The University of the West Indies has conferred Emerita and Emeritus Professor titles upon Professors Neela Badrie and Terence Seemungal, respectively.

The titles recognize retired professors for their outstanding contributions to academia and their impact on the University community.

It also includes special privileges within the institution, symbolizing the deep respect for their scholarly endeavours and signifying a continuation of their legacy and influence.

Emerita Professor Neela Badrie is a former Head of the Department of Food Production and the first female professor at the Faculty of Agriculture and Science at The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

Emeritus Professor Terence Seemungal is a former Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI St. Augustine Campus and is renowned for his revolutionary research in the field of lung disease.

Below are bios from The UWI on the careers and achievements of Emerita Professor Neela Badrie and Emeritus Professor Terence Seemungal .

Emerita Professor Neela Badrie – Her illustrious career is marked by her exceptional dedication to education and research. Graduating with a Ph.D. in Food Science from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Badrie embarked on a journey of scholarly excellence that spanned decades.

Throughout her tenure, Professor Badrie held various academic positions, including lecturer, senior lecturer, and ultimately achieving the prestigious rank of professor in microbiology and food safety. Notably, in 2011, she made history as the first female professor at the then Faculty of Agriculture and Science. Her academic pursuits extended beyond the realm of science, holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from London and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Staffordshire University, UK. She is a practicing attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago, specializing in family, civil, property law and agri-food legislation.

Professor Badrie’s contributions to academia are reflected in her extensive publication record, comprising chapters in books, refereed journal publications, presentations, and invited talks across several countries. Her leadership roles within the University, including Head of the Department of Food Production and Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, underscore her commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Professor Badrie has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rudranath Capildeo Gold Medal for excellence in the field of applied science and technology. She is a Fulbright scholar and a recipient of several fellowships and awards, demonstrating her global impact in academia and research.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Professor Badrie’s influence extends to various local, regional, and international organizations, where she champions causes related to food safety, environmental health, and women in science. Her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy for animal welfare further exemplify her multifaceted contributions to society.

Emeritus Professor Terence Seemungal – He is renowned for his revolutionary research in the field of lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With a career spanning over two decades at The UWI, Professor Seemungal’s contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of COPD, with a particular focus on exacerbation.

In 2023, Professor Seemungal retired as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which comprises five schools: Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Nursing. He completed his MBBS (Hons) degree at The UWI before pursuing a Ph.D. in London, focusing on COPD and COPD exacerbation caused by respiratory viruses. He also completed specialist training in internal and respiratory medicine.

Returning to Trinidad in 2003 as Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Professor Seemungal initiated the Postgraduate Training Programme in Internal Medicine in 2008 and later on the MSc in Palliative Care Medicine. In 2012, he was elected President of the newly founded Thoracic Society of Trinidad and Tobago. In April 2020, Professor Seemungal was appointed as a member of the UWI COVID-19 Task Force.

Throughout his professional career, Professor Seemungal’s dedication to teaching and research has been steadfast: his personal motto has been “we teach and learn through service to our patients”. In 2017, he and his team completed the first national study of chronic lung disease, further solidifying his impact on respiratory health in Trinidad and Tobago.