From Trinidad to Mona: UTT Students Shine at Inaugural International Undergraduate Conference and Expo in Jamaica

 

Two students from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) have returned home from Jamaica with new connections and a fresh sense of what they can achieve.

Mark Anthony Joseph Jr. and Tatyanna Ross represented UTT at the inaugural International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo, held from September 23 to 25, 2026, at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Mona, Kingston. Under the theme "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders, Towards 2050," the event brought together undergraduate researchers, entrepreneurs and student leaders from across the region and beyond.

Mark Anthony Joseph Jr.: Learning, Refining and Rising to the Occasion

Mark presented his research twice at the conference. In his own words:

I would say the experience was amazing overall. Not only was I grateful for the opportunity to travel to Jamaica for the event, but the conference itself was a really great experience. I got to meet a wide array of individuals and connect with many different people from various backgrounds.

The presentations were also a major highlight for me. Many of them gave me deep insight into topics I was unfamiliar with, while others made me look at topics I already knew about from an entirely new perspective.

My own presentation was a wonderful experience as well, and I'm especially grateful that I had the opportunity to present twice. I made a few mistakes during the first presentation, but having a second opportunity allowed me to rectify them, refine my approach, and deliver a much better presentation the second time around.

Beyond the conference itself, I really enjoyed being able to experience Jamaica and some of its culture. From being at the UWI Mona campus, exploring different places around Jamaica, and trying differeacnt restaurants for lunch and dinner, to visiting the Bob Marley Museum, I got to experience the country in a way that went beyond just attending the conference. It was really nice being able to immerse myself in a different environment and culture, even if only for a short time.

Overall, I'm really grateful for the opportunity. It was an experience that allowed me to learn, meet new people, gain a different perspective academically and culturally, and definitely helped me grow both personally and professionally. I came away from the experience with a lot to reflect on and appreciate, and I'm really glad I got the opportunity to be a part of it.

— Mark Anthony Joseph Jr.

Tatyanna Ross: Taking a Taste of Trinidad to a New Market

Tatyanna was the only Trinidadian exhibitor at the Expo, where she showcased her Chadon Beni Vinaigrette. In her own words:

Honestly, the experience was really amazing and definitely one of the highlights of my year. It was my first time attending a conference like this, so I went into it not really knowing what to expect, especially with the exhibition. I didn't know beforehand that I would be able to sell the product, so I only travelled with five bottles, one specifically for sampling and the other four as display. When I got there, I found out that sales were actually allowed, so I ended up selling all four of the bottles I had available.

I also found out that I was the only Trinidadian exhibitor. The other Trinidadians were presenters or attendees, so it was really exciting to be able to represent Trinidad and UTT through the product.

One of the biggest highlights for me was being able to showcase my Chadon Beni Vinaigrette and get real feedback from people in Jamaica. I really wanted to see how the product would be received in another market, especially since chadon beni isn't something commonly used in Jamaica. Everyone who tasted it loved it. People were asking how they could use it, talking about different applications for it, and genuinely wanted to buy it. That was honestly one of the best parts for me; it showed me that the product had potential beyond Trinidad.

I also really enjoyed the networking and the learning. I got to interact with students, entrepreneurs, lecturers and exhibitors from different countries, hear about their businesses and presentations, and even connect with a South African entrepreneurship lecturer who offered to give me some guidance on my business model canvas. I also had people from South Africa asking about the possibility of a student exchange programme, which was really interesting.

Overall, the trip gave me a lot more confidence in the product and in myself. I went there wanting to see whether people outside of Trinidad would actually like the product, and I got that answer pretty quickly. It made me realise that I don't have to keep everything as an idea in my head. I can actually develop the product, put it out there and see how people respond to it.

My biggest goal coming out of the experience is to get the vinaigrette properly established on the market, starting with one solid product and eventually building out the line with different variations, like a mild and a spicy version. Jamaica gave me a lot of insight into what the product could actually become.

— Tatyanna Ross

Representing UTT with Pride

Before their departure, the Office of Undergraduate Studies hosted a handover ceremony and presented both students with UTT-branded shirts to wear with pride abroad. Their experience in Jamaica shows the strength of UTT's students in research and entrepreneurship on an international stage.

UTT extends heartfelt thanks to the UTT Student Guild and the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Unit's industry partners, whose support made this journey possible.

Congratulations, Mark and Tatyanna!