Mervin St. Luce of Paix-Bouche has received a PhD in Soil Science from the world-renowned McGill University in Canada.
Research for his PhD, which was conferred in April 2013, improved the understanding of how easily mineralizable soil organic nitrogen fractions are formed and mineralized by soil microorganisms and the extent to which these fractions contribute to nitrogen availability.
His findings will help in improving nitrogen fertilizer management in agricultural soils.
During the PhD program, Dr. St. Luce presented some of his findings at international conferences. Thus far, he has published two articles in peer-reviewed journals (one was published in Advances in Agronomy in 2011, which has the highest impact factor for a journal in agronomy); one article is currently under review, while three others are in preparation for submission.
He also served as the Graduate Student Representative for the Canadian Society of Soil Science for two years.
St. Luce is the son of Nathalie Ferrol, Principal of the Savanne Paille Primary School, and Mervin Leonard St. Luce who resides in Guadeloupe. He is also the step-son of Alick Ferrol.
He attended the Paix-Bouche Primary School, Portsmouth Secondary School and Dominica State College (formerly the Clifton Dupigny Community College).
While attending the Dominica State College, he developed a keen interest in soil science and therefore decided to work towards that goal.
St. Luce was awarded a full government scholarship in 2000 to pursue a degree in Agriculture at UWI, St. Augustine campus in Trinidad. He received several awards at UWI, including the Frederick Hardy Award for the best performance in Soil Science, and graduated in 2003 with a B.Sc. in General Agriculture (1st Class Honours).
He then worked as a Research Assistant for one year at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in Dominica, before returning to UWI in 2004 on a UWI postgraduate scholarship to pursue a Masters of Philosophy degree in Soil Science under the supervision of Dr. Gregory Gouveia and Dr. Gaius Eudoxie. Subsequently, he was re-employed by CARDI-Dominica as a Research Assistant.
After getting married and starting a family, St. Luce began his search for PhD opportunities in Soil Science.
In October 2009, he was selected among many applicants for a PhD scholarship from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC; synonymous to the Ministry of Agriculture) to work on a project aimed at gaining a better understanding of nitrogen dynamics in Canadian agricultural systems.
In January 2010, he enrolled at McGill University under the supervision of Prof. Joann Whalen of McGill and Dr. Noura Ziadi of AAFC. The research project was funded by the Sustainable Agricultural Environment Systems (SAGES) of AAFC. Dr. St. Luce collaborated with many researchers across Canada, notably Dr. Bernie Zebarth, Dr. Cynthia Grant, Dr. Edward Gregorich and Dr. Martin Chantigny of AAFC.
St. Luce attributes his success to his faith in God, to his mother, who instilled the drive for education and excellence in his childhood, and the love and support of his wife, Esther.
He is thankful to Ophelia Lee (aunt), the Pastor and members of the Paix-Bouche Baptist Church, Evangel Pentecostal Church in Quebec City, and family and friends for their support and prayers. He is particularly grateful for the support of his current (Drs. Ziadi, Whalen and Zebarth) and former mentors (Drs. Gouveia and Eudoxie of UWI in Trinidad, and Dr. Gregory Robin of CARDI).
Dr. St. Luce said he is looking forward to utilizing his knowledge and experience to make a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector in Dominica.
Congratulations Dr. Luce!
Sorry to be late but I just discovered the above news article and would feel amiss if I didn’t acknowledge it.
You have chosen such an important field in which to make your contribution and I rejoice with you because I expect the world will benefit from your success.
The road of life is paved with choices. God has said “They who honor me I will honor,…” Mervin, If you honor Him in every area of your life He will honor you beyond all your expectations! Your career will take you to ever higher pinnacles of accomplishments – not for your benefit alone – but for His glory of God and the good of mankind.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D., International Evangelist.
I am so proud of you Mervin. Congrats! You did great.
Momo,
With God your side you can achieve anything you set your mind to achieve. You did it your way Momo.
I am late in joining the many persons who have been sending congratulatory messages. Well done my boy, hard work pays..You went through your struggles and your grinds now its time to celebrate your achievements. Do it in style.
Za yo dit yo dit!!!!!!
You have made all of us proud.Esther stood by you through thick and thin, enjoy your successes.
Continue to be your humble self and all the rest will fall in line. Congrats once again
This is a wonderful achievement, you have made yourself, your family and country proud, congratulations, son of the Soil.
I am oh soooooooo proud of you Mez!!!! I know you will continue to do great things! Big up to Paix-Bouche massive!
A heartfelt thanks to all the well-wishers in Dominica and all over the world. Your comments and suggestions were greatly appreciated. Let’s put our efforts and skills together to enhance the economic, social and overall well-being of our nation.
Sincerest thanks to DNO for publishing this article.
skerrit will vex mister going an make more money dan him
Dr st. Luce am proud of you, you have always been a bright faithful young man, God has reward you, god bless your wife for supporting you. I know you can preach well to, you are do well rounded, Jesus take the wheel. Anen
Congratulations to you my brethren and friend, Dr. Mervin St. Luce. When God is the picture one can move mountains. Your faith in God and your drive for excellence has made you who you are. May God continue to shower you and your family with the blessings you have earned and more…
Teacher Nathalie Ferrol, I know you are proud of this achievement. Congratulations to you as well and God’s blessings too…
To u mervin congrats keep making your family proud especially your mom , father son , brothers , cousin ,u deserve it keep up the good work continue work hard cause that’s u, don’t let those stupid and negative comments bring u down. This people that put that shit up ther is jealous they jelous , they just wish it was them or there family ,just shake them hatters off cuz and keep making the paixbouche community proud ,did u here the name paixbouche congrats cuz lol
Don’t pay attention to those stupid and ignorant comment, they wish it was them or their family hatters
congrats Mervin, you did well. You had God and all these good people supporting you.
“Dr. St. Luce said he is looking forward to utilizing his knowledge and experience to make a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector in Dominica.”
Yes, it is high time we brought our agricultural scientist together to rebuild our agriculture sector. Time is of the essence….
Kudos to you my brother. I always knew you had it in you. Regardless of you status please remember that someone out helped you somehow. remain focus my brother and may GOD continue to richly Bless you.
Congratulations Mervin and also to Esther for playing her part in helping you to attain your goal. He is the second Doctor to come out of the Paix Bouche Primary School; his wife’s uncle (Cuthbert George) was the first, but sadly passed away before he could use his knowledge to good use in Dominica.
Congrats Mervin! Having met you at UWI, it didn`t take long to recognize your brilliance; you were always being awarded in your faculty! I`m very proud of what you`ve accomplished both as a fellow Dominican and a friend. I expect great things in your future. Just keep that cool calm demeanour and know that you have alot of support. Cheers!
congrats coz…always knew u had it in you; really the most remarkable thing about you is your humility…well done
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! That quiet fella in my high school class now with a big doctorate. Proud of you!
since i know mervin he studying we pal.thats a very bright young man and his studies really paid off.i know some people that left paixbouche to go and study for about twenty+ years and they still studying.i hope they come out with great rewards like mervin.
20YRS! LOL
Mama
I am so proud of you my son.I knew at the earliest that you would achieve such great success in your life. Although the road was long and dreary at times, you continued along since the Creator, Esther and your darling mum were beside you. This is your moment. Be proud and feel proud mowmow.
congrats my friend n former classmate, always said you were going to do it, i see you have achieved your goal…
congrats also on the behalf of the class of 1999 of the Clifton Dupigny Community College agri class… that was indeed a special class… we always pushed each other to achieve… all from humble beginnings too
keep on striving my friend
thanks to every body for their support .so much names but his wife….why????????.i know his wife supported him to.good job mrs esther-royer-stluce
So, what Jesus had no letters to his name!
Kudos to you Dr. Mervin St Luce. I am very very proud of you. You have made us extremely proud in paix bouche and by extension Dominica. keep up the good work and i know that the good lord was at the helm of your success so all praise and thank to the most high.
Jealous?…for what?…..70 short years and we will be all dead, give your life to Jesus people, hell is eternal
Doh put Jesus in your thing. Your hater.
Excellent comrade!! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!! You have made Paix-Bouche and by extension Dominica proud.
Congratulations Cuz…Certainly sure the family in Paix Bouche is beaming! Jah continued blessings and guidance on u and ur family…keep reaching for the top and moving forward!
Congratulations Mervin!
Pardner best you stay in Canada wi…D.A. doh have money to pay you for doctorate my boi..
Congratulations my brother. You have been focused from the very start. You have made your parents, the Paix Bouche community (all of us) proud. Continue to work hard
Congratulations on your achievement. You always reached for the stars.
congrat mervin!!mcpherson good news for u to read on (GIS)
Outstanding. You were always destined for great things.
Classmate
congrats mervin..well done
It is gracefully prestigeous to be smart and archiveing.
Give the man his props for his focus and determination. (SAQUAY TONNER)
Hey Mervin Congratulations. Well deserved. I know you have a very supportive wife in Esther and I am happy that you have accomplished your goal. wy to go!
Congrats Dr. St. Luce.
well done my bro… you have made paix-bouche (moore-park), by extent dominica proud.you are the first doctor to have emerged from the paix-bouche primary school. hope that will be an inspiration to others…congrats
Congratulations to you and Esther
CONGRATS COUSIN…..MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS U AND THE FAM….ONE LOVE
pram pram
The government of Dominica has provided wonderful opportunities to its youth by allowing them to pursue higher education in various countries. The “graduate in every home policy” helped the Labour Party get elected but may well lead to its demise. Students are beginning to return and are unemployed or underemployed. Nothing was done in the time that they were away to prepare for their return. These students are becoming frustrating with that same government that helped them attain their academic goals.
If the government provided an opportunity to pursue higher education, opportunities, research and you cannot innovate and create new ideas opportunities with that new found education then you might as well have not gone anywhere.
So we have to use our education wisely….we have to start innovation, creating new idea, new business, new development….
So an idea for my good friend/bro here is a private sector soil labs based in Dominica….he can travel all around the caribbean understanding soil type, perfecting soil type and generation the best products from these soil….
He can and will be our Domincan Hero
Wow you sound like a Queen contestant. You seem to be speaking based on props you have recently read or heard. Sadly you have no understanding of how difficult it is to start business especially in science. I hope you have a bank willing to give him a low interest loan to fund his equipment that will be coming in DUTY FREE. LOL.
Congrats Dr. Mervin St.luce. Hard work does pay off.
DNO..if he graduated from college in 2000 then he attended the Clifton Dupigny Community College not the Dominica State College.
Idiot that’s why it is written “Dominica State College (formerly Clifton Dupigny Community College).
Some of us are so ignorant. If you had much sense you would know that you must use the current name of the institution but reference the former name.
SMDH
We are truly proud of your great achievement
Best wishes in your future endeavor.
Congrats!
sweet man
Way to go Mervin…. Congratulations my friend!!! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Congratulations Mervin.
Well done Mervin…the journey continues at another level. God bless you always.
Congrats Mervin on your achievement. I remember sitting next to you in class. You were alway a hard working, dedicated individual. The sky is the limit. I dont believe in luck. Hard work pays of big time. Continue the good work
HI THIS IS MY SON AND AM SO PROUD OF HIM. BIG UP MOUN PAIX BOUCHE.GOD BLESS
well we know that for sure,he looks so much like you .but i hope you not saying my son just because…..
Well done Mervin!
Congrats Mervin. Well done. Paix Bouche to the world. Ms. Ferrol must be so proud…Well done indeed.
Congrats, but academic achievement is the only good news coming out from Dominica, 90% of stories Govt incompetence, corruption and a death related by some crime.
so?
he got a degree ..how is that news???/
did he invent something useful?
Come on Thiny, I understand where you coming from how ever would it have been new if he had just rob a bank in Canada? I see nothing wrong with posting. Alot of the young stars need to see and hear more of successful stories. They need to know that there is a reward for hard work and the glama of drugs and crime in temporary and only get you killed or at least in jail. What Mervin have just achieve, no body can ever take it away from him ever reguardless of what the future bring his way. Be supportive or just dont comment.
I hope you have a phd too !
why do i sense that your on Degree is a BC? Birth Certificate
No he didn’t invent anything but he made a contribution to science that was appreciated on a international level. That my friend is newsworthy.
Wow. Do you even know what it takes to get a PhD in science?? And we need news like this to encourage the youth. Smh you should b ashamed of yourself. Why can’t we uplift our people. He deserves some recognition. Well done DNO. I hope to obtain academic achievements that will “make news” one day.
dont be a jackass… how u mean how a degree is useful???
Well… he probably did. One of the requirements of a PhD thesis is that it must “add to the sum of human knowledge”. E.I it MUST tell us something that we did not know before. It is very likely that he is now a world leader in the specific area of research he undertook to complete his doctorate. I bet is more than you have accomplished in your critical little life.
Narrow minded ppl smh. I wonder if is a crime he committed what you would say? Why don’t you go get a degree so you can make DNO too. Don’t hate learn to appreciate our own!!!
you must be a sad person.
Just be happy for the man…would that kill you?
He invented the Jealousy and ignorance coming from you right now
Hold ur comment if u cannot support someone. Foolish, jealous person. That’s why Da is how it is. Too much of negative persons like u. If he had died you would be saying “why they did not give him his flowers while he was alive?” Well!! he is gettin it now, so stop ur foolishness and congratulate the gentleman. HATER.
its obvious you dont have one thiny…by your ignorant statement i can see that you are uneducated..smh..i know you arenot capable of getting a phd but learn a skill..you just home doing nothing.
lack of education is REALLY a key for fools.
Go educate yourself.
Congratulations! This is a remarkable achievement. Education is indeed the way to go.
congrats bro and all d very best in your endeavours
congratulations to you dear.thanks for making da proud. all the best to you
Yaaaaaaaay!!!! Congratulations Bro. This is so amazing!
Congrats Mervin! You made us proud!
Great job dominician farmers will be happy
Great news my friend. Your advance studies will be able to steer us as to which soil type is best suited for particular agricultural products.
Good Stuff Bro
My sentiments exactly.I would strongly recommend to the govt.that this learned gentleman be asked and hired as quickly as posible even if its only 2-3 year contract he would be willing to give us,but with his talents,particularly in soil sciences,is exactly what we need right now to develop our agriculture.He can conduct the various hundreds perhaps thousands of soil sample tests and advise us on what crops are best suited for what areas of Dominica so we can approach agriculture more scientifically and productively…Remember,not every where in DA is the soil that fertile,although we like to think so….Congrats again Dr St.Luce.
Way to Go mervin.. Great Job… Continue the great work.
Want to be the fist to say Congrats Mervs, on dno that is..:)
Congrats Mez!!!!! Your hard work paid off.
Jan Paix-Bouche you know we large.
Yes we r so proud of u my dear, keep up the good work I no your mom and other family members r so proud of u,can’t call u mez anymore cause u have worked so hard for this title dr , u deserve every bit of it and keep making your family proud especially your mom ,dad, wife son brothers and cousin
Congratulation; and may you be encouraged to work for your country, without political interferance.
JAH GUIDE my man.
Congrats sexy.. Whoss u looking good
absolutely love this!!!! esp after so much bad news…people like you inspire me. THANK YOU
Congratulations to cousin Dr. Mervin St.Luce for making Dominica proud. We identify with your achievements since you are a part of the known brains of Grand Bay; the HQ of “ST.Luces”. Keep up the great work…the St.Luce,Blanc and Blaize,JohnLewis(JNO lewis ) Families are part of the same tree and are scattered all over Dominica and beyond; making tremendous contribution to modern Civilization.
As a former resident of Canada, am fully aware of his great work and the people of Grand Bay , Paix Bouche , Dominica and the entire Caribbean are excited about this gentleman.
His services would be invaluable for Dominica’s development especially in light of out thrust towards infrastructural development, housing, land reform etcetera.
We are proud of you sir.
May God continue to bestow blessings to you and your family especially your immediate family.
Congrats to Dr. St Luce. Indeed his research would be invaluable to Dominica. It is unfortunate that our little island just cannot afford him, or even provide him with facilities for continued research. I really believe our Government should do more to invest in scientific research in our country rather, than fighting over things in parliament that these ministers have no clue about.
Nice:) I am also glad you will be working at home!