The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, has announced the launch of the Daren Watson Bursary for Physics, a new award designed to support outstanding students in the discipline. Officially introduced this month, the bursary will provide two Physics undergraduates with $100,000 each for one academic year.

The award is open to Jamaican nationals entering Level II or III in Physics who demonstrate strong academic performance (GPA 3.60+), co-curricular involvement, and financial need.

The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Daren Watson, a distinguished FST alumnus whose academic and professional journey reflects both brilliance and resilience. Dr. Watson began his studies at Mona in 2010, earning a BSc in Environmental Physics and Mathematics (Double Major) with First Class Honours in 2013, before completing an MPhil in Physics where he developed open-source software to optimize hybrid renewable energy systems for Jamaica. His academic excellence earned him numerous faculty and university awards.

In 2017, Dr. Watson received the Fulbright Graduate Scholarship to pursue studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he later earned both his MSc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. His doctoral research centred on fluid mechanics and bioinspired systems. He now serves as an Assistant Professor at Florida Polytechnic University and was previously a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UCF’s Fluids and Structures Laboratory.

In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Watson was awarded the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in Academics in 2020. Yet, even as his career flourishes internationally, he remains committed to uplifting others.

Dr. Watson shared, “The opportunities I received at UWI laid the foundation for everything I have achieved. Giving back through this bursary is my way of ensuring that talented Jamaican students have the support they need to succeed. I want them to know that their dreams are valid, their hard work will pay off, and that one day, they too can create opportunities for others.”

The Faculty commended Dr. Watson for his generosity and vision, noting that the bursary will have a meaningful impact on Physics students with both academic potential and financial challenges.

Congratulations to Dr. Watson for not only excelling in his field but also for making a tangible investment in the next generation of physicists.

Photo caption: Dr. Daren Watson