Telecoms innovator to rap with students

LOCAL SCIENCE, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with telecoms innovator Jesse Russell.

Russell, regarded in some circles, as the 'father of the cellphone', arrives in the island on Monday for a week-long visit. During his stay he will hold rap sessions with STEM students at the University of Technology (UTech) as well as Northern Caribbean University (NCU). In addition, he will present a public lecture on 'The future impact of the digital revolution' at UTech on Wednesday, commencing at 1:30 p.m.

A KEY INNOVATOR

Russell, who formerly directed AT&T's Telecoms Laboratory in the United States, is at the heart of the telecoms revolution right up to and including 4G. Since 1992 he holds 75 patents in digital cellular technologies, dual-mode digital cellular phones, and digital software radio.

"Over the next 50 years Jamaica can use science and technology to advance economic development," explains Lloyd Vermont of Jamaica Foundation for Innovation who is hosting Russell's visit. This is part of the foundation's Innovator-in-Residence Project. The project, according to Vermont, is "to foster the production of more inventors, innovators and patent owners to power our development into the future from home grown R&D and inventions coming out of our own efforts."

He points to scientific innovations by Jamaicans such as:

• T.P Lecky who developed three tropical breeds of cattle
• Leigh Evans who developed Tia Maria liqueur
• Prof Manley West who co-developed Canasol for the treatment of leukaemia
• Dr Henry Lowe in his pursuit to develop prostate cancer medication
• Dr Ian Sangster, who developed the Sangster range of liqueurs

"I am hoping that the interactions with Jesse will create the 'Aha moments' with his audience saying 'You know, meeting him is leading me to think that I can become a change-maker too in my career'," said Vermont.

"The project, according to Vermont, is "to foster the production of more inventors, innovators and patent owners"

Tuesday - 2-4 p.m.

First rap sessions with UTech students

Wednesday - 1:30 p.m.

Public lecture at UTech on 'The Future Impact of the Digital Revolution'

2:30-4 p.m.

Second rap sessions UTech Students

Thursday, 2-4 p.m.

Rap Session with NCU students