St. George’s University recognized the achievements of its faculty and students at the 2026 Research Day Prize Giving Ceremony, celebrating outstanding research presentations across the Schools of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies. Held on April 10 at Caribbean House, the ceremony followed this year’s record-breaking Research Day, which showcased a wide range of innovative work from across the University community.
A panel of SGU faculty and visiting experts from internationally recognized institutions reviewed the presentations and selected category winners using a pre-established rubric focused on originality, scientific merit, and relevance. The best presenters were then formally recognized at the Prize Giving Ceremony, where they were awarded plaques in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research.
“Research Day continues to reflect the strength, curiosity, and commitment of our academic community,” said Dr. Trevor Noël, assistant provost of Research and Scholarly Activity at SGU. “The quality of work presented this year from all schools was exceptional, and it’s inspiring to see both students and faculty pushing the boundaries of discovery and impact.”
Honoring a legacy of leadership in research
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt tribute by Dr. Noël to Dr. Calum Macpherson, outgoing dean of the School of Graduate Studies, recognizing his lasting impact on research at SGU. During the ceremony, Dr. Macpherson was presented with the One Health One Medicine Excellence Award in recognition of his years of dedication to advancing the University’s research mission.
In honor of his contributions, SGU also announced that beginning next year, the award will be renamed the Calum N. L. Macpherson One Health, One Medicine Research Excellence Award, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of researchers.
Reflecting on his 33-year tenure as director of research at SGU, Dr. Macpherson stated: “It has been a privilege to support and witness the growth of research at SGU. I am proud to be leaving behind such a strong and vibrant research community, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Here are the winners:
Outstanding Faculty Oral Presentations:
1. Anne M. Corrigan – SVM faculty
Title: Horizontal transfer of nuclear DNA in transmissible cancer
2. Pauline Smith – SOM faculty
Title: Does Format Matter? Comparing Advising Experiences in Medical School
3. Hazel DaBreo – SAS faculty
Title: Climate Shock and Lethal Violence: Psychological interventions for the Long Haul
Outstanding Student Oral Presentations:
1. Mariah Russo – SVM student
Title: Pig-Associated Wastewater as a Reservoir of Multidrug-Resistant Opportunistic Pathogens: A One Health Investigation
2. Sheran Fernando – SOM student
Title: Adiponectin and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2. Bakare Ramdial – SAS student
Title: The View from Below: Colonialism as a Determinant of Personality Structure in the Global South
Outstanding Faculty Poster Presentations:
1. Afroza Khanam – SVM faculty
Title: Clinical Efficacy of Platelet and Stem Cell Therapies for Improving Odds of Pregnancy in Mares with Endometritis: A Meta-Analysis
2. Kerry Mitchell – SOM faculty
Title: Monitoring Saharan Dust Intrusion in Grenada Using Ambient PM2.5/PM10 Ratios
3. Paul Pounder – SAS faculty
Title: Chocolate Heritage Tourism: Challenges, Opportunities, and Evidence from the Caribbean
Outstanding Student Poster Presentations:
1. Yuriko Hishiya – SVM student
Title: Resistant patterns and detection of virulence genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Animal Clinical Infections and Environmental Sources in Grenada
2. Greta Schwiesow – SOM student
Title: Human Health Consequences of Sargassum Decomposition Exposure: Implications for Caribbean Public Health Policy
3. Ashleigh Herman – SAS student
Title: Weather Data Based Dengue Prediction Using Artificial Neural Networks
One Health One Medicine Excellence Award:
Dr. Calum Macpherson – director, Office of Research and Scholarly Activity
Phi Zeta plaques/certificates were awarded to the following students for their participation:
Kerrigan Adams, Eve Borel, Hannah Brunner, Megan Callahan, Shelby Charles, Yu Ting Chiou, Malaika Friday, Jessica Heitmann, Yuriko Hishiya, Julia Hunt, Morgan Jensen Magne, Rachel LaRue, Erika Mackenzie, Olivia Maggio, Emma Matz, Anness Morris, Alexus Munguia, Nicole Romero, Mariah Russo, Kira Sieghart, Rosemary Solozarno, Allan Soto Gonzalez, Sydney Stephens, Tatyana Thompson, Peyton Tipton, Madeline Weirick, Jennise Williams.
