Famous Jamaican Scientists Quiz

Famous Jamaican Scientists

• Thomas Philip Lecky (1904-1994): Developed new cattle breeds suitable for the Jamaican climate. His research at the University of Edinburgh focused on manipulating cattle species through natural selection and mutation. Awarded a PhD in Agriculture in 1951. Created the 'Jamaica Hope' dairy cattle breed by combining British Jersey, Holstein, and Indian Sahiwal. Later developed 'Jamaica Red' and 'Jamaica Black' cattle breeds, primarily for beef. Retired from government service but continued as an agricultural consultant until his death in 1994. Received the Order of Merit for service to dairy and cattle industries in 1978.

Famous Jamaican Scientist: Cicely Delphine Williams (1893-1992)

• Cicely Delphine Williams (1893-1992): A pioneering physician specializing in nutrition, pediatrics, and maternal care. Known for her discovery of kwashiorkor (a child malnutrition syndrome). One of the first women to study medicine at the University of Oxford. Worked in the Gold Coast (Ghana) in the colonial medical services. Observed high toddler mortality, identified the condition as an acute form of malnutrition due to protein deficiency (kwashiorkor), and recommended high-protein diets for treatment. Served as an advisor for maternal and child health for the World Health Organization (WHO). Later became an international spokesperson on maternal and child health. Awarded the Order of Merit in 1976.

Famous Jamaican Scientist: Manley Elisha West (1929-2012)

• Manley Elisha West (1929-2012): A pioneer pharmacologist, known for his work in developing medicine from the marijuana plant. Developed Canasol, an eye-drop glaucoma treatment, from cannabis with Dr. Albert Lockhart (an ophthalmologist). Canasol is a less expensive alternative to synthetic eye drops. Received the Order of Merit in 1987 for this achievement. Also received the Centenary Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Natural Sciences from the Institute of Jamaica in 1981.

Famous Jamaican Scientist: Louis Grant (1913-1993)

• Louis Grant (1913-1993): A renowned microbiologist and pathologist who contributed significantly to research on Dengue fever and the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Instrumental in establishing the Foundation for International Self-Help Development (FISH) to provide affordable medical care for the poor. Investigated and researched diseases such as tuberculosis and leptospirosis. His findings led to mass vaccinations and public awareness campaigns. His work on arboviruses and other pathogens brought him global recognition.

Famous Jamaican Scientist: Paula Tennant (1967-present)

• Paula Tennant (1967-present): First Caribbean person to develop a bioengineered plant product resistant to the Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV). Her work focused on the genetic modification of papayas to create a resistant hybrid variety called Jamaica Solo Sunrise. Her work was initially done at Cornell University and involved analyzing Jamaican strains of the virus which differed from those in Hawaii.

Famous Jamaican Scientist: Joel Sadler (1985-present)

• Joel Sadler (1985-present): A human augmentation engineer, co-inventor of the JaipurKnee, a budget-friendly prosthetic knee joint. Designed and developed the knee joint at Stanford University during his postgraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering. The JaipurKnee offers flexibility, stability, and durability, with self-lubricating properties, proving to be beneficial to amputees in low-income communities. The JaipurKnee was listed in the "50 Best Inventions" of 2009 by Time Magazine. Received a bronze medal in 2010 for his achievement from the Institute of Jamaica.