As a university focused on using research for the upliftment of its community, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine (UWI STA), the premier tertiary institution in the region, producing world-class scholars, believes science should be accessible to the public. We are pleased to present our media series, “UWI Scientists Speak”. In this series, our scientists—three of whom received the nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in 2023 and one in 2024—will showcase some of their work.
This week, we hear from Dr Letetia Addison about her transformative work using data-driven insights to build multidisciplinary, sustainable models in climate change.
Dr Addison is an experienced educator, statistician, and researcher at the UWI. She specialises in mathematics and statistics education and develops predictive, data-driven models for climate change sustainability.
–Prof Rose-Marie Belle AntoinePrincipal, UWI STA
Data is undeniably playing a pivotal role in Caribbean development. My passion for building mathematical and statistical models has sparked my interest in contributing data-driven insights to construct multidisciplinary, sustainable approaches in various projects in climate resilience.
As a researcher and educator, I have witnessed the remarkable influence data can wield in tackling intricate issues and fostering tangible progress.
At the core of my approach is the belief that traditional methods alone are insufficient to tackle the intricacies of contemporary problems. I integrate data-driven modelling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainability to develop predictive models that address the root causes of issues related to climate change, for instance, flood risk prediction and coastal resilience.
By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we can leverage the expertise, resources, and real-world insights of both sectors to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges facing the Caribbean.
This collaborative approach not only enriches our research endeavours but ensures our sustainable models are practical, scalable, and directly applicable to the needs of communities and industries across the region.
My work in climate change begins with the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. Through rigorous data analysis, I uncover hidden patterns and correlations that provide invaluable insights into the unique dynamics of our Caribbean region.
By integrating these insights into sustainable data-driven models, I aim to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions that mitigate environmental impact and foster resilience.
In 2022, I led a cross-campus UWI team to first place in the Growth and Resilience Dialogue Climate Resilience Data Challenge. Our prototype predicted flood risk using temperature and rainfall data, offering actionable insights for the OECS region.
Inspired by this, I have continued to pursue AI-powered, data-driven models to solve complex climate problems. One of my current projects, AI4SIDS, is a cutting-edge climate resilience platform proposal for SIDS.
I led this effort along with a multidisciplinary team of talented fellow UWI graduate students and colleagues, including Mr Akil Hosang, Mr Trevon Tewari, Ms Tamia-Ashley Tuitt, Dr Kris Manohar, and Prof Patrick Hosein. We received first place among 114 global entries at the 2024 COP29 Global AI Innovation Challenge in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The proof of concept for the AI4SIDS platform uses community-level data, satellite imagery, river gauge and weather inputs—and even social media—to predict flood risk in real-time.
We are also experimenting with embedding a generative AI component into the system to simulate stakeholder scenarios and support community education. With national partners such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), we are looking forward to testing this pilot platform to evaluate its scalability and policy impact as a digital public good.
I am also part of AI4COASTS, an exciting 18-month research project collaboration between UWI scientists and international partners from the University of Dublin, funded by the Our Shared Ocean Programme supported by Irish Aid. Our goal is to improve coastal resilience in data-scarce regions like the Caribbean.
The project uses machine learning to predict flood risk, identify alternative data sources, and enhance outreach in vulnerable communities. This collaborative effort is driven by the expertise of Dr Deborah Villaroel-Lamb (lecturer in Coastal Engineering and project originator), Professor Patrick Hosein (Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering), and Dr Md Salauddin (Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Dublin), combining strengths in coastal engineering, civil infrastructure, and AI innovation.
Across these projects, my goal is to guide the decision-making process, particularly in data-sparse locations such as the Caribbean. Stakeholder engagement is central to these projects, including partnerships with government agencies and community organisations, with a focus on accessing and exploring datasets.
Of course, we face real barriers—limited access to data, unequal access to technology, and deep-rooted systemic challenges. However, through inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration, we can overcome these hurdles. My vision is clear: to use data to empower decision-makers, support local communities, and build resilient futures for generations to come.
As the climate crisis accelerates, we must move from reactive to proactive planning. The tools are available. The time is now. I hope this work inspires others—especially young Caribbean scientists—to join in building sustainable, data-driven solutions that support our region and beyond.
For more information on my ongoing research and collaborative innovation projects in climate resilience, such as AI4SIDS and AI4COASTS, visit https://climate.lab.tt/.