Two Vincentians excel in the Sciences at UWI

Two Vincentian students have excelled academically in the sciences at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).{{more}}

Calicia Charles and Candida Dasilva both recently received awards for their achievements in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering, respectively.

Calicia Charles, a resident of Enhams, graduated from the UWI on Thursday, October 27, 2011. Charles, the daughter of Chiefton and Yvonne Charles, graduated with an upper second class honours Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, with minors in Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

She also received awards for the best third year performance in Chemistry, as well as the best graduating student in Chemistry.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, Charles stated that she feels a sense of accomplishment at having finished her degree. She added that though her time at university was challenging, she feels great to have completed and to receive a few awards as well. She is currently a Chemistry Lecturer at the SVG Community College Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies. She hopes to continue her education and eventually pursue a career in Forensic Science.

Charles extended thanks to all who have helped her along the way, and assisted her in gaining her degree.

Also receiving a special award for her academic achievement was Candida Da Silva, daughter of Shermor McMillan of Mesopotamia. Da Silva, who is a third year Engineering student, will complete her degree programme in May 2012.

Da Silva was officially awarded at the Faculty of Engineering Prizes and Awards Ceremony at the UWI St. Augustine Campus on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. She was awarded the Yorke Structures Prize for the best student in Level 2 Civil Engineering. She received $1,000.

Both Dasilva and Charles were also awarded for their excellence in academics in the 2008/2009 academic year. Charles received the Western Scientific Prize for the Best year one performance in Chemistry, while DaSilva, who had initially enrolled in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture, was awarded the Head of Department’s award for the Best Year One Performance in Physics.

In 2007, Candida and Calicia were both awarded three-year National Exhibitions based on their performance in the Cambridge A’Level and the CXC CAPE Examinations. (OS)