On May 29, 2026, a team from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), The University of the West Indies, Mona, participated in the Haile Selassie High School STEAM Science Fair at the invitation of FST alumna Ms. Kadesha Croney, Project Lead for the RISE Programme.

Representing FST were Dr. Susan Otuokon (FiWi Science Initiative), Dr. Andrea Goldson-Barnaby (Department of Chemistry), and Mr. Ricardo Anderson and Mr. Andre Cunningham (Department of Physics).

The team engaged students through interactive demonstrations and served as judges for the Science and Mental Health Solutions Competition. Student groups were challenged to identify mental health and science-related issues affecting their schools and communities, develop innovative solutions, create prototypes, and present their projects before a panel of judges.

Students and teachers were also introduced to the FiWi Science website and explored the contributions of Jamaican scientists to science and technology. Highlights included chemistry demonstrations using natural cabbage dye indicators and a physics exhibit showing how energy generated from riding a bicycle can be converted into electricity to power light bulbs.

We commend the students for their creativity, innovation, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Special thanks to Principal Mrs. Anniona Jones and the Haile Selassie High School community for their warm welcome and dedication to advancing STEAM education.