TWO Queen’s College CAPE students gained a learning experience at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada during the July/August vacation for six weeks; they are Asif Muhammad and Chandini Singh.
The students were fully sponsored by Professor Suresh S. Narine who is the Director, Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research; Director, Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) Guyana; Senior NSERC/GFO/ERC Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials and also Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony held at the University of Guyana IAST boardroom on Thursday evening, Professor Narine said that the learning experience for the students was a collaboration between Trent University and IAST Guyana; he said that it was a great attempt to introduce young students to the world of science.
The professor added that the two students were given a chance to see how the university operates so it will be easy for them in the future; he said that the students’ air fares, pocket money and insurance were sponsored by him.
“We are happy to continue to do what we are doing; it was supposed to be four students but unfortunately two dropped out. The two students that were given the chance are very good kids and hardworking and I know they will make it in the future,” the professor said.
One of the students, Asif Muhammad, said that he was happy to have been given the chance to work with PHDs and Masters students; he said that he had met new people, shared various memories and was never bored.
Muhammad also thanked his parents and also Professor Narine for giving him the chance. He said that the university had given him a huge step up in the Science arena and that he had
learnt much, such as the physical aspect of biodiesel, for which he was given an explanation at the presentation ceremony.
The other student, Chandini Singh, said that the learning experience was a moment to remember; she said that she always had been working and never had free time, because she is dedicated to Science.
Singh said that she had learnt about the chemical aspect of coconut oil and the various uses for it. The university had given her a stepping stone to her future endeavours, she added.
“I would like to thank Professor Narine, my parents, my friends and family who gave me the urge to visit the university and hopefully I will visit again soon,” Singh said.
The presentation ceremony was attended by members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), students of Queen’s College, and lecturers of the University of Guyana, amongst others.
(By Asif Hakim)
