UB Researchers Receive Prestigious Wilson Grants for Studies on Bahamian Development and Sustainability

Small Island Sustainability (SIS) Programme Coordinator at UB Dr. Brandon Bethel; Government and Policy Institute Policy Fellow, Mrs. Lesvie Archer; Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. Amin Kabir and the duo of SIS Research Centre Executive Director, Dr. Kristen Welsh Unwala and Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Williamson Gustave have been granted $4,000 to further their research. The Wilson Awards Programme was created through the generosity of donors Sir Franklyn Wilson, Sharon Lady Wilson and the Wilson Family Foundation.

Dr. Bethel’s study, “Application and Implementation of Floating Solar Panel Arrays in The Bahamas” will offer insights into transforming the energy landscape of The Bahamas. He expressed excitement about being an awardee.

“When I found out, that represented an amazing opportunity to bring to life research that I think will bring change to Bahamians everywhere,” said Dr. Bethel. “Not five, 10, 15 years in the future, but two months and two months only because I’ll need to get government approvals. Everything that we need is in place. We can start right away. That represented an opportunity to change lives. That’s how I felt.”

Dr. Bethel’s project explores how floating solar technologies can transform the nation’s energy landscape by maximizing efficiency without consuming valuable land resources. Supported by UB student Ms. Cherri Isaacs, his research investigates the potential of deploying floating photovoltaic modules on lakes and coastal areas.

Mrs. Archer is looking forward to the award advancing local humanity research, specifically her study, “The Bahamas at 50: Assessing the Cultural Values of The Bahamas”, which identifies and assesses how Bahamians have changed their values over the last 50 years.

“I’m in the humanities; my degree is in cultural studies,” said Mrs. Archer. “It’s not a topic that people instantly run to or even consider investing in right away, but the Wilson’s saw me, they saw my work, and they said ‘yes, we’ll do it’. That is invaluable, because who are we without our humanity?”

Dr. Welsh Unwala and Dr. Gustave, meanwhile, are collaborating on the research project, “The Threat of Hurricanes to Sustainable Development in The Bahamas: Hurricane Dorian Recovery of Groundwater and Soils in Grand Bahama”, which investigates two wellfield regions on the island to assess natural recovery of soils and groundwater. A project of this magnitude requires significant funding.

“I’m very honoured, and particularly when I looked at my colleagues who presented here with me today, it’s an honour to be given the funding and to have support in country as well so that we can have Bahamian students who are participating in this research, which we feel is very critical,” said Dr. Welsh Unwala.

“It’s an honour and at the same time a pleasure, because one of the problems we have is getting funding for our work and especially when there’s a grant that is specifically designed for work that is for Bahamian development, it makes you feel very happy about that, because you get an increased chance of getting it,” added Dr. Gustave.

Dr. Kabir also expressed elation that his dream of partnering with UB faculty and students, as well as scientists from Central Connecticut State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to conduct atmospheric aerosol studies in The Bahamas using camera-based imaging lidar, did not “die” due to lack of funding.

“That was a great feeling,” said Dr. Kabir. “When I first got the email that I was accepted, that I was given the award, I was very happy. It motivated me to continue my research, and I feel that if researchers are given this award and some motivation, that will keep up the research at the University of The Bahamas.”

The Wilson Grant is an initiative birthed from a vision to fuel innovation and national development in The Bahamas by the Wilson Family Foundation (WFF), and administered by UB. The Wilson Grant Programme offers a maximum of four $4,000 awards, renewable, upon proof of progress, for a second year in the first cycle and a maximum of four years in the cycles thereafter. It is intended to be a perennial programme that will contribute to the national development of The Bahamas for years to come.

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