A Passion for Education & A Scholar with a Mission
Dr. Cumberbatch embodies the spirit of academic excellence. With a PhD in Participatory Planning, Dr. Cumberbatch teaches pivotal courses such as Environmental Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Tourism. Dr. Cumberbatch’s teaching philosophy reflects her belief that education should be an adventure – An idea she succinctly captures in her own words: “My title is Senior Lecturer, but when asked what I do, I always say: I am a teacher.” She believes that teaching is an “adventure” where both students and educators learn and grow together. This approach fosters an engaging learning environment, where challenging discussions and critical thinking are encouraged.
Professional Trailblazer
Before her tenure at CERMES, Dr. Cumberbatch founded and served as Executive Director of Social and Environmental Management Services Inc. (SEMS). This consulting firm became a cornerstone for social and environmental impact assessments, helping organizations navigate complex societal and ecological landscapes. Her work has spanned multiple sectors, including collaborations with various government ministries and non-governmental organizations in Barbados and across the Caribbean.
Dr. Cumberbatch has worked on significant projects throughout the English-speaking Caribbean, providing insights into diverse issues like climate change, poverty and sustainable tourism. Her extensive experience includes partnerships with prominent regional and international organizations, such as the Caribbean Development Bank, CARICOM and several UN agencies.
A Legacy of Research & Impactful Contributions
Over the past two (2) decades (between 2004 and 2024), Dr. Cumberbatch has conducted over BDS$5 million in research, focusing on diverse areas such as gender equity, social vulnerability and climate resilience. She has published twenty (20) articles in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed to national and regional policy initiatives that impact communities across the Caribbean. Her technical reports have been instrumental in shaping strategies for disaster risk management, the green and blue economy and more.
Mentorship and Leadership
Dr. Cumberbatch’s dedication to mentoring is evident in her supervision of over forty (40) graduate students (at the Masters, MPhil and PhD levels), guiding them to become the next generation of leaders in environmental management and resource studies. Notably, Dr. Cumberbatch serves as the Deputy Chair of the Board of the Barbados Environmental Sustainability Fund, and she held various leadership roles in several prestigious organizations, including the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and the Regional Advisory Committee for UNDP Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grants Fund. Her involvement ensures that sustainability and environmental stewardship remain at the forefront of policy development.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Cumberbatch's excellence in teaching and community service has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with several awards, including receiving the “Principal’s Award for Excellence in the Academic Category of Teaching” in 2014. She was recently honoured with the “2024 FST Faculty Community Engagement Award” during our FST Faculty’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations Student and Staff Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception event held on October 25, 2024. These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to her students and the broader community.
Innovative Contributions & A Vision for the Future
Dr. Cumberbatch’s innovative spirit shines through her development of academic content that integrated technology into her teaching methods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she introduced the use of drone technology to conduct virtual field trips, and she emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students can challenge themselves and their educators, and also ensure that they remain engaged and connected. She has also led UWI students on Service-Learning experiences abroad, highlighting her commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. Her forward-thinking approach ensures that her students are not only learning, but are also equipped with the skills necessary to address contemporary environmental challenges.
Connect with Dr. Janice Cumberbatch
As we celebrate Dr. Cumberbatch’s outstanding contributions as part of our FST Faculty’s Staff Recognition programme, let us take this opportunity to acknowledge and honour Dr. Cumberbatch’s unwavering dedication to education, research and sustainable development in the field of environmental studies and her impact on the lives of countless students. In closing, Dr. Janice Cumberbatch therefore exemplifies the spirit of innovation, leadership and community engagement that we (the FST Faculty at The UWI Cave Hill Campus) strive to uphold. Her journey is not just a career; it’s a commitment to making the world a better place – One student, one project and one initiative at a time. Let us all celebrate her remarkable achievements and contributions as we continue to pave the way for a sustainable future.
