Barbadian MIT professor awarded among top scientists in the Americas

A Barbadian scientist who turned his father’s carpentry shop into a makeshift chemistry lab as a child has been recognised as one of the Western Hemisphere’s leading minds with a dozen inventions by the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Dr Cardinal Warde, 79, a professor of electrical engineering at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was the sole Caribbean representative among seven scientists honoured at the seventh OAS Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Science and Technology (REMYCT).

The ceremony celebrated pioneering researchers from Barbados, Canada, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States for their exceptional contributions and commitment to fostering cooperation across OAS member states.

Born in Christ Church, and educated at Harrison College, Dr Warde went on to earn his doctorate in physics from Yale University in 1974 before joining MIT, where he established himself as a leading expert in materials and systems for optical information processing and displays.

His groundbreaking work in optoelectronics spans optical computing, wireless communication and holography. He has developed innovative optical neural network processors and light modulators that have advanced brain-like computing and high-resolution imaging technologies, securing 12 patents for his inventions.

Beyond academia, Dr Warde has founded several successful technology ventures, including Optron Systems and Radiant Images, Inc., which specialise in optoelectronic systems and displays.

As president of the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology and Innovation (CADSTI) and interim executive director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, Dr Warde has dedicated himself to advancing science education in the Caribbean. He oversees the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), a rigorous summer initiative preparing gifted students for careers in science and engineering.

Dr Warde has also established the Rosetta Irene Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund to support higher education for students from the English-speaking Caribbean, whilst serving as a scientific adviser to the Government of Barbados and other regional entities.

His previous accolades include the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence and the Caribbean-American Heritage Award. He is a Fellow of The Optical Society and holds honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

(BT/NewsAmericaNow)