Antiguan Shamika Spencer Makes Waves in Sargassum Research!

Spotlight on Innovation: Meet Ms. Shamika Spencer!

In the vibrant halls of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus in Barbados, an inspiring figure is rising through the academic ranks—Ms. Shamika Spencer, an Antiguan PhD student making waves in the field of Sustainable Energy. Shamika is at the forefront of a pioneering project that transforms an environmental challenge into a sustainable solution, marking a significant accomplishment for Antigua and Barbuda.

As one of the original team of five inventors on the innovation (being commercialized by Rum and Sargassum Inc., founded by Dr. Legena Henry), Shamika is helping to lead the charge in innovative research. The other inventors are Dr Legena Henry, (Primary Inventor), Dr Nikolai Holder (graduate of UWI Cave Hill),  Ms. Aria Goodridge (graduate of UWI Mona Campus) and Ms. Brittney McKenzie (graduate of UWI Cave Hill Campus). The recent event, Test Drive Zero, which took place at Guinea Plantation in Barbados on 17 September 2024, showcased the exciting potential of using biogas derived from Sargassum seaweed as a fuel source for charging electric vehicles. This demonstration not only highlighted the practical applications of their research, but also underscored a path toward cleaner energy in the Caribbean.

At the heart of Shamika’s research is her work with biomethane potential tests, where she experiments with various ratios of raw distillery wastewater and Sargassum. These tests, which span 30 days, aim to identify the optimal conditions for maximizing biogas production. “This experience has been very inspiring and rewarding,” she reflects, “because it demonstrates how small-scale work can actually lead to real-life solutions that can address global issues.”

For Shamika, the implications of this work extend beyond the lab and are especially significant for her home country. Sargassum, an invasive seaweed species that has plagued the Caribbean for years, poses a substantial challenge to coastal communities and our tourism industry.

By finding ways to safely remove and repurpose this seaweed, Shamika believes that countries like Antigua and Barbados could enhance their tourism offerings while tackling an environmental issue. “The future is bright for these projects and for those interested in science,” she asserts, highlighting the relevance of their research.

Shamika’s academic journey has also taken her beyond Antigua and Barbuda. Last year, she participated in a semester exchange at the University of San Diego, collaborating with undergraduate students to run similar biomethane potential tests. Their success in producing biogas from locally harvested Sargassum, exemplifies the project’s potential to inspire global collaborations.

Shamika mentioned that the feedback she has received has been “overwhelmingly positive”, indicating the significant impact of her work. “It has been rewarding for me to see the results of my lab work being utilized to fuel an electric vehicle during the Test Drive Zero demonstration,” she shares, beaming with pride.

Recently, the company participated in a conference in Grenada, where they demonstrated the transport and use of biofuel for similar initiatives. These milestones underscore the project’s potential to expand beyond local shores, offering hope for sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

As Shamika continues her journey, she stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience for Antigua and Barbuda. Her involvement in such a groundbreaking project is not just a personal achievement, but a significant testament to the potential of Antiguan and Barbudan citizens to contribute meaningfully to worldwide issues.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]