Department of Science
The Department of Science at the University of Fiji is spread across two vibrant campuses, that is, Saweni and Suva Campus. Our mission is to promote excellence in education, training, research outreach activities in the basic and applied sciences and to organize and conduct such programs to support national development. Our academic team are extensively trained to undertake specialized teaching and research activities in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Renewable energy. Our collaboration with major national and global research organisations keeps our researchers and students at the forefront of developing technologies and the latest discoveries in science. We develop the future leaders of science and actively partner with innovative industries to solve scientific problems. Our research interest lies in the areas of Marine Science and Policy, Climate Change Adaptation, Ecology and Conservation, Geographic Information System (GIS), Environmental Science, etc.
Science Academics
Professor Dan Frederick Orcherton
Ed.D (Athabasca University, PhD (UPR, Cuba)
Professor in Science
Email:dano@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research Interest: Climate Change, Forestry
Dr Ramendra Prasad
PhD; MSc, BSc GCEd, Dip Ed
Head of Department Science
Senior Lecturer in Physics
Phone: 6640600 ext: 163
Email: ramendrap@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Energy and Environmental Modeling, Advanced data analytics
Ms. Priyatma Singh
MSc, PGDip Biology, GCTT, BSc, S.Pac.
Lecturer in Biology
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 189
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: Priyatmas@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Marine Science and Policy, Climate Change Adaptation
Dr Sekove Vodo
PhD, MBioRes, BSc
Lecturer Chemistry
Phone: 679 6640600 ext 171
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: sekovev@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Thermochemical technology, Sub/Supercritical condition, Microencapsulation, Bioprocess engineering, Hemicellulose/Lignin valorization, Agro-industrial by-product diversification pathways.
Ms. Dhrishna Charan Maharaj
MSc (MREM), PGDip (Climate Change), BScGCEd (Maths/Physics)
Assistant Lecturer
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 163
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: dhrishnac@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Physics, Renewable Energy
Ms. Shirlyn Vandana Lata
MSc (Biology), PGDip (Biologoy), GCED, BSc (Biology & Chemistry), USP
Assistant Lecturer
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 266
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: shirlynl@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research – Biology
Mr. Ronald Maharaj
MSc (Physics), PGDip (Physics), BSc (Maths/Physics), USP
Assistant Lecturer
Phone: +679 6640600
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: ronaldm@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Geo-science, Hydro-meteorology and Physics
Ms. Azekah Swamy
Bachelor of Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry, Currently Masters of Science
Assistant Lecturer
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 171
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: azekahs@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Chemistry
Mr. Praneet Reddy
MScREM (IP); BSCGCED
Assistant Lecturer (P/T)
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 171
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: praneetr@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research- Hybrid Biofuels; Environment Sustainability and Governance
Mr. Renil Ritesh Kumar
Msc, Agronomy
Lecturer (P/T)
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 266
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: renilk@unifiji.ac.fj
Teaching and Research – Agricultural Engineering
Research and Technical Staff
Ms. Kelera Railoa
BSc (Environmental Science) (USP), PGDip Climate Change (USP)
Project Manager – USAID Pacific American Fund “Development of Entrepreneurial Skills Post-COVID-19 through Rural Aquaculture” Project
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 282
Email:kelerar@unifiji.ac.fj
Ms. Salanieta Ranadi Tamani
BSc- Biology and Food & Nutritional Studies (USP), Post Graduate Diploma in Science-Biology (USP)
Research Assistant
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 282
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: salanietat@unifiji.ac.fj
Mr. Peni Nabutu
Bachelor of Science (Biology and Chemistry)
Laboratory Technician
Phone: +679 6640600 ext: 266
Fax: +679 6640700
Email: penin@unifiji.ac.fj