PRESS RELEASES 2005

IT Manager to focus on Urban Planning in U.S. Fulbright Program

August 8, 2005

Information Technology specialist Fleur Gooden has been selected to pursue research for a Doctor of Philosophy degree program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University’s Environmental Design and Planning Faculty, beginning this month.  Ms. Gooden is a 2005 scholarship recipient under the Fulbright Graduate Student Program administered by Kingston’s U.S. Embassy.

Ms. Gooden’s research studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg will be in Urban and Regional Planning.  She is particularly focused on the importance of creating sustainable development initiatives that will serve the needs of all stakeholders.  On her return to Jamaica, Ms. Gooden plans to teach in this field at the tertiary level, and to lend her expertise as a consultant to local and international agencies.

Ms. Gooden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  She obtained her Masters Degree in Management Information Systems at the University of the West Indies in Mona.  With over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry, she has held several high level positions in the Jamaican public and private sectors, including Director of Information Systems at the Ministry of Health, and most recently served as Technology Services Manager at Guardian Life Limited. 

Ms. Gooden intends to continue pursuing her love of sports and the performing arts in the United States.  She plays the saxophone and keyboards, was a member of the award-winning JAMM!! dance troupe, and currently serves as President of the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation.