Students from the Caribbean have been inspired to pursue careers in research during a visit to Leeds to work with surgical robotics.
Students from the University of the West Indies and the University of Columbia took part in an eight week summer school programme in the STORM Lab at the University of Leeds.
The CariSurg summer surgical robotics research programme marks the first time Caribbean exchange students have come to Leeds with the specific aim to conduct research.
The students worked on a variety of projects from advancing AI tools for the da Vinci surgical robot to designing magnetic vines for endoscopic procedures and developing affordable cancer screening technology.
Supervised by a team of researchers, led by Professor Pietro Valdastri at the University of Leeds and Dr. Carl Beckford from the University of the West Indies, the students were able to develop engineering and medical solutions.
Abishua Johnson, who has completed his undergraduate degree in Computer Science at the University of the West Indies’ Mona, Jamaica campus, said: “I’ve been inspired to go into research following this experience.
“I really enjoyed speaking to people working on research projects, seeing the people behind the genius really made me think about taking this home.”
The Caribbean students spoke about the challenges that the region faces in engineering for global health research and the importance of being able to see the equipment and the possibilities that could improve health outcomes back home.
Samiya Allen, who is in her final year studying Computer Science and Electronics at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill, Barbados campus, added: “Before this, I hadn’t considered medicine, but now I would love to be involved in research so that I can implement what I have learned here back home in the Caribbean.
“I want to inspire other people in the Caribbean, we are a lot more capable than we think we are in implementing research.”
The cross-cultural exchange was set up by Dr Nikita Greenidge, a surgical robotics researcher in the STORM Lab and supported by Emergent Ventures.
During the Summer School, the students watched a live robotic assisted prostatectomy surgery being performed, with the use of the Da Vinci robot, in Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
This trip was supported by Sanius Health, as part of its commitment to advancing AI research for improved patient care.
Conducting the surgery was Dr Jonathan Noël, a Barbadian urologist and University of West Indies alum.
Samiya said: “Seeing Dr Noël conduct the surgery was really inspiring, to watch somebody that comes from a similar background to us, at work.”
Dr Noël added: “It’s always an honour to host students, especially from my alma mater, and speak to them about robotic-assisted surgery. They’re focused, passionate and committed to Caribbean development.”
The students also visited the Saint Lucian High Commission and presented their research progress and vision for transforming healthcare in the Caribbean.
The students discussed with the High Commissioner, His Excellency, Anthony B. Severin, the importance of nurturing Caribbean talent and ensuring that innovation is led by those who understand the region’s unique needs.
Mr Severin said: “The immersion of our young students in one of the world’s leading research environments allows them to leapfrog into the present.
“Their hunger for knowledge and their passion for bringing that knowledge to bear on the needs of our region give us every reason to believe the Caribbean can and will be a leader in medical innovation. We must continue to create pathways for them to excel.”
Looking to the future
Dr Greenidge hopes to create lasting opportunities through the CariSurg programme and foster long-term collaborations through establishing relationships for knowledge exchange, access to resources, and support for local research initiatives in the Caribbean.
Nehal Wadhwani, a first year student studying Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, spoke about inspiring the next generation. She said: “The programme has inspired me to inform children that research is possible in the Caribbean.
“Having this experience so young has also helped set things in motion for my future career. I want to explore research and look into independent learning outside of the classroom.
“By building myself up for post graduate work, this will help with my transition phase from studying to work.”
Nehal was supported by the Columbia University Summer Enhancement Fellowship, which is awarded to students chosen for the Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program to carry out independent projects during the Summer.
