Antigua and Barbuda students continue to shine at overseas institutions of higher learning. The latest is Dr. J. Najwa Oliver, who graduated last Saturday, with a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering from the prestigious University of North Texas, with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering.

Dr. Oliver previously earned a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2021, graduating with distinction (GPA: 3.823). Her doctoral studies culminated in a final cumulative graduate GPA: 3.835) coupled with a Leadership Award.

Dr. Oliver’s dissertation focused on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, biomedical engineering, and implant technology, with a focus on bioactive glass coatings for dental and orthopedic applications. Her work addressed challenges related to implant biocompatibility, inflammation, and antimicrobial performance, contributing to improved implant longevity and patient outcomes.

Dr. Oliver has authored and co-authored multiple scientific articles in leading journals. Most recent, she published an article entitled “The Effect of Boron Oxide on the Biocompatibility, Cellular Response, and Antimicrobial Properties of Phosphosilicate Bioactive Glasses for Metallic Implants’ Coatings” in Applied Sciences , in December 2025.

Dr. Oliver plans to continue advancing biomedical materials research with applications in medical devices, implant technologies, and translational science for the improvement in the dental and medical industry.