In a ground-breaking 2024 study titled “Water striders are impervious to raindrop collision forces and submerged by collapsing craters,” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Dr. Daren Watson, Assistant Professorat Polytechnic University revealed how small aquatic insects like water striders survive harsh rainfall conditions. The research demonstrated that water striders’ locomotive responses, low density, water repellency when briefly submerged, and ability to regain position above the water render them impervious to raindrop collisions. These findings have broader implications for understanding the submersion of floating particles, such as microplastics, in marine environments, potentially paving the way for advances in biomimetics and water pollution solutions.. The study attracted significant media attention, with coverage from BBC, Le Monde, Reuters, Yale Magazine, and FOX13, which featured the findings during newscasts on January 8–9, 2025.

Dr. Watson's academic journey began at the Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI Mona) in 2010, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) with a double major in Environmental Physics and Mathematics. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Physics Department’s Honour Society, maintained a position on the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Dean’s List, and received the Ambassador Sue Cobb Scholarship through the Office of Student Financing. He actively sought research opportunities, joining the Material Science Research Group and later the Alternative Energy Research Group, where he explored renewable energy systems. Notably, he contributed to a corporate project focused on reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient lighting solutions. Outside of academics, he participated in intramural competitions organized by the Guild of Students. He graduated with First-Class Honours in 2013 and was a nominee for valedictorian.

Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Watson pursued a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Physics at The UWI Mona, supported by a The UWI Postgraduate Scholarship. His research focused on developing cost-efficient tools for optimizing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. During his M.Phil. program, he served as an Adjunct Tutor in the Department of Physics, an Adjunct Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, and a Resident Advisor at Elsa Leo-Rhynie Hall. He successfully completed his M.Phil. in January 2016.

Encouraged by his mentors, Dr. Watson applied for and was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 2017, becoming one of five awardees that year. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Central Florida, transitioning from physics to mechanical engineering. There, he earned a Master of Science (MSc.) in 2019 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2020. His academic excellence was recognized with the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in Academics in December 2020.

In January 2021, Dr. Watson joined Florida Polytechnic University as an Assistant Professor, specializing in experimental Fluid Mechanics. His research focuses on water entry—the interaction of projectiles with liquid pools—and interfacial fluid-structure interactions of small insects. This work aims to understand survival mechanisms of semi-aquatic insects during rainfall and its broader applications in addressing challenges like microplastic pollution.

Dr. Watson in attributing his success to the education and mentorship he received at The UWI stated,  "The UWI’s continued rise on the world university rankings come as no surprise given the quality of instruction provided by the hardworking faculty coupled with the many opportunities for student engagement and development beyond the classroom. For my part, I am thankful to my lecturers from the departments of Physics and Mathematics for their investment in my education and will continue to represent the core values of this institution."

The UWI’s consistent rise in global university rankings showcases its dedication to producing world-class talent, a standard Dr. Watson exemplifies in his career and contributions to science.

Photo caption: Dr. Daren Watson, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, stands beside the rainfall simulator used in his research to determine how water-walking insects (water striders) survive torrential downpours. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), one of the world’s top multidisciplinary scientific journals.

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