As part of the Faculty of Science and Technology's (FST’s) 40th Anniversary celebrations, it is our privilege to spotlight one of our dedicated and visionary faculty members, Dr. Fradian Murray, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS) under our FST Faculty at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. Dr. Murray’s work is not just rooted in academia; it is deeply connected to the soils of her native Jamaica, where she actively bridges the gap between scientific research and practical, on-the-ground solutions for farmers.



A Passion for Crop Production and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Dr. Murray’s journey into the world of agricultural research began with a deep curiosity for plants and soil. Dr. Murray earned her PhD in Botany in 2022 with a dissertation focused on improving cassava propagation efficiency – an essential area for enhancing food security in the Caribbean. Cassava, a root crop that thrives in the region's soil and climate, is an important staple in many Caribbean countries, including Jamaica. By making cassava propagation more efficient, Dr. Murray’s work directly supports the livelihoods of farmers, especially those in rural communities who rely on agriculture for their income.

Her research is expansive and impactful, touching various aspects of agriculture, such as climate-smart practices, root crop production, and farmer-driven solutions. One of her standout projects involves evaluating the growth of sweet potatoes using the Aqua-Crop model, a climate-resilient tool that helps farmers understand how to optimize crop yields while adapting to shifting weather patterns.

In addition to her work on cassava and sweet potatoes, Dr. Murray has contributed to numerous studies including animal research and support for ed Jamaica’s agricultural value chain. Her research on Scotch Bonnet pepper cultivation, for example, aligns with the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO’s) mission to improve market access for Jamaica’s hot pepper industry while ensuring the necessary phytosanitary standards are met. This work has far-reaching implications, not just for farmers but also for international trade and economic development.

Empowering Farmers and Reducing Inequality
Dr. Murray firmly believes that agricultural research must be practical, innovative and inclusive. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of increasing small farmers' incomes while addressing critical social inequalities in the food production system. She is a champion for gender equality in agriculture, actively involving women in her research, whether by providing opportunities for women farm owners or involving them as farm labourers in maintaining research plots.



One of the cornerstone values of Dr. Murray’s work is making sure that her research leads to tangible improvements for farmers. As she notes, “agriculture should be centered on increasing farmers' incomes while remaining practical for everyday use”. This focus on practical applications of scientific knowledge is evident in her commitment to training nearly one hundred (100) young people in plant cultivation and research methods through initiatives like the “Red Stripe Project Grow”. This project, which accelerated small-scale farmer participation in Jamaica’s cassava industry, is one example of Dr. Murray’s commitment to providing farmers with the tools and knowledge needed for success.

Her research and outreach work speak directly to her commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger. Dr. Murray views the stagnation in food security progress as an urgent call to action and recognizes that agriculture must be a key driver in ensuring that communities, especially those in rural Jamaica, have access to sufficient, nutritious and affordable food.

Youth Empowerment: Shaping Future Leaders
Dr. Murray’s dedication to empowering the next generation goes beyond the classroom. In 2021, she founded “Life fi Live”, an outreach foundation in her home parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. This initiative is designed to help young people break through self-doubt and envision success beyond their circumstances. It speaks to Dr. Murray’s belief that empowerment is a crucial part of creating sustainable change. Her foundation works with young people, helping them navigate life’s challenges and develop the skills and mindset necessary for achieving their dreams.

In addition to her work with “Life fi Live”, Dr. Murray has collaborated on science education projects that make vital knowledge more accessible. These initiatives include developing climate change adaptation materials for primary school students, with a particular focus on the disabled community. By focusing on education and empowerment, Dr. Murray is helping to cultivate future leaders who will continue the fight for food security, resilience and climate adaptation.

A Vision for the Future: Leveraging Research for Rural Development
Dr. Murray’s career vision is one of holistic transformation. She strives to leverage crop research not only to support farmers but to enhance rural development in communities across Jamaica. Growing up in a farming family, she understands the struggles that farmers face firsthand. Through her work, she hopes to provide them with the tools and knowledge to not only sustain their families but also create wealth and opportunity for future generations.

Her work, though rooted in agriculture, transcends traditional boundaries. It is about creating lasting, meaningful change in rural communities, building a future where farmers can thrive, and ensuring that agricultural research remains practical, accessible and empowering.

Recognizing Dr. Murray’s Contributions
As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), it is an honour to recognize Dr. Fradian Murray for her outstanding contributions to the field of crop production research, her unwavering commitment to climate-smart agriculture, and her dedication to empowering farmers and the youth in Jamaica and the Caribbean in general. From her climate-smart cassava cultivation handbook to her work on youth empowerment and agricultural innovation, Dr. Murray’s impact is immeasurable.



As she so aptly states, “The only thing necessary for stagnation and persistent problems is for capable people to do nothing. As members of the human race, we each have a responsibility to contribute to the success of our species. That duty should not be taken lightly. Growth comes from continuous learning and the willingness to challenge ourselves”.

Dr. Murray is a true example of leadership, dedication and passion, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact she will make in the world of agricultural research and beyond.

To learn more about Dr. Fradian Murray, you can connect with her at Google Scholar via the below link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AGYg38gAAAAJ&hl=en