Lawrence Brown was recently awarded a PhD in Physics (2022) from the Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI Mona). Lawrence’s thesis is entitled, “Investigating the use of Cosmic-Ray MuonFlux for meteorological and climatological purposes over Jamaica and the Caribbean”. He was supervised by Dr. John Charlery (The UWI Cave Hill) and Prof. Mitko Voutchkov (The UWI Mona). 

Under his portfolio as chief meteorologist (Meteorological Service of Jamaica), Lawrence’s fascination with research led him to the Physics Department, The UWI Mona Campus many years ago where he had discussions with Prof A. Anthony Chen regarding research to arrive at a better weather forecast. This discussion led to his involvement in the Dengue Project a year later where his task was to determine point rainfall using the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) which used futuristic climate scenarios for its projections. This subsequently resulted in an MPhil where the SDSM was used to investigate the impact of climate change on rainfall and by extension the streamflow in a major river in Jamaica - the Rio Cobre. His research was relevant as stream flows from the Rio Cobre are necessary for agriculture, tourism and domestic purposes. Under the guidance of Prof. Michael Taylor (Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology) this was completed in 2009.

Lawrence is a proud graduate of Trench Town Comprehensive High School where he believes his curiosity and determination to succeed was moulded as a youngster. His love for geography and mathematics was among the reasons that fed his decision to pursue and continue with a career in meteorology which he commenced immediately after high school. 

After completing his MPhil, Lawrence returned to the Department of Physics with a view to pursue his PhD in a similar field of study. However, as faith would have it, on the last day of registration, he met with Prof. Voutchkov who introduced him to the cosmic ray muon detector donated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Prof Voutchkov explained that someone was needed to gather and use data from the detector to investigate the possible links between cosmic ray muon flux and climate change since it was a topical issue. Lawrence took on the challenge and signed on not having any previous experience in this area. The decision taken after an initial review of the literature online was to ‘investigate the use of cosmic ray muon flux for meteorological and climatological purposes over Jamaica and the Caribbean’.

His investigation resulted in three (3) papers being written, two (2) of which were published in 2019. The research suggests an apparent general link between cosmic ray muon flux over the Caribbean and large-scale climate phenomena, an apparent link between sudden changes in stratospheric temperature at low latitude (Caribbean), Jamaica’s primary dry season rainfall and rainfall throughout the year.  The next step is to establish a regional Muon Diagnostic Working Group where cosmic ray muon data is routinely gathered and used for various purposes, especially for weather and climate prediction.

In addition to his fascination with research that brings new knowledge to the fore, Lawrence is God fearing but believes that religion is a function of one’s geography and culture; everyone should therefore be guided by these facts and exercise tolerance. He loves music and has great love for his family and loyal friends. Lawrence is also forever grateful to his mom who raised him against the odds. 

 Published: August 10, 2022