By Lakhram Bhagirat
Curiosity leads us down the path of beautiful journeys at times and sometimes it can lead us down a path where we never envision ourselves going. Being curious only drives the need to discover answers to the many questions we have and along the curious path, we often discover ourselves.
We discover what we want to do and how we want to be for the days, months, years to come. It was that very curiousness that led Oceana O’Dean to discover what she wanted to do with her life.
The 29-year-old has always been a curious one and to this day, she remains somewhat curious about the things around her. It is what fuels her drive to be the best in what she does. She not only sits back and thinks but she has been getting down and dirty for almost her entire life.
The field of work she is in requires that she gets down and dirty because our collective future depends on it. O’Dean is a Research Scientist in the Plant Pathology, Entomology and Weed Science Department at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Quite exciting, isn’t it?
“I was always a curious child and was always getting my hands dirty, climbing trees, picking up bugs, rearing butterflies. That interest in science grew as I got older. After being introduced to more theoretical and practical work in secondary school, I grew even more intrigued and decided to follow that line as a profession,” she said when asked about whether the love for science has always been there.
To understand her journey, one must understand her upbringing. O’Dean was born in the village of Eversham in the Ancient County of Berbice, but brought up in the city of Georgetown. Though city-bred, she remained a country girl at heart with the same qualities and love for nature.
Her parents had known the limitations of growing up in the countryside and were set on giving her and her sister better opportunities and had thus moved the family to the capital city. But despite living in the city, the girls had a country upbringing. O’Dean spent almost all of her vacation time in Berbice.
“I remember going fishing, running and playing with my cousins, since we had no brothers they took up the role and were extremely protective. Going for family outings at the 63 Beach, or going exploring in the yard. It was always the best holidays.
“School came with its challenges, but my parents always emphasised the importance of a good education. It was instilled that with education and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Our parents made sure that we were always on top of our studies and staying out of trouble. They were also very protective. However, looking back on that time, I wouldn’t change anything,” she recounted.
After completing her secondary education at the Christ Church Secondary School, O’Dean gained seven subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations and later applied to the University of Guyana. There, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and graduated in 2012. She recalls seeing close to 50 other students graduating with the same credentials and knew then that she had to pursue her Master’s Degree in Forest Biology to remain a step ahead of her peers. When she accomplished that goal in 2016, she thought her career as a student had finally come to an end; however, that perspective changed when she started working at NAREI.
“The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute is one of the few governmental organisations that conduct research as part of their mandate. I had always wanted to work at NAREI since they were renowned for their research and extension capabilities. After graduating with a MSc in Forest Biology in which I would have focused on butterflies for my thesis, I decided to apply for a position in the Institute and by the grace of God, was successful. Not only had I been hired, but I had been offered a position in the exact department I was hoping for. I couldn’t be happier. At the time of employment, I was tasked with supervising the Plant Pathology, Entomology and Weed Science Department and still hold this position today. I must admit this was a new environment with new faces and it wasn’t all kittens and rainbows, but with the help of my understanding supervisors and staff, I was able to adapt to the new normal.”
She notes that being a woman in such a male-dominated field has led her to always being on top of her game. That level of being on top is especially important when dealing with farmers and other stakeholders. However, NAREI has a community which is geared around helping staff to reach their full potential. Also, the staff under her supervision are hardworking and thought-provoking, according to her.
“They push me to work harder as I would push them.
“I am responsible for ensuring the effective management of all activities in the Department. This includes research, laboratory work, the cataloguing of specimens and release of information to stakeholders and clientele. I have authored or co-authored a number of technical articles which have been published in NAREI’s Annual Reports. My interests are in the field of Entomology, however, because of my position I have had to become involved in both Plant Pathology and Weed Science. As such, I have investigated topics relating to insect behaviour, biological control, plant and disease forecasting, evaluation of bio-pesticides and their effectiveness in controlling pre-emergent weeds and fungal-fungal interactions,” O’Dean said.
When asked what advice she would give to a young girl contemplating joining her field of work, this is what O’Dean had to say:
“I would advise young girls to continue in the area and not get discouraged. Agriculture is more than just farming, it’s about research and development, problem-solving, critical thinking, project management, business and much more. There are many areas which may be applicable to you. Believe in yourself, despite your challenges. Work hard and you can achieve anything.”
