UWI students return from UK robotics research experience as CariSurg prepares for 2027 intake

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Tuesday, Tuesday, October 27, 2026— Three students of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) are now equipped with hands-on experience in surgical robotics research after eight weeks at the University of Leeds’ renowned STORM Lab in England. Orville Daley and Chioma Okafor of The UWI Mona Campus, and Renita Bharatsingh of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, were among 55 scholars from eight CARICOM countries in this year’s CariSurg programme, which ran during the summer. Their achievements set the stage for the next generation of UWI students, with applications for the 2027 cohort expected to open soon.

Founded by Saint Lucian researcher Dr. Nikita Greenidge, a Surgical Robotics Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Leeds, CariSurg offers a 12-week Summer Surgical Robotics Research programme. Under the guidance of PhD researchers, students begin with four weeks of online learning, exploring the fundamentals of research and developing research proposals. This is followed by an eight-week, in-person programme managed by Gerardo Loza, a Surgical Data Science Researcher at Leeds.

Working alongside researchers in the University of Leeds’ renowned STORM Lab, Daley, Okafor and Bharatsingh undertook research with real clinical promise. Projects ranged from using infrared imaging to help surgeons identify and avoid nerves during robotic surgery to developing flexible spring- and vine-based magnetic robots designed to navigate inside the body for minimally invasive procedures.

“CariSurg brings research, training and product development together to strengthen healthcare innovation in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Greenidge. She added, “We want students to see how research can translate into solutions for Caribbean healthcare and open pathways into postgraduate study, research and MedTech careers. We want to ensure that Caribbean talent is powering the future of surgery and AI.”

Daley, who recently completed a degree in Electronics and Computer Science at The UWI Mona Campus, worked on integrating near-infrared imaging with the da Vinci surgical robot. “This project has taught me to cultivate my curiosity,” he said. A coach of Jamaica’s national robotics team, he was appreciative of the access to resources provided through CariSurg and hopes to bring the skills and connections gained back home.

Biomedical Engineering graduate Okafor gained her first direct exposure to surgical robotics. An aspiring researcher, she left the programme feeling “empowered and inspired” to make an impact in the Caribbean.

Fellow participant Bharatsingh, a final-year student in Electrical and Computer Engineering, gained hands-on experience in computer-aided design and 3D printing for the first time. Reflecting on CariSurg and her personal growth, she said, “This experience has opened more opportunities, and I want to pursue a master’s degree. Research and development is a new realm to me that now seems more feasible.”

The students, who presented their work at a hybrid showcase event at the University of Leeds, also travelled to London to observe live robotic surgery and meet the High Commissioner for Jamaica.

The High Commissioners for Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines attended the CariSurg showcase in person, while representatives of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and The UWI joined virtually. His Excellency Anthony B. Severin, High Commissioner for Saint Lucia, said: “The work coming out of this initiative is of tremendous promise for the future of health in our Caribbean. It continues to attract some of the best talent in our region and identify those who can make meaningful contributions.”

The CariSurg Virtual Healthcare AI Programme, launched this year, drew a majority-female cohort and widened access for students from UWI Global Campus territories, including Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In partnership with the Department of Public Health at The UWI St. Augustine Campus and 10 Academy, students explored how AI and wearable technologies could address challenges facing Caribbean emergency departments, including workforce shortages, overcrowding and limited resources.

CariSurg is also providing returning scholars with opportunities to step into leadership roles within the initiative. The virtual programme was managed by Mr. Justin Sooknanan of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, a participant in CariSurg’s inaugural cohort.

At The UWI Mona Campus, CariSurg also established a research pathway with the support of AKTO, the Virtual Centre of Excellence for Frugal Innovation and Design, founded by Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris, Director of Internationalisation in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds.

A public MedTech Talks series, featuring researchers and industry professionals in healthcare technology, AI and robotics from the Caribbean diaspora, gave students both technical insight and visible career pathways.

For more information on CariSurg, visit www.carisurg.com.