Celebrating FST Excellence: Meet Dr. Angela Alleyne
As part of the Faculty of Science and Technology's (FST’s) Staff Recognition Programme, we are proud to spotlight Dr. Angela Alleyne, a remarkable Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. With an impressive career dedicated to advancing the field of biochemistry, Dr. Alleyne’s contributions to science and education are truly inspiring.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Dr. Alleyne’s journey in science began with the encouragement of exceptional teachers, including a high school chemistry instructor from Jamaica who ignited her passion for the subject. Her academic path led her to The UWI, where she initially worked as a Graduate Research Assistant. She furthered her studies, obtaining a PhD while researching fungal diseases in yams.
After earning her doctorate in 2000, Dr. Alleyne spent three (3) years as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nebraska, working alongside esteemed colleagues in Plant Pathology. Her journey then took her to Florida, where she taught at Edward Waters University before returning to her roots in Barbados in 2008.
At The UWI, Dr. Alleyne has played a vital role in shaping the academic landscape. Currently serving as the Programme Coordinator for the MSc. in Biosafety, she has also held various leadership positions within the BCS Department. Her expertise in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics has led to significant research into plant disease diagnostics, benefiting both Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
A Legacy of Contributions
Dr. Alleyne's impact is felt through numerous initiatives and research projects, including:
- MSc. in Biosafety: As the Coordinator of the only taught Master’s programme in the BCS Department, she has been pivotal in preparing the next generation of biosafety experts.
- Research in Plant Diseases: Dr. Alleyne has conducted crucial research on diseases affecting staple crops, ensuring food security for the region.
- Supporting Students: Dr Alleyne has been instrumental in broadening the student internship experience in BCS and supporting virtual and in person student exchanges
- Promoting Collaboration: She has invited prominent scientists to engage with students, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Support for Local Farmers: Dr. Alleyne actively assists local agricultural initiatives, sharing her expertise to combat plant diseases that threaten local crops.
Her leadership extends beyond the classroom; Dr. Alleyne has supervised over eleven (11) postgraduate students, including four (4) PhD candidates, nurturing future leaders in biochemistry and plant pathology.
Recognizing Achievements
Dr. Alleyne’s dedication has earned her various accolades, including the “40 Faces of Plant Pathology” recognition from the British Society for Plant Pathology in 2022 and “The UWI Principal’s Award of Academic Excellence” in 2017. Her editorial roles with prestigious journals further highlight her influence in the field.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on her work, Dr. Alleyne shares, “I am motivated and committed to scientific research that assists the people of this region. Our rich and incredible biodiversity inspires me to delve deeper into understanding plant pathogens using molecular biology tools. A greater understanding of plant diseases is critical to enhancing regional agricultural outputs and has implications for our resilience in agriculture and future food security”.
Connect with Dr. Alleyne
To learn more about Dr. Angela Alleyne's work and contributions, you can find her on:
Dr. Angela Alleyne embodies the spirit of excellence in scientific research and education. We celebrate her remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), The University community and the wider Caribbean community. Join us in recognizing her achievements and inspiring future generations of scientists!