Young Biologist on a mission to make biotechnology a blooming field in Guyana

I hope to make the field of biotechnology a blooming field where we can be able to contribute to and compete on the global market in areas such as therapeutics, drug development, Genetics, and so much more. 

When thinking about biotechnology, many people picture a scientist in a lab coat, developing a lifesaving drug or medical device. While this image represents one common biotechnology career path, lab work is not the only option. 

Novindra Chatreman

With many exciting discoveries to make and new problems to solve, biotechnology professionals can make a difference in the lives of others in many ways. One person who is looking to make a difference in the lives of Guyanese is Novindra Chatreman. He is on a mission to make the field a blooming one in Guyana. 

Novindra was born on Monday, the 3rd of November 1997, at the Suddie Hospital to Gansham Chatreman and Leelawattie Badunauth. He grew up with his two siblings in Golden Fleece – a famous village in Region Two known for rice cultivation and agriculture. 

Over the years, it has harnessed and produced some of the brightest minds that have continued to contribute to the development of our country significantly. 

Growing up on the Essequibo Coast was very simple; I had access to almost everything that any child my age would need. However, I always had a different personality from other typical kids. I always had a curious mind, and I was an introvert. This has over the years done me well, especially in the science field. This environment allowed and fostered my curiosity since I always wanted more. This pushed me to always work hard and appreciate the little things in life, small achievements whatever the type matter the most.

Novindra attended the Fisher Primary School and was then awarded a spot at the Abram Zuil Secondary School. In 2014, the young man graduated from the Abram Zuil Secondary School with eleven (11) subjects. According to the 23-year-old, his love for the science field led him to pursue an Associate Degree in Biology at the University of Guyana. 

Novindra said that he fell in love with the program during his 2nd year when he was introduced and exposed to the field’s limitless possibilities. 

“When I first started my journey as an undergraduate, I was very unsure as to what I wanted to do and the path I wanted to take. Transitioning from a living on the coast to living alone in the “town” life was no easy task. But with the guidance of numerous persons, I was able to push through. Over the years I spent as an undergraduate, I developed a love for the Microbes and the Molecular Sciences, this led me to pursue a final year thesis in the field of Environmental Microbiology.” 

He added, “For my final year thesis, I focused on the pathogenic bacteria that are found on fish and fishery products, a review paper that was successfully published in the Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences with the guidance of two of my Supervisors and mentors Ms. Diana Seecharran and Dr. Abdullah Ansari.” 

In 2018, Novindra graduated with his Associates of Science (ASc) in Biology with Distinction. That same year, he applied for the Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a focus in Biotechnology and completed the program with a Distinction. He will be graduating next year if COVID-19 allows.  

 Throughout my undergraduate, I worked and studied, a life hack that I have learned to manage. I’m currently employed as a Part-Time Cashier Supervisor with the Giftland Mall – a job that has taught me so much about the working environment. I’m also attached to the University of Guyana, Department of Biology as a Tutor/Lab Demonstrator, where I teach and conduct tutorials and Laboratory Sessions, an opportunity that I’m grateful for that has taught me so much over the past 2 years. An opportunity that has allowed me to interact with young individuals who are now starting their academic studies, and the guidance I can offer them to navigate through a difficult yet one of the most amazing parts of their academic journey.

Biotechnology is among one the fastest growing fields in the science community. It is also among the most diverse and technically capable fields that can solve many of the current problems we regularly face. 

An interesting and exciting field that captured my attention throughout my undergrad was the field of Biotechnology and Genetics, the possibilities and the benefits of this field if developed, can be countless. I hope that I can continue my studies in the field of Molecular Genetics, Genetic Engineering, and Advanced Biotechnology. Among one of the major reasons to pursue this area of science comes in a time where our county (Guyana) is very much undeveloped in the field Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.

With changing conditions to our environments and country as a whole, this young Biologist believes that the advancement in Biotechnology would address some of the issues that Caribbean countries face as a direct result of climate change and the new emerging disease outbreaks.

Novindra Chatreman

According to Novindra, by advancing our studies, research, and improvement in the area of genetic engineering, marine biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture, we would be able to develop genetically modified crops to improve our food security sectors better, whether it be terrestrial or aquatic. 

This, along with epidemiology and disease surveillance, could pave the way to tackle some of the major problems the Agriculture sector has been facing over the years.

Given that Guyana is set to be a pioneer in the Oil and Gas sector, Novindra said that Biotechnology would be vital in the sector. He added that it has the scope to deal with many of the problems that can originate from this industry, such as oil spills, wastewater treatment, marine pollution, and ecosystem health. 

My aspirations to further develop this field also stems from the fact that there are very few persons that are Certified as Biotechnologist in our country at the moment, lack of technical services and brain drain is one of the major problems our country currently faces. I aspire to change the development of the science sector and to aid in the development of this field of science through advancing my studies, training, and knowledge to contribute to this sector.

The young man said that one of the things he is passionate about is encouraging youths to seek opportunities available to them and build and network since it can go a long way.

With a love and passion for the molecular sciences, Novindra has his eyes set on pursuing his graduate studies in the field of Genetics and, ultimately, his Ph.D. He hopes to make the field of biotechnology blooming and put Guyana on the radar. Besides, the 23-year-old hopes to give back to his community and develop his hometown.