As part of the Faculty of Science and Technology's (FST’s) Staff Recognition Programme, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Mr. Justin Sue, a dedicated Senior Laboratory Technician in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. Justin’s remarkable journey in the sciences exemplifies passion, commitment and a genuine desire to uplift others.

A Journey Rooted in Passion
Justin's affinity for the sciences began at The Coleridge and Parry Secondary School, where his love for chemistry took root. This enthusiasm carried him through his academic journey, from the Barbados Community College (BCC) to The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he earned a BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics. His academic prowess extends beyond these subjects, as he has also successfully completed courses in Physics and Biochemistry.

Justin’s “real UWI life” commenced as a part-time demonstrator and tutor in Biological and Chemical Sciences. During this time, he worked as a Research Associate for Shire Intellectual Property SRL, where he focused on extracting and isolating bio-active natural products from plants and marine organisms. His work aimed to discover compounds that could combat Hepatitis C, showcasing his dedication to impactful research.

In a fortunate turn of events, Justin transitioned to a full-time role as Senior Laboratory Technician, where he took on the vital responsibilities of safety management and building maintenance across the BCS Department. His commitment to safety led him to complete several Occupational Health and Safety programmes, enabling him to conduct Safety Seminars for new BCS students over the past few years.

Championing Safety and Community
Justin's contributions extend beyond the lab. As a long-standing member of the Campus Health and Safety Committee, he has worked tirelessly to ensure a safe environment for all. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly noteworthy; he played a key role in preparing and providing hand sanitizer for the Campus and wider community. Additionally, he adapted to new challenges by preparing lab exams for CXC/CSEC/CAPE while accommodating social distancing requirements.

Beyond his professional duties, Justin is passionate about health and fitness. He has actively participated in The UWI Health Week activities and served as a champion for the 5K UWI-RBC Race for the Kids. As a Hike Leader during The UWI Cave Hill Campus’ 60th Monthly Anniversary Historical Hikes, he promoted wellness and community engagement, inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle.

A Legacy of Support
Justin's achievements are numerous, including:

He holds a National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH) Award and various certifications, including an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate from BIMAP and training in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

A Reflective Leader
For Justin, the essence of his work lies in guiding students to excel and supporting those around him. He reflects, “For me, it has always been about guiding the students to become better at what they do and supporting the persons around me. That is where the real ‘passion’ in my job lies; in helping others”.

Join Us in Celebrating Justin Sue
We invite you to join us in recognizing Mr. Justin Sue for his outstanding contributions to the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and the wider UWI community. His unwavering dedication to safety, education and community well-being truly embodies the spirit of our FST Faculty.

Stay connected with us on our website and social media platforms as we (FT) celebrate the remarkable journey and the incredible impact all our FST Staff continue to make!