WorldCUR 2019: Meet the student presenters

“Final year research is not an easy task. However, I worked hard and was successful. When I received the email about my research being selected, I was beatific and excited. Not only for myself but for the University of Guyana and Guyana as a whole. Our university and country are oftentimes paired with mediocrity, not only by foreigners but many times by ourselves. This is not to imply that we are without flaws but to acknowledge that as a people we also can offer exceptional work.

I would sincerely like to thank the Vice-Chancellor for establishing the Office of Undergraduate Research and the OUR’s staff members, who work hard to give students these opportunities. I would also like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Jewel Thomas, for her time, patience, understanding and guidance. This opportunity would not have been possible without the aforementioned persons.

This is my first time going to Germany, and I am eagerly anticipating my visit to present my research and explore the country as much as I possibly can.”

“Persons underestimate the value and importance of research, and before we started this project we were of the same view. When the project was finally completed, and we saw the impact it made on those were not aware of the issue, we had a feeling of pride and accomplishment. That feeling was multiplied when the WorldCUR accepted our entry, and now we have an opportunity to travel across the world to Germany to showcase what we did. Our advice to students is to find interesting research projects. Don’t ever recycle old projects. Every student can make a difference. All you need to do is start.

The University of Guyana and the Office for Undergraduate Research have given us a great opportunity. Thank you, Vice Chancellor. Thank you, Office for Undergraduate Research. Thank you to our lecturer, Ms. Pamela Rose. Germany awaits! You never know; you too could be in this position.”

“It is an honour to have research that has piqued the interest of individuals on the team of the WorldCUR 2019. I’m grateful and quite ecstatic about being given the opportunity to share my research with scholars from various countries of the world. Aside from the educational aspect of the entire event, I am certain that visiting Germany and being exposed to their culture will be a euphoric experience. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, the Directors of the Office for Undergraduate Research, and my research supervisor, Mr. Courtney Bullen, for making it all possible.”

“The aim of the World Congress for Undergraduate Research is to bring together the world’s best undergraduate research that addresses the major challenges the global community is facing today. Therefore, it is an honour and a privilege to represent the University of Guyana on a global stage. As such, I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; the Office for Undergraduate Research, especially Dr Troy Thomas and Ms Pamela Rose; the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences; and my supervisors, Ms Denise Simmons and Dr Temitope Oyedotun, for their extensive support in making this opportunity possible.

I hope the research presented at the conference stimulates debate and thought surrounding the importance of conserving our freshwater sources.”

“Sometimes you never know what is around the corner until you get there. But with hard work, dedication and a wonderful research team, the possibilities are endless. I was over the moon when I received my acceptance to present at the 2^nd World Congress on Undergraduate Research 2019 in Germany. My abstract was selected out of 6,000 submissions, which were examined by international reviewers.

Guyana is now one of five South American countries to participate in the event, with more than 117 international universities. I am looking forward to demonstrating the quality of research done at the University of Guyana and to network for possible collaboration with other universities for future medical research at the University of Guyana.

To my supervisors, Ms. Petal Surujpaul and Dr. Sayan Chakraborty, I am sincerely thankful for your counsel, direction, scientific explanations and all the assistance that you have selflessly rendered. To the Vice-Chancellor, whose initiative made this possible – through the establishment of the Office for Undergraduate Research; to the committee; and to Dr. Troy Thomas and Ms. Pamela Rose for working tirelessly through this process and for their dedication and hard work in promoting undergraduate research at the University of Guyana, thank you.”

“I am very elated to have been selected as a presenter at the second World Congress on Undergraduate Research. I am currently a graduate student at the Norfolk State University pursuing a Masters in Computer Science. My ultimate goal is to complete doctoral studies before returning to serve my country.

The opportunity to participate in this undergraduate research conference will further motivate me along my academic journey. Excellent research has been and will continue to be the hallmark of good universities. It is my desire that this opportunity presented to myself and others will serve as motivation for other students at the University of Guyana to conduct excellent research. Let us all strive to improve the standard of our university and by extension contribute to the development of our country.

The creation of the Office of Undergraduate Research is a step in the right direction. This office should have as one of its mandates to ensure that research being conducted across the campus at the undergraduate level is on par with other regional and international universities.

I am very grateful to my supervisor, Mr. Dave Sarran; Mr. Lenandlar Singh; and Dr. Troy Thomas, who have all contributed to making this research a success. I also extend gratitude to the Office for Undergraduate Research for seeking out opportunities for students to be able to present their research. Special recognition too to the current Vice-Chancellor, who was instrumental in setting up the Office of Undergraduate Research.”