A group of talented students from The University of the West Indies (UWI) recently participated in an inspiring eight-week summer school programme focused on surgical robotics at the University of Leeds.
This unique initiative, known as the CariSurg summer surgical robotics research programme, marked the first-ever exchange opportunity for Caribbean students aimed at advancing their research capabilities in this cutting-edge field.
During their time in the STORM Lab at Leeds, the students engaged in a variety of projects, including the enhancement of AI tools for the da Vinci surgical robot, the design of magnetic vines for endoscopic procedures, and the development of affordable cancer screening technology.
Under the guidance of Professor Pietro Valdastri from the University of Leeds and Dr. Carl Beckford, Lecturer and researcher from The UWI Department of Computing, these students cultivated both engineering and medical solutions tailored to address pressing health challenges in the Caribbean.
Abishua Johnson, a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science from The UWI Mona Campus, expressed his newfound enthusiasm for research, stating, “I’ve been inspired to go into research following this experience.
I really enjoyed speaking to people working on research projects, seeing the people behind the genius really made me think about taking this home.”
Fellow participant Samiya Allen, a final-year student in Computer Science and Electronics at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, shared her revelation, saying, “Before this, I hadn’t considered medicine, but now I would love to be involved in research so that I can implement what I have learned back home in the Caribbean.
I want to inspire other people in the Caribbean; we are a lot more capable than we think we are in implementing research.”
Justin Sooknanan, who is set to graduate this year with a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The UWI St. Augustine Campus, emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum for research.
“Initiatives like this help to promote research and the journey should not stop here.
I am motivated to help the programme grow. Together we can spread the movement further.
We need to keep pushing the ceiling higher to create more room for everyone else to grow,” he said.
The CariSurg programme was initiated by Dr. Nikita Greenidge, a surgical robotics researcher in the STORM Lab, with support from Emergent Ventures.
Dr. Greenidge highlighted the significant potential for Caribbean talent in the realm of healthcare innovation.
“I started CariSurg because I know how much talent exists in the Caribbean, even though opportunities in research are often limited.
My dream is for the region to become a leader in healthcare innovation, and this first cohort has shown what’s possible—ambitious students from across the Caribbean, eager to create solutions that matter both locally and globally. They were a pleasure to host.”
Dr. Daniel T. Fokum, Head of the Department for Computing at The UWI Mona Campus, said, “We are very glad that UWI students got the opportunity to take part in this inaugural CariSurg Surgical Robotics Internship programme.
I anticipate that these skills will result in improvements in technical know-how and will be used to improve the practice of surgery in our region.”
The students’ experience included the opportunity to observe a live robotic-assisted prostatectomy performed by Dr. Jonathan Noël, a Barbadian urologist and UWI alum, at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
Samiya remarked, “It was truly inspiring to see Dr. Noël conduct the surgery.
To watch someone from a similar background excel in this field was motivating.”
Dr. Noël added, “It’s always an honour to host students, especially from my alma mater, and speak to them about robotic-assisted surgery. They’re focused, passionate and committed to Caribbean development.”
Following their research projects, the students visited the Saint Lucian High Commission, where they presented their findings and discussed their vision for transforming healthcare in the Caribbean with His Excellency, Anthony B. Severin.
The High Commissioner underscored the importance of nurturing local talent and ensuring that innovation is driven by a comprehensive understanding of the region’s needs.
“The immersion of our young students in one of the world’s leading research environments allows them to leapfrog into the present.
Their hunger for knowledge and their passion for bringing that knowledge to bear on the needs of our region give us every reason to believe the Caribbean can and will be a leader in medical innovation.
We must continue to create pathways for them to excel,” Mr. Severin stated.
Dr. Greenidge envisions creating lasting opportunities through the CariSurg programme, fostering long-term collaborations aimed at exchanging knowledge, accessing resources, and supporting local research initiatives in the Caribbean.
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