Shavel Watson was recently awarded an MPhil degree in Geology from the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI Mona). Under the guidance of Professor Simon Mitchell, a renowned expert in Sedimentary Geology and professor in the Department of Geography and Geology, 'she researched Jamaica’s carbonates. Her thesis, titled ‘A Geotechnical Assessment of the White Limestone Group on the Clarendon Block, Jamaica, West Indies’, has significantly contributed to the understanding of the limestone found within Jamaica.

Shavel’s passion for the geosciences dates back to her formative years, which were further nurtured during her education at Montego Bay High School and Montego Bay Community College. At The UWI, she earned a B.Sc. in Geology (2016) and was awarded with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF-UWI) undergraduate scholarship (2014). Throughout her studies, she developed a keen interest in Jamaica’s limestone formations, given that the island is predominantly covered by 60-65% limestone. This curiosity inspired her desire to add to the body of knowledge by investigating the geotechnical characteristics of the various formations within the White Limestone Group found on the Clarendon Block. Her Masters research focused on understanding the physio-mechanical, structural properties and rock mass classification of these formations for diverse applications.

During the pursuit of her master’s degree, Shavel also engaged in two regional internships with CCRIF-SPC. She gained valuable experience in extensive floodplain mapping for the Hope River watershed in Jamaica. Her internship at the Department of Emergency Management in Barbados allowed her to contribute to the creation of tsunami evacuation maps for two towns (Sherman and Holetown), showcasing her practical expertise in mitigating natural disasters.

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