FSTE Newsletter April 2013
Official Newsletter of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) at the University of the South Pacific (USP). This newsletter is for the month of April, 2013. The University of the South Pacific (USP), as one of two regional universities in the world, is supported by 12 Pacific Island Countries -: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Content
Volume 3 Issue 1, 2013
In this Issue
VC with Colonel Saumatua at PACE-Net conference
FSTE Scoops VC’s Prize
Refresher participants with their prizes
Plants of Tuvalu
Thaman, Fihaki and Fong Plants of Tuvalu is a timely, richly-illustrated contribution to the natural and cultural history of Tuvalu, the atolls of which are clearly on the front line against climate, environmental and economic change. It is an educational resource, a fragrant multi-flowered garland ( fou manogi gali ), that will help preserve the knowledge and respect that island people have for their very limited but precious plant life, the protection of which is their first and last line of defence against change. As an educationist, I very strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to better understand the intimate relationships that Pacific peoples have with plants, their island environment and one another. Dr. Konai Helu Thaman, Professor of Pacific Education and Culture, USP and UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and Culture
ISBN 978-982-01-0898-1 9 789820 108981
Sujlesh Sharma and Pauline Ryland
L ĀKAU MO MOUKU O TUVALU
R andy Thaman, Eliala Fihak i and Teddy Fong
TUVALU
Plants of
Humble and dedicated graduate, FSTE Mentor, Kushaal Kritesh Raj was the proud recipient of the VC’s award. To celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) gold medal recipients who graduated in April 2013 at Laucala Graduation, a morning tea was hosted and tokens presented to each recipient by the Dean of FSTE, Associate Professor Dr. Anjeela Jokhan. Faculty staff, some of whom had been lecturers, tutors and mentors of these students attended the function. The majority of these gold medal recipients have taken up the Graduate Assistant scholarships to pursue further studies in the Faculty. • Kushaal Kirtesh Raj (ViceChancellor’s Prize for the male graduate with the best combined academic performance and record of service to the community) • Joape Ganitoga Ginigini (for most outstanding Master of Science thesis)
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Avikesh Asheek Kumar and Nilesh Nirvaan Bilimoria (for outstanding overall results in Postgraduate Diploma) Nishchal Shivam Rai (for most outstanding graduate in FSTE and Mechanical/ Manufacturing Engineering) Komal Shandil (for most outstanding graduate with majors in Biology and Chemistry) Shelvin Chand (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Computing Science) Judith Beverly Foong Sui Giblin (for most outstanding graduate with major in Environmental Science) Edgar Haak (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Geography) Vijay Kumar (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Information Systems) Samit Sanjesh Prasad (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Physics)
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 1
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The University of the South Pacific Press Suva, Fiji, 2012
Plants from Tuvalu
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Students build Wind Turbines
Editors: Layout:
Afshana Anzeg Pauline Ryland Lasarusa Donu, MMT, CFL
Faculty Initiatives for First Years
Pauline Ryland
2013 began with a difference for first year students of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE). As learning and teaching evolves with increasing use of ICT tools together with globalization, the needs of our 21st Century Pacific Island students must be accommodated. At the same time the Faculty endorses the University of the South Pacific’s vision: “Achieving excellence and innovation for sustainable development of the Pacific Island countries”. For the last three consecutive years, enrolments at FSTE have continued to escalate as more people in the regional communities realize the importance of science in their daily lives as well as the opportunities in the job markets. The vigorous advertising through television, outreach in various communities, the Ivi Triangle enrolment drives, radio talk shows and road shows were all worth the while. A dynamic team of FSTE staff and students led by the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Bibhya Sharma, collaborated and worked tirelessly to assist and encourage new students to make meaningful enrolment choices and at the same time facilitate a smooth transition from their previous institutions to the USP life.
(ACTS) programme was conducted for sponsored students from the region from 29th January to 8th February. In the two weeks, participants learnt study and survival skills through interactive activities and information sessions. In the cultural exchange, students proudly showcased their culture through lively items. Certificates were awarded and the students came away confident to embrace the new semester.
Interested readers are welcome to view the contents of these modules through http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=11099 Free Digicel SIM cards and a chance to win prizes at a draw were rewards given to the attendees. FSTE is grateful to the sponsors: Digicel, Technix, Office Products, Form Scaff, Vodafone, Star Printery Ltd. and University Book Centre. All these initiatives culminated in the Welcome and Greet programme hosted by the Dean, Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan, on 22nd February at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies. She welcomed the new students and introduced the key contact people for the students such as the Deans, Heads of School, secretaries and administration staff, laboratory technicians, Student Learning Support team and the Mentors, and staff and student representatives were introduced. A highlight was the draw of the prizes for the Refresher Programme. Those who had been faithfully attending the sessions were duly rewarded with certificates of participation. The prizes included tablets, smart phones, headphones, USB, and book vouchers. Audience prizes of rugby balls were given to those who were able to answer quiz questions. The crowd was treated to sensational and exotic entertainment by the Vou Dance Group and the evening ended with food and fellowship.
A historic and timely Refresher Programme consisting of 10 interesting one-hour modules was especially developed and implemented for the first year students by FSTE’s highly qualified staff. During Orientation Week and Week 1 of the semester, the new students attended these modules which initiated them into the required skills and information to ensure that they were well equipped to face the challenges of university life and hit the ground running. Several parallel sessions were conducted throughout the week at the students’ convenience, so that they could still participate in other Orientation Week activities and attend lectures. The topics included:
Going to a new large institution can be a daunting experience, but the new programmes that were put in place to orientate the first year students gave them the edge in the new environment and its unique yet exciting demands. To begin with, the Academic and Cultural Orientation for Tertiary students
Page 2 | FSTE NEWSLETTER
• • • • • • • •
Mathematics Software; ICT Tools, Learning Labs – Safety to Facility; Time Management and Study Skills; Mlearning; Early Warning System; Understanding Course Outlines; Moodle Learning Management System; • Turnitin and Plagarism; • and Remedial Mathematics.
The Climate Zone Regional Finals
Sujlesh Sharma
Rishikul Sanatan College (Fiji) - the winners of Climate Zone final
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) in conjunction with the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD) organised the first ever regional secondary schools quiz on climate change called ‘The Climate Zone’. The Climate Zone was organised as part of the ongoing projects of the AusAID (Future Climate Leaders Project) and European Union (Global Climate Change Alliance project) to bring about awareness on the issue of climate change, mitigation, adaptation and related issues for the sustainable future of our island nations. Secondary schools from a total of five Pacific Island countries (PICs) (Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu) participated in this competition. National competitions were held in each of these PICs during June to October and the winning schools participated in the Climate Zone Regional Finals that was held at the USP Laucala Campus in December, 2012. The following were the national winners: Rishikul Sanatan College (Fiji), Avele College (Samoa), Liahona High School (Tonga), St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School (Solomon Islands) and Central College (Vanuatu). After a series of
ten games, Rishikul Sanatan College and St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School scored the highest and second highest points respectively, and competed in the Climate Zone Regional Finals. Rishikul Sanatan College was declared the winner and received the Climate Zone Trophy along with FJD1500. The team members each received FJD150. St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School, being the
runner-up school received FJD1000, while the team members each received FJD100. The Climate Zone quiz competition was well acknowledged by the people of Fiji and other PICs due to the awareness that was created on climate change issues. The Climate Zone Regional Finals was televised on Fiji One between February and March, 2013.
Regional Secondary Schools during the Climate Zone Quiz @ Laucala Campus, USP
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 3
PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference, Suva, 12-14 March 20
Connecting Research and Innovation for development in the Pacific
Enthusiastic discussions on results of the three year Pacific-European Network on Science and Technology (PACE-Net) were held by more than 120 delegates from about 17 Pacific and European countries and territories at the final PACE-Net Conference hosted by the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, Fiji from the 12th to the 14th of March. Fiji’s Minister for the Environment, Colonel Samuela Saumatua, in opening the Conference emphasized the need for policies to be founded on good scientific information, particularly because of the Pacific’s vulnerability to global change. He acknowledged that this was an area that needed strengthening in the Pacific. PACE-Net results included: strengthening the EU-Pacific bi-regional dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I); identifying the general absence of regional and national ST&I policies and plans in the Pacific; catalysing the formation of the “Pacific Islands University Research Network” (PIURN); and assisting initiation of a national ST&I policy framework process in Papua New Guinea. In addition, PACE-Net raised awareness of the critical importance of the Pacific – a region of extraordinary physical, social and economic diversity –to global sustainability and of the vulnerability of small island nations to global change.
PACE-Net participants
Andrew Jacob - EU head of delegation for the Pacific
Page 4 | FSTE NEWSLETTER
PACE-Net participant from French Polyniesia
Free Tablets for 600 Students in the Region
a paper-less higher education. According to the Chairperson of the USP mLearning Committee which manages the TLP and FSTE’s Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Dr. Bibhya Sharma, “Tablet learning can be seen to be a stepping stone for mLearning and the positive outcomes of this pilot project certainly herald an exciting future of mLearning at USP”. In order to promote mobile learning in the institution, the committee has also developed and introduced a number of SMS and webbased applications from 2012. They are committed to extending the use of mobile technologies to assist students with their studies. For more information on mLearning at USP, visit the website: http://www.usp. ac.fj/mlearning
Labasa Campus students with their new tablets
Raneel Kumar
The Vice Chancellor and the President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra, initiated the Tablet Learning Project (TLP) to enhance learning in the region. 600 USP students in the region were each handed a free tablet computer this semester to use for their studies. Students enrolled in the Mathematics, Information Systems, Economics, Tourism and Education disciplines at the Alafua, Emalus, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Lautoka and Labasa campuses received this new learning tool. Staff coordinating these distance and flexible learning courses were also recipients. With these tablets, the students have the added advantage of accessing their course materials at any time from any location using the Wi-Fi facility at the
campuses to access Internet. The tablets were pre-loaded with course materials, supplements and applications at the convenience of the students. The tablets are light and easy to carry compared to the big load of print materials the students are normally required to carry with them to their classes. This portable nature also means that the tablets can be taken to classrooms, field-trips, tutorials, lectures and basically anywhere enabling them to read, take notes, store and share information with their peers and instructors. Appreciation of this generous gesture was bestowed by the recipients to Professor Rajesh Chandra and all who were part of this project. In addition, The project is seen as a significant step by USP towards
Tonga campus
Samoa campus
Kiribati campus
Lautoka campus
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 5
Kabini voted the best
Inspiring team work and peer-peer learning amongst students can be very fruitful to both teaching and learning. For the first time studnets in a 300 level Biology course voted for a student in the class that helped them the most to learn during the semester. BI304: Conservation Biology is a course that emphasizes the underlying science used to set priorities, plan, and monitor and detect conservation problems. Dr Gilianne Brodie, the Course Coordinator said this type of initiative to reward students helps them boost their self confidence and increases their interest in the subject.
Mr Kabini Afia from Solomon Islands receiving his informal prize for being voted the best student for helping to learn
Shaping the Education for Tomorrow to Enhance Sustainable Development
In continuation of the school seminar presentation, the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences held an evening public lecture by Prof. Arjen Wals on the 11th of March at the Marine Lecture Hall. Prof. Arjen Wals is the UNESCO Chair of Social Learning and Sustainable Development and the Director of the Wageningen University Centre for Sustainable Development and Food Security in Netherlands. Prof. Wals’ lecture on “Shaping the Education for Tomorrow: How to Feed the World from the Perspective of Sustainability and Transformative Learning” emphasized the important role of education for sustainable development in terms of food security. Prof Wals spoke on his latest review of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD): “Shaping the Education of Tomorrow” which was launched at Rio +20. Prof. Wals started his lecture showing the state of confusion in which people find themselves in trying to make sense of sustainability issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, etc. He also emphasized that a lot of information is available about these issues, but often decision makers and scientists fail to agree about what is happening and what is actually needed. A good example, he pointed out was in drought-stricken countries of Africa where people are dying of lack of water, and although people living in these areas did not have water to drink, they had access to mobile phones which are not basic necessities for survival. He added that companies, media, schools and universities have dealt these issues in their own ways and have hardly found a way to deal with the “ill-defined issues” for which there is no one solution. Prof. Wals introduced some new forms of learning such as social learning and transformative learning that are emerging in the context of sustainability education and that would privilege the ‘green economy’ as a driver for societal transformation as opposed to the ‘green society’. One of Prof. Wals’ presentation slides had a message “We are the students of today, attending the schools of yesterday being taught by teachers of the past with methods from the Middle Ages to solve the problems of the Future”. He added that education had a vast impact on changing people’s mindset in managing these issues in a sustainable way and that different ways of educating people can create this change.
Prof. Arjen Wals delivering his public lecture
Page 6 | FSTE NEWSLETTER
Chemistry Outreach to Schools
The Chemical Society of the South Pacific (CSSP) promotes the science of Chemistry to young scientists (secondary school students) through the various activities (Titration competition, Chem-knowledge battle, poster competition and chemquiz) it organizes throughout the year. The CSSP works in partnership with various business houses to achieve its promotional goals and reward outstanding student(s) for their achievement. Many students have the opportunity to see some of the latest state of the art facilities at the USP chemistry labs well before they enter tertiary education, which makes them comprehend the importance of studying Chemistry. The year 2012 was a fruitful year for the Society as it was able to conduct all its activities successfully. The annual awards function is a much awaited event by the students as the most outstanding student(s) are rewarded on this day. The 2012 Awards function was held on the 13th of October and students were awarded in different categories in the various activities. Mobile phones courtesy of Vodafone Fiji was awarded to two students who topped their division (Form 6 and Form 7) in the National Titration competition. Outstanding students were awarded cash prizes in the Chem-quiz, Poster and Chem-Knowledge Battle. The Chief Guest for the awards function was Ms. Teresa Fautau, Human Resource Manager, Mobil Oil Fiji branch.
Ms Teresa Fautau presenting the award
Students competing in the Chem knowledge battle
Food Security Audit Workshop
where Food Security is currently located within the university’s research, education and community outreach, assess how it is being addressed, identify gaps and areas of synergy that may help give food security more prominence and, identify steps for moving forward. Dr Lako further commented that not only is Food Security one of the most pressing issues nationally, but it is also a regional and international concern, and especially now with the impact of climate change, it has become more visible than before. One of the key areas that we looked at was the food security policy or food and nutrition policy developed by the respective governments of the 8 countries in the region and whether Higher Education in those countries is addressing those policies through teaching, research and community outreach and services. In order to confirm our assumption, this audit is brought to USP to assess how USP is addressing food security within the region it serves and perhaps help us to (re)orient our education, research and community outreach towards addressing food security.
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences Roselyn Lata
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 7
The participants of the Food Security Audit Workshop 2013
The Food Security Audit Workshop was held at the PRIDE Conference Room and the ICT Lab on the 12th of March 2013. The workshop was facilitated by Dr Jimaima Lako, Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Dr. David Rohindra, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry. Dr Lako said that the USP Strategic Plan 2013-2018 stipulates moving the university from Good to Excellent and the university is generally working towards achieving its plan. Being relevant to the society is an important aspect of this strategic plan, where the university needs to showcase how to address the various needs and demands of the regional
countries. Food Security is one of the challenging issues in the region. Food security is when all people at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their nutritional needs. It encompasses food availability, accessibility, utilization and food system stability. Dr Lako highlighted that this audit exercise is the first step towards the realization of whether USP is really addressing food security and to what extent. In addressing Food Security in the region, we may also be able to identify
Professor Thaman hits a home run
Professor Randy Thaman has been elected as a member of the first IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) by the 1st Plenary of the newly established Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-1) in Bonn, Germany in January 2013. Established after seven years of negotiation, IPBES is the biodiversity equivalent to the extremely effective Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Climate change (IPCC). Professor Thaman will serve as one of 25 members of the MEP, which will ensure the scientific credibility and independence of the IPBES work. The 25 members are comprised of 5 nominees from each of five UN regional groups. As Fiji’s nominee, and subsequently one of the Asia-Pacific Group’s five nominees, he was elected by the Plenary to serve as a member of the initial MEP for the first three years of IPBES. Professor Thaman has also been selected as the Pacific Islands Member of the Ramsar Wetland Convention Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) for the triennial period 2013-2015.
Plants of Tuvalu is a timely, richly-illustrated contribution to the natural and cultural history of Tuvalu, the atolls of which are clearly on the front line against climate, environmental and economic change. It is an educational resource, a fragrant multi-flowered garland ( fou manogi gali ), that will help preserve the knowledge and respect that island people have for their very limited but precious plant life, the protection of which is their first and last line of defence against change. As an educationist, I very strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to better understand the intimate relationships that Pacific peoples have with plants, their island environment and one another. Dr. Konai Helu Thaman, Professor of Pacific Education and Culture, USP and UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and Culture
Mark Stephens
Plants of Tuvalu
Thaman, Fihaki and Fong
L ĀKAU MO MOUKU O TUVALU
R andy Thaman, Eliala Fihak i and Teddy Fong
TUVALU
Plants of
Furthermore, Professor Thaman alongside Geography graduates Eliala Fihaki and > Teddy Fong, have just published ‘Plants of Tuvalu: Laakau mo Mouki o Tuvalu’ by the USP Press (259 pp.) with support from SPC, UNDP, the Tuvalu Environment Department and the USP Research Office.
ISBN 978-982-01-0898-1 9 789820 108981
The University of the South Pacific Press Suva, Fiji, 2012
‘Plants of Tuvalu’ recently published by Thaman, Fihaki and Fong, USP Press
ACP Observatory Migration meeting hosted by USP
From February 26 – 28 Dr. Eberhard Weber was part of the 4th Academic Advisory Board meeting of the ACP Observatory on Migration, hosted by USP. The ACP Observatory on Migration is an initiative of the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, funded by the European Union, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a Consortium with 15 partners and with the financial support of Switzerland, IOM, the IOM Development Fund and UNFPA. Established in 2010, the ACP Observatory is an institution designed to produce data on South–South ACP migration for migrants, civil society and policymakers, and enhance research capacities in ACP countries for the improvement of the situation of migrants and the strengthening of the migration–development nexus. For the past 30 months 27 studies on various aspects of migration had been carried out under the ACP Observatory on Migration. 20 of them are in the final stage and will be published very soon.
Dr. Weber (2nd from right) amongst other delegates at the 4th Academic Advisory Board meeting of the ACP Observatory on Migration
Limestone caves - research expedition
In March 2013 Dr. Mark Stephens took part in a research expedition alongside Professor David Mattey and Ms. Ciara Thrush (both University of London) to investigate limestone caves that occur in Sigatoka and on Vatulele island. Sampling of stalagmites took place that will be later analysed through chemical methods to reconstruct chronologies of long-term climate change in the South Pacific. Also on the trip environmental monitoring of caves took place so as to better interpret the ancient chemical records. The research is part of a larger project aiming to reconstruct the longterm changes of the South Pacific Convergence Zone across the South Pacific region.
Page 8 | FSTE NEWSLETTER
Monitoring of CO2 levels in the entrance to Volivoli Cave
Putting the boot into the Anthropocene
The term Anthropocene was coined in 2000 by Crutzen and Stoermer to describe the present geological epoch, in which human activity has dominated many of the processes acting on the surface of the planet. The expression has caught the public imagination and has been widely adopted. It is, for example, the title of a new journal published by Elsevier, whose first issue is about to appear. The stratigraphic status of the proposed new epoch is currently being assessed by the Anthropocene Working Group of the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (International Commission on Stratigraphy). Meanwhile, its usage remains informal and the term awaits precise definition. In a paper published late last year in The Holocene, Stephen Gale and Peter Hoare of the School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment argued that there are serious difficulties in using stratigraphic methods to define the Anthropocene. In part this is a consequence of the worldwide diachroneity of human impact and the difficulty of establishing a single chronological datum for the epoch. Although several wide-ranging event markers exist (including bomb-produced isotopes), these fail to coincide with the global initiation of human activity and would appear of little value in defining the initiation of human impact. More significantly, Gale and Hoare suggested that much of the work undertaken on the Anthropocene lies beyond stratigraphy and that a stratigraphic definition of this epoch is unnecessary, constraining and arbitrary. Any definition of the new epoch must ultimately pass the test of utility; does it have value to those working in the field? The global stratigraphic approach as a whole may eventually prove of limited practical use in studies of human environmental impact.
FSTE invests in Student Support
FSTE takes its role in providing student learning support very seriously. In the past semesters, FSTE has introduced a number of ICT tools such as Early Warning System, mLearning & eLearning, etc. to enhance its student support and better facilitate student learning. More recently the faculty has appointed 3 Student Learning Specialists to provide learning support either face-toface or online. While two of the specialists provide support with English and academic skills, we also have a specialist to address the numeracy skills. Ms. Aluwesi Fonolahi specializes in Mathematics and Education. In her teaching career she has worked mainly with below average students and managed to motivate them and help them pass their mathematics papers. One of her key roles is to work with at-risk students in Mathematics. The faculty added another feather in its cap by joining the international PASS community. Ms. Afshana Anzeg (FSTE Student Learning Specialist) attended the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) supervisor training at the University of Wollongong and is now a certified PASS supervisor. PASS is an internationally recognized Peer Assisted Study programme which has been adopted by Universities in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. We aim to implement a similar programme for our science students in the near future.
Engineering Students Build Wind Turbines and Wave Energy Devices
Three Mechanical Engineering students (Ashneel Deo, Mohammed Illiyaz and Monil Dutt) have designed and built a 50W wind turbine as part of their MM300 course. The course requires students to place the skills and knowledge learnt to the test by designing and building solutions to general engineering problems. The project proves that apart from the generation components, a functional wind turbine can be built locally at a lower cost with ease. The turbine can be mounted on a tower or simply placed on a rooftop. Another team of 3 young engineers (Shavin Kumar, Sharvint Chand and Shamal Kumar) designed, built and tested a wave energy powered navigational buoy. The
Monil Dutt , Mohammed Illiyaz and Ashneel Deo, showing off their 50W wind turbine design
navigational buoy is intended to be used to warn ships and boats of hazardous reefs and other dangers at sea. The buoy lights were powered solely by the energy generated from the waves. The wave powered device is the first of its kind built
in the region and the design will be used as a platform for future projects. Continued on Page 10
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 9
Clean Energy Training Programme for the Pacific
A new program to help promote clean energy in the Pacific was launched at the University of the South Pacific in Suva on 12 February 2013. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Arizona State University (ASU), is implementing the Vocational Training and Education for Clean Energy (VOCTEC) programme to help improve the sustainability of renewable energy investments and infrastructure by increasing the regional capacity of qualified technical trainers and technicians to install, operate, and troubleshoot off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. VOCTEC, in partnership with USP, is implementing a two-year solar PV capacity-building programme customized for the Pacific Islands to support the sustainability of off-grid solar energy installations and help in the reduction of carbon emissions. Fifteen participants, including three women, from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands finished a two-week training for instructors on 15 February. This training focused on the design, installation, operation and maintenance of stand-alone solar PV systems. The programme will draw specialists from other countries and develop training partnerships through USP. The University will also serve as a hub for VOCTEC’s regional activities, which will include trainings to enhance the capacities of the vocational and educational institutions.
Participants at the training organized by VOCTEC
Return of Staff at School of Engineering and Physics
Ravin N Deo has returned to the School of Engineering and Physics after a 3.5 year study leave completing his PhD studies in Applied Geophysics at the School of Geosciences, Monash University in Australia. His work involved applying geophysical methods, originally developed for mineral exploration, to near-surface geotechnical and engineering related application. Apart from this, his work also involved development of low cost geophysical instrumentation for surface based geoelectric surveys.
Ravin N Deo
Page 10 | FSTE NEWSLETTER
FSTE mentors welcome firs
t years at first years evenin
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st Mentors welcome fir
years
VOU dance group en
tertaining first years
Prof. Gale at first year
s welcome evening
Roadshow in Lautok
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FREE Digicel sims and $10 talk time for refresher participants
Students attending FS
TE referesher works
hop
Morning tea for gold medalists
Dr Assaf at the engin
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holars ACIAR sc
hip recipie
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In this Issue
VC with Colonel Saumatua at PACE-Net conference
FSTE Scoops VC’s Prize
Refresher participants with their prizes
Plants of Tuvalu
Thaman, Fihaki and Fong Plants of Tuvalu is a timely, richly-illustrated contribution to the natural and cultural history of Tuvalu, the atolls of which are clearly on the front line against climate, environmental and economic change. It is an educational resource, a fragrant multi-flowered garland ( fou manogi gali ), that will help preserve the knowledge and respect that island people have for their very limited but precious plant life, the protection of which is their first and last line of defence against change. As an educationist, I very strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to better understand the intimate relationships that Pacific peoples have with plants, their island environment and one another. Dr. Konai Helu Thaman, Professor of Pacific Education and Culture, USP and UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and Culture
ISBN 978-982-01-0898-1 9 789820 108981
Sujlesh Sharma and Pauline Ryland
L ĀKAU MO MOUKU O TUVALU
R andy Thaman, Eliala Fihak i and Teddy Fong
TUVALU
Plants of
Humble and dedicated graduate, FSTE Mentor, Kushaal Kritesh Raj was the proud recipient of the VC’s award. To celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) gold medal recipients who graduated in April 2013 at Laucala Graduation, a morning tea was hosted and tokens presented to each recipient by the Dean of FSTE, Associate Professor Dr. Anjeela Jokhan. Faculty staff, some of whom had been lecturers, tutors and mentors of these students attended the function. The majority of these gold medal recipients have taken up the Graduate Assistant scholarships to pursue further studies in the Faculty. • Kushaal Kirtesh Raj (ViceChancellor’s Prize for the male graduate with the best combined academic performance and record of service to the community) • Joape Ganitoga Ginigini (for most outstanding Master of Science thesis)
•
Avikesh Asheek Kumar and Nilesh Nirvaan Bilimoria (for outstanding overall results in Postgraduate Diploma) Nishchal Shivam Rai (for most outstanding graduate in FSTE and Mechanical/ Manufacturing Engineering) Komal Shandil (for most outstanding graduate with majors in Biology and Chemistry) Shelvin Chand (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Computing Science) Judith Beverly Foong Sui Giblin (for most outstanding graduate with major in Environmental Science) Edgar Haak (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Geography) Vijay Kumar (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Information Systems) Samit Sanjesh Prasad (for most outstanding graduate with a major in Physics)
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 1
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>
The University of the South Pacific Press Suva, Fiji, 2012
Plants from Tuvalu
•
• •
• • •
Students build Wind Turbines
Editors: Layout:
Afshana Anzeg Pauline Ryland Lasarusa Donu, MMT, CFL
Faculty Initiatives for First Years
Pauline Ryland
2013 began with a difference for first year students of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE). As learning and teaching evolves with increasing use of ICT tools together with globalization, the needs of our 21st Century Pacific Island students must be accommodated. At the same time the Faculty endorses the University of the South Pacific’s vision: “Achieving excellence and innovation for sustainable development of the Pacific Island countries”. For the last three consecutive years, enrolments at FSTE have continued to escalate as more people in the regional communities realize the importance of science in their daily lives as well as the opportunities in the job markets. The vigorous advertising through television, outreach in various communities, the Ivi Triangle enrolment drives, radio talk shows and road shows were all worth the while. A dynamic team of FSTE staff and students led by the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Bibhya Sharma, collaborated and worked tirelessly to assist and encourage new students to make meaningful enrolment choices and at the same time facilitate a smooth transition from their previous institutions to the USP life.
(ACTS) programme was conducted for sponsored students from the region from 29th January to 8th February. In the two weeks, participants learnt study and survival skills through interactive activities and information sessions. In the cultural exchange, students proudly showcased their culture through lively items. Certificates were awarded and the students came away confident to embrace the new semester.
Interested readers are welcome to view the contents of these modules through http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=11099 Free Digicel SIM cards and a chance to win prizes at a draw were rewards given to the attendees. FSTE is grateful to the sponsors: Digicel, Technix, Office Products, Form Scaff, Vodafone, Star Printery Ltd. and University Book Centre. All these initiatives culminated in the Welcome and Greet programme hosted by the Dean, Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan, on 22nd February at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies. She welcomed the new students and introduced the key contact people for the students such as the Deans, Heads of School, secretaries and administration staff, laboratory technicians, Student Learning Support team and the Mentors, and staff and student representatives were introduced. A highlight was the draw of the prizes for the Refresher Programme. Those who had been faithfully attending the sessions were duly rewarded with certificates of participation. The prizes included tablets, smart phones, headphones, USB, and book vouchers. Audience prizes of rugby balls were given to those who were able to answer quiz questions. The crowd was treated to sensational and exotic entertainment by the Vou Dance Group and the evening ended with food and fellowship.
A historic and timely Refresher Programme consisting of 10 interesting one-hour modules was especially developed and implemented for the first year students by FSTE’s highly qualified staff. During Orientation Week and Week 1 of the semester, the new students attended these modules which initiated them into the required skills and information to ensure that they were well equipped to face the challenges of university life and hit the ground running. Several parallel sessions were conducted throughout the week at the students’ convenience, so that they could still participate in other Orientation Week activities and attend lectures. The topics included:
Going to a new large institution can be a daunting experience, but the new programmes that were put in place to orientate the first year students gave them the edge in the new environment and its unique yet exciting demands. To begin with, the Academic and Cultural Orientation for Tertiary students
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• • • • • • • •
Mathematics Software; ICT Tools, Learning Labs – Safety to Facility; Time Management and Study Skills; Mlearning; Early Warning System; Understanding Course Outlines; Moodle Learning Management System; • Turnitin and Plagarism; • and Remedial Mathematics.
The Climate Zone Regional Finals
Sujlesh Sharma
Rishikul Sanatan College (Fiji) - the winners of Climate Zone final
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) in conjunction with the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD) organised the first ever regional secondary schools quiz on climate change called ‘The Climate Zone’. The Climate Zone was organised as part of the ongoing projects of the AusAID (Future Climate Leaders Project) and European Union (Global Climate Change Alliance project) to bring about awareness on the issue of climate change, mitigation, adaptation and related issues for the sustainable future of our island nations. Secondary schools from a total of five Pacific Island countries (PICs) (Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu) participated in this competition. National competitions were held in each of these PICs during June to October and the winning schools participated in the Climate Zone Regional Finals that was held at the USP Laucala Campus in December, 2012. The following were the national winners: Rishikul Sanatan College (Fiji), Avele College (Samoa), Liahona High School (Tonga), St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School (Solomon Islands) and Central College (Vanuatu). After a series of
ten games, Rishikul Sanatan College and St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School scored the highest and second highest points respectively, and competed in the Climate Zone Regional Finals. Rishikul Sanatan College was declared the winner and received the Climate Zone Trophy along with FJD1500. The team members each received FJD150. St. Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School, being the
runner-up school received FJD1000, while the team members each received FJD100. The Climate Zone quiz competition was well acknowledged by the people of Fiji and other PICs due to the awareness that was created on climate change issues. The Climate Zone Regional Finals was televised on Fiji One between February and March, 2013.
Regional Secondary Schools during the Climate Zone Quiz @ Laucala Campus, USP
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 3
PACE-Net Key Stakeholder Conference, Suva, 12-14 March 20
Connecting Research and Innovation for development in the Pacific
Enthusiastic discussions on results of the three year Pacific-European Network on Science and Technology (PACE-Net) were held by more than 120 delegates from about 17 Pacific and European countries and territories at the final PACE-Net Conference hosted by the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, Fiji from the 12th to the 14th of March. Fiji’s Minister for the Environment, Colonel Samuela Saumatua, in opening the Conference emphasized the need for policies to be founded on good scientific information, particularly because of the Pacific’s vulnerability to global change. He acknowledged that this was an area that needed strengthening in the Pacific. PACE-Net results included: strengthening the EU-Pacific bi-regional dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I); identifying the general absence of regional and national ST&I policies and plans in the Pacific; catalysing the formation of the “Pacific Islands University Research Network” (PIURN); and assisting initiation of a national ST&I policy framework process in Papua New Guinea. In addition, PACE-Net raised awareness of the critical importance of the Pacific – a region of extraordinary physical, social and economic diversity –to global sustainability and of the vulnerability of small island nations to global change.
PACE-Net participants
Andrew Jacob - EU head of delegation for the Pacific
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PACE-Net participant from French Polyniesia
Free Tablets for 600 Students in the Region
a paper-less higher education. According to the Chairperson of the USP mLearning Committee which manages the TLP and FSTE’s Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Dr. Bibhya Sharma, “Tablet learning can be seen to be a stepping stone for mLearning and the positive outcomes of this pilot project certainly herald an exciting future of mLearning at USP”. In order to promote mobile learning in the institution, the committee has also developed and introduced a number of SMS and webbased applications from 2012. They are committed to extending the use of mobile technologies to assist students with their studies. For more information on mLearning at USP, visit the website: http://www.usp. ac.fj/mlearning
Labasa Campus students with their new tablets
Raneel Kumar
The Vice Chancellor and the President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra, initiated the Tablet Learning Project (TLP) to enhance learning in the region. 600 USP students in the region were each handed a free tablet computer this semester to use for their studies. Students enrolled in the Mathematics, Information Systems, Economics, Tourism and Education disciplines at the Alafua, Emalus, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Lautoka and Labasa campuses received this new learning tool. Staff coordinating these distance and flexible learning courses were also recipients. With these tablets, the students have the added advantage of accessing their course materials at any time from any location using the Wi-Fi facility at the
campuses to access Internet. The tablets were pre-loaded with course materials, supplements and applications at the convenience of the students. The tablets are light and easy to carry compared to the big load of print materials the students are normally required to carry with them to their classes. This portable nature also means that the tablets can be taken to classrooms, field-trips, tutorials, lectures and basically anywhere enabling them to read, take notes, store and share information with their peers and instructors. Appreciation of this generous gesture was bestowed by the recipients to Professor Rajesh Chandra and all who were part of this project. In addition, The project is seen as a significant step by USP towards
Tonga campus
Samoa campus
Kiribati campus
Lautoka campus
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 5
Kabini voted the best
Inspiring team work and peer-peer learning amongst students can be very fruitful to both teaching and learning. For the first time studnets in a 300 level Biology course voted for a student in the class that helped them the most to learn during the semester. BI304: Conservation Biology is a course that emphasizes the underlying science used to set priorities, plan, and monitor and detect conservation problems. Dr Gilianne Brodie, the Course Coordinator said this type of initiative to reward students helps them boost their self confidence and increases their interest in the subject.
Mr Kabini Afia from Solomon Islands receiving his informal prize for being voted the best student for helping to learn
Shaping the Education for Tomorrow to Enhance Sustainable Development
In continuation of the school seminar presentation, the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences held an evening public lecture by Prof. Arjen Wals on the 11th of March at the Marine Lecture Hall. Prof. Arjen Wals is the UNESCO Chair of Social Learning and Sustainable Development and the Director of the Wageningen University Centre for Sustainable Development and Food Security in Netherlands. Prof. Wals’ lecture on “Shaping the Education for Tomorrow: How to Feed the World from the Perspective of Sustainability and Transformative Learning” emphasized the important role of education for sustainable development in terms of food security. Prof Wals spoke on his latest review of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD): “Shaping the Education of Tomorrow” which was launched at Rio +20. Prof. Wals started his lecture showing the state of confusion in which people find themselves in trying to make sense of sustainability issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, etc. He also emphasized that a lot of information is available about these issues, but often decision makers and scientists fail to agree about what is happening and what is actually needed. A good example, he pointed out was in drought-stricken countries of Africa where people are dying of lack of water, and although people living in these areas did not have water to drink, they had access to mobile phones which are not basic necessities for survival. He added that companies, media, schools and universities have dealt these issues in their own ways and have hardly found a way to deal with the “ill-defined issues” for which there is no one solution. Prof. Wals introduced some new forms of learning such as social learning and transformative learning that are emerging in the context of sustainability education and that would privilege the ‘green economy’ as a driver for societal transformation as opposed to the ‘green society’. One of Prof. Wals’ presentation slides had a message “We are the students of today, attending the schools of yesterday being taught by teachers of the past with methods from the Middle Ages to solve the problems of the Future”. He added that education had a vast impact on changing people’s mindset in managing these issues in a sustainable way and that different ways of educating people can create this change.
Prof. Arjen Wals delivering his public lecture
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Chemistry Outreach to Schools
The Chemical Society of the South Pacific (CSSP) promotes the science of Chemistry to young scientists (secondary school students) through the various activities (Titration competition, Chem-knowledge battle, poster competition and chemquiz) it organizes throughout the year. The CSSP works in partnership with various business houses to achieve its promotional goals and reward outstanding student(s) for their achievement. Many students have the opportunity to see some of the latest state of the art facilities at the USP chemistry labs well before they enter tertiary education, which makes them comprehend the importance of studying Chemistry. The year 2012 was a fruitful year for the Society as it was able to conduct all its activities successfully. The annual awards function is a much awaited event by the students as the most outstanding student(s) are rewarded on this day. The 2012 Awards function was held on the 13th of October and students were awarded in different categories in the various activities. Mobile phones courtesy of Vodafone Fiji was awarded to two students who topped their division (Form 6 and Form 7) in the National Titration competition. Outstanding students were awarded cash prizes in the Chem-quiz, Poster and Chem-Knowledge Battle. The Chief Guest for the awards function was Ms. Teresa Fautau, Human Resource Manager, Mobil Oil Fiji branch.
Ms Teresa Fautau presenting the award
Students competing in the Chem knowledge battle
Food Security Audit Workshop
where Food Security is currently located within the university’s research, education and community outreach, assess how it is being addressed, identify gaps and areas of synergy that may help give food security more prominence and, identify steps for moving forward. Dr Lako further commented that not only is Food Security one of the most pressing issues nationally, but it is also a regional and international concern, and especially now with the impact of climate change, it has become more visible than before. One of the key areas that we looked at was the food security policy or food and nutrition policy developed by the respective governments of the 8 countries in the region and whether Higher Education in those countries is addressing those policies through teaching, research and community outreach and services. In order to confirm our assumption, this audit is brought to USP to assess how USP is addressing food security within the region it serves and perhaps help us to (re)orient our education, research and community outreach towards addressing food security.
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences Roselyn Lata
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 7
The participants of the Food Security Audit Workshop 2013
The Food Security Audit Workshop was held at the PRIDE Conference Room and the ICT Lab on the 12th of March 2013. The workshop was facilitated by Dr Jimaima Lako, Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Dr. David Rohindra, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry. Dr Lako said that the USP Strategic Plan 2013-2018 stipulates moving the university from Good to Excellent and the university is generally working towards achieving its plan. Being relevant to the society is an important aspect of this strategic plan, where the university needs to showcase how to address the various needs and demands of the regional
countries. Food Security is one of the challenging issues in the region. Food security is when all people at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their nutritional needs. It encompasses food availability, accessibility, utilization and food system stability. Dr Lako highlighted that this audit exercise is the first step towards the realization of whether USP is really addressing food security and to what extent. In addressing Food Security in the region, we may also be able to identify
Professor Thaman hits a home run
Professor Randy Thaman has been elected as a member of the first IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) by the 1st Plenary of the newly established Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-1) in Bonn, Germany in January 2013. Established after seven years of negotiation, IPBES is the biodiversity equivalent to the extremely effective Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Climate change (IPCC). Professor Thaman will serve as one of 25 members of the MEP, which will ensure the scientific credibility and independence of the IPBES work. The 25 members are comprised of 5 nominees from each of five UN regional groups. As Fiji’s nominee, and subsequently one of the Asia-Pacific Group’s five nominees, he was elected by the Plenary to serve as a member of the initial MEP for the first three years of IPBES. Professor Thaman has also been selected as the Pacific Islands Member of the Ramsar Wetland Convention Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) for the triennial period 2013-2015.
Plants of Tuvalu is a timely, richly-illustrated contribution to the natural and cultural history of Tuvalu, the atolls of which are clearly on the front line against climate, environmental and economic change. It is an educational resource, a fragrant multi-flowered garland ( fou manogi gali ), that will help preserve the knowledge and respect that island people have for their very limited but precious plant life, the protection of which is their first and last line of defence against change. As an educationist, I very strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to better understand the intimate relationships that Pacific peoples have with plants, their island environment and one another. Dr. Konai Helu Thaman, Professor of Pacific Education and Culture, USP and UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and Culture
Mark Stephens
Plants of Tuvalu
Thaman, Fihaki and Fong
L ĀKAU MO MOUKU O TUVALU
R andy Thaman, Eliala Fihak i and Teddy Fong
TUVALU
Plants of
Furthermore, Professor Thaman alongside Geography graduates Eliala Fihaki and > Teddy Fong, have just published ‘Plants of Tuvalu: Laakau mo Mouki o Tuvalu’ by the USP Press (259 pp.) with support from SPC, UNDP, the Tuvalu Environment Department and the USP Research Office.
ISBN 978-982-01-0898-1 9 789820 108981
The University of the South Pacific Press Suva, Fiji, 2012
‘Plants of Tuvalu’ recently published by Thaman, Fihaki and Fong, USP Press
ACP Observatory Migration meeting hosted by USP
From February 26 – 28 Dr. Eberhard Weber was part of the 4th Academic Advisory Board meeting of the ACP Observatory on Migration, hosted by USP. The ACP Observatory on Migration is an initiative of the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, funded by the European Union, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a Consortium with 15 partners and with the financial support of Switzerland, IOM, the IOM Development Fund and UNFPA. Established in 2010, the ACP Observatory is an institution designed to produce data on South–South ACP migration for migrants, civil society and policymakers, and enhance research capacities in ACP countries for the improvement of the situation of migrants and the strengthening of the migration–development nexus. For the past 30 months 27 studies on various aspects of migration had been carried out under the ACP Observatory on Migration. 20 of them are in the final stage and will be published very soon.
Dr. Weber (2nd from right) amongst other delegates at the 4th Academic Advisory Board meeting of the ACP Observatory on Migration
Limestone caves - research expedition
In March 2013 Dr. Mark Stephens took part in a research expedition alongside Professor David Mattey and Ms. Ciara Thrush (both University of London) to investigate limestone caves that occur in Sigatoka and on Vatulele island. Sampling of stalagmites took place that will be later analysed through chemical methods to reconstruct chronologies of long-term climate change in the South Pacific. Also on the trip environmental monitoring of caves took place so as to better interpret the ancient chemical records. The research is part of a larger project aiming to reconstruct the longterm changes of the South Pacific Convergence Zone across the South Pacific region.
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Monitoring of CO2 levels in the entrance to Volivoli Cave
Putting the boot into the Anthropocene
The term Anthropocene was coined in 2000 by Crutzen and Stoermer to describe the present geological epoch, in which human activity has dominated many of the processes acting on the surface of the planet. The expression has caught the public imagination and has been widely adopted. It is, for example, the title of a new journal published by Elsevier, whose first issue is about to appear. The stratigraphic status of the proposed new epoch is currently being assessed by the Anthropocene Working Group of the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (International Commission on Stratigraphy). Meanwhile, its usage remains informal and the term awaits precise definition. In a paper published late last year in The Holocene, Stephen Gale and Peter Hoare of the School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment argued that there are serious difficulties in using stratigraphic methods to define the Anthropocene. In part this is a consequence of the worldwide diachroneity of human impact and the difficulty of establishing a single chronological datum for the epoch. Although several wide-ranging event markers exist (including bomb-produced isotopes), these fail to coincide with the global initiation of human activity and would appear of little value in defining the initiation of human impact. More significantly, Gale and Hoare suggested that much of the work undertaken on the Anthropocene lies beyond stratigraphy and that a stratigraphic definition of this epoch is unnecessary, constraining and arbitrary. Any definition of the new epoch must ultimately pass the test of utility; does it have value to those working in the field? The global stratigraphic approach as a whole may eventually prove of limited practical use in studies of human environmental impact.
FSTE invests in Student Support
FSTE takes its role in providing student learning support very seriously. In the past semesters, FSTE has introduced a number of ICT tools such as Early Warning System, mLearning & eLearning, etc. to enhance its student support and better facilitate student learning. More recently the faculty has appointed 3 Student Learning Specialists to provide learning support either face-toface or online. While two of the specialists provide support with English and academic skills, we also have a specialist to address the numeracy skills. Ms. Aluwesi Fonolahi specializes in Mathematics and Education. In her teaching career she has worked mainly with below average students and managed to motivate them and help them pass their mathematics papers. One of her key roles is to work with at-risk students in Mathematics. The faculty added another feather in its cap by joining the international PASS community. Ms. Afshana Anzeg (FSTE Student Learning Specialist) attended the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) supervisor training at the University of Wollongong and is now a certified PASS supervisor. PASS is an internationally recognized Peer Assisted Study programme which has been adopted by Universities in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. We aim to implement a similar programme for our science students in the near future.
Engineering Students Build Wind Turbines and Wave Energy Devices
Three Mechanical Engineering students (Ashneel Deo, Mohammed Illiyaz and Monil Dutt) have designed and built a 50W wind turbine as part of their MM300 course. The course requires students to place the skills and knowledge learnt to the test by designing and building solutions to general engineering problems. The project proves that apart from the generation components, a functional wind turbine can be built locally at a lower cost with ease. The turbine can be mounted on a tower or simply placed on a rooftop. Another team of 3 young engineers (Shavin Kumar, Sharvint Chand and Shamal Kumar) designed, built and tested a wave energy powered navigational buoy. The
Monil Dutt , Mohammed Illiyaz and Ashneel Deo, showing off their 50W wind turbine design
navigational buoy is intended to be used to warn ships and boats of hazardous reefs and other dangers at sea. The buoy lights were powered solely by the energy generated from the waves. The wave powered device is the first of its kind built
in the region and the design will be used as a platform for future projects. Continued on Page 10
FSTE NEWSLETTER | Page 9
Clean Energy Training Programme for the Pacific
A new program to help promote clean energy in the Pacific was launched at the University of the South Pacific in Suva on 12 February 2013. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Arizona State University (ASU), is implementing the Vocational Training and Education for Clean Energy (VOCTEC) programme to help improve the sustainability of renewable energy investments and infrastructure by increasing the regional capacity of qualified technical trainers and technicians to install, operate, and troubleshoot off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. VOCTEC, in partnership with USP, is implementing a two-year solar PV capacity-building programme customized for the Pacific Islands to support the sustainability of off-grid solar energy installations and help in the reduction of carbon emissions. Fifteen participants, including three women, from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands finished a two-week training for instructors on 15 February. This training focused on the design, installation, operation and maintenance of stand-alone solar PV systems. The programme will draw specialists from other countries and develop training partnerships through USP. The University will also serve as a hub for VOCTEC’s regional activities, which will include trainings to enhance the capacities of the vocational and educational institutions.
Participants at the training organized by VOCTEC
Return of Staff at School of Engineering and Physics
Ravin N Deo has returned to the School of Engineering and Physics after a 3.5 year study leave completing his PhD studies in Applied Geophysics at the School of Geosciences, Monash University in Australia. His work involved applying geophysical methods, originally developed for mineral exploration, to near-surface geotechnical and engineering related application. Apart from this, his work also involved development of low cost geophysical instrumentation for surface based geoelectric surveys.
Ravin N Deo
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FSTE mentors welcome firs
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VOU dance group en
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Prof. Gale at first year
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Roadshow in Lautok
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FREE Digicel sims and $10 talk time for refresher participants
Students attending FS
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Morning tea for gold medalists
Dr Assaf at the engin
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