everywhere – politics, business, the arts, and as public intellectuals. In the coming months, UWI TODAY will profile some of our high achieving alumni who have made or are making a positive impact on society.
When Dr Terry Mohammed, PhD, MBA, FRSC, was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) earlier this year, it wasn’t just a personal triumph - it was a historic moment. With this appointment, he joined the ranks of the most accomplished chemists globally, recognised not only for his technical achievements but also for shaping the direction of chemistry across academia and industry in the Caribbean.
Becoming a Fellow of the RSC is no ordinary accolade. It is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences. The process is rigorous, requiring nomination, extensive documentation, and review by peers.
“It’s really a recognition for a lifetime of service,” says Dr Mohammed, who received news of his appointment on May 17th—at 4 am no less. “You don’t just contribute. You must help guide the field forward.”
That idea of guiding forward feels central to his entire career.
Surprisingly, his love for chemistry didn’t ignite in secondary school.
“I didn’t do well in chemistry at A Levels,” he recalls candidly. “But when I entered UWI and met Professor Anderson Maxwell, everything changed.”
Maxwell didn’t teach chemistry in the traditional sense—he taught how to think like a chemist. “It wasn’t rote memorisation. It was about training the mind to see problems in three dimensions and to think critically. That shift transformed everything.”
That seed of a mindset—planted in UWI’s pre-science programme—took root and flourished. Dr Mohammed would go on to earn a PhD in Chemistry and, uniquely, an MBA with a specialisation in leadership from Heriot-Watt University. That rare combination of scientific knowledge and business insight became the backbone of his career.
Before returning to UWI in 2014 as a lecturer, Dr Mohammed spent over 15 years in the energy sector, most notably at Petrotrin, where he led innovations in quality assurance and technology. He played a key role in securing ISO17025 accreditation for the lab, propelling it to one of the most respected in the Western Hemisphere.
“In industry, the mindset I developed at UWI helped me stand out,” he explains. “I became the go-to problem solver not only because I could think differently, but because I was willing to.”
That experience also shaped how he teaches today. At the Department of Chemistry, he’s not just preparing students for exams. He’s preparing them for real-world challenges. His courses and approach are built in collaboration with industry, ensuring graduates are job-ready and globally competitive.
As Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Dr Mohammed brought a transformative energy to UWI.
“When I first joined, events like Science Day were small, internal affairs,” he says. “But I thought, ‘we can do more’.”
And they did. In 2018, he spearheaded the first-ever Science and Technology Week—a full-week event that welcomed thousands of visitors, national dignitaries, and industry leaders to the campus.
“We brought in keynote speakers from Microsoft, NGC, and others. Every day highlighted a different discipline. It showed that science wasn’t just a subject—it was part of society.”
That single event brought some of the largest numbers of visitors to the STA Campus.
Since then, other events like the FST’s Math Fair and SciFest have grown exponentially. He credits the success to what he calls “a mindset shift among colleagues” towards embracing innovation and outreach.
“Success is infectious,” he says with a smile. “Once people saw what was possible, they began to think big. The words ‘no’ and ‘impossible’ no longer exists in our vocabulary at FST.”
Dr Mohammed is an optimist at heart. “I always believe in the best of people. Everyone is capable of doing great things—they just need the opportunity.” His personal and professional life reflects that belief: providing students, staff, and partners the space to think differently and lead with purpose.
Dr Mohammed is known on campus for his firm but fair leadership. “I just believe in standing up for what’s right. I don’t back down, whether I’m dealing with discrimination, injustice, or institutional inertia.”
It’s a trait inherited, in part, from his father, a PTA president and natural leader who “took charge when things fell apart”. That generational legacy of integrity and accountability continues with his two sons—one an attorney, the other an economic analyst—easily what he would call his proudest achievements.
Dr Mohammed is an optimist at heart. “I always believe in the best of people. Everyone is capable of doing great things—they just need the opportunity.” His personal and professional life reflects that belief: providing students, staff, and partners the space to think differently and lead with purpose.
And when asked about the purpose of a PhD, his response is quietly powerful. “It’s not just about the title. It’s about mastering a way of thinking—a way that can change your life, your industry, and not just your world, but the world around you.”
