Three (3) undergraduate students of the Food Science and Technology (FS&T) Unit were privileged to attend and present their research at the annual Caribbean Food Crop Society (CFCS) 51st Meeting in Suriname. This annual meeting consisted of students, faculty, field specialists, community members, farmers and government officials, along with regional and international organisations representing food and agriculture.

The students presented research papers on the following topics:

1. Asha Morton - B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology

Greater Use of Skeletal Meats and Trimmings for Value Added Products in Trinidad and Tobago

2. Melissa Andrews - Diploma in Food Technology

An Evaluation of Fresh Milk Produced in the CARICOM: Assuring Quality and Food Security

3. Sheryllan Farmer - Diploma in Food Technology

Using Locally Produced Milk to Produce Fresh Yoghurt and Cottage Cheese: The Potential for the Local Dairy Industry

The UTT students were able to disseminate their research findings and gained valuable communication training, collaborative opportunities and an understanding of the importance of quality research in their contribution to food nutrition and security in the region. Despite their undergraduate student status, they were treated as equal to the many scholars, professors and students who shared the stage for research in related areas. In fact, many researchers commended the participation of these students and UTT was acknowledged in terms of its student participation rate by the President of the CFCS. The students had the opportunity to interact with others holding similar interests and to create a network of friends, acquaintances, and peers beyond their own University. 

The FS&T Unit also saw this opportunity to market BAFT programmes, since various stakeholders from the region were in attendance. Many were pleased to learn about UTT and the programmes offered there relating to food and agriculture. Students of the FS&T Unit are eagerly looking forward to participating at next year's annual conference and many have started writing their research papers in order to showcase their work.