The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West, Mona hosted The Official Project Showcase and Website Launch of the Project “Novel Composite Flours for Better Health and Nutrition” on April 30, 2024 at The University of the West, Regionals Headquarter. This groundbreaking research project is a collaborative effort between The University of the West Indies, Mona, Michigan State University (USA), and the University of Pretoria (South Africa), aiming to address nutrient deficiencies in at-risk populations globally through innovative nutrient-dense composite flours.

The research focuses on utilizing common and recognizable food crops such as dry beans, maize, cassava, and vitamin A bio-fortified sweet potato.

The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Velton Gooden, Executive Director, Bureau of Standards Jamaica. Remarks were given by Prof Michael Taylor, FST Dean and Professor Ian Boxill, representing the PJ Patterson Institute for AfricaCaribbean Advocacy. Greetings were extended by HOD, Dr Donna Minott Kates. Campus Registrar, Dr Donovan Stanberry was in attendance.

The showcase featured a tasting session where attendees sampled gluten-free bread, pudding, and porridge made from the composite flour developed through this research.

Funding for this project was provided by the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP).

Photo caption (L-R): Dr. Velton Gooden, Executive Director, Bureau of Standards Jamaica; The UWI Mona Researchers (Mr. Javaughn Anderson, Chemistry Department, Undergraduate Research Intern Faculty of Science and Technology, Ms. Kyra Taylor, Graduate Research Assistant, MSc (Food & Agro-Processing Technology) programme, Faculty of Science and Technology,Ms. Jacquel Johnson, Graduate Research Assistant, MSc (Food & Agro-Processing Technology) programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Noureddine Benkeblia, Professor of Crop Science, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Ian Thompson, PhD - Principal Investigator, Lecturer – Food Processing, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Patrice Peart, PhD – Collaborator, Lecturer – Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology., Ms. Labjein Smith, Chemistry Department, Undergraduate Research Intern, Faculty of Science and Technology) and Dr. Donna Minott Kates, Head, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology and Prof. Michael Taylor, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology.

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