Dr. Carika Weldon: Founder of the World’s First Caribbean Genomics Company
Photo courtesy of Dr. Carika Weldon
written by Michael Charles
Dr. Carika Weldon is a pioneer in being the first founder of a genomics company dedicated to advancing research on Caribbean genetics. Her work focuses on increasing representation in genetic studies and addressing health disparities in the region. Through CariGenetics, she is not only advancing medical science but also reshaping the narrative of Caribbean healthcare one breakthrough at a time.
Dr. Weldon knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine from an early age. At just 11 years old, she was deeply inspired by a documentary on Dr. Ben Carson, which initially fueled her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. However, after realizing the complexities of brain surgery, she shifted her focus to pediatrics, believing she could make a difference in children's lives.
Upon graduating, she applied to several prestigious schools, including McGill and the University of Pennsylvania, securing acceptance to both. However, her heart was set on studying medicine at Oxford University in the UK. She was not granted an interview despite her outstanding qualifications, a devastating setback that left her questioning her path.
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Determined to study in England, Dr. Weldon applied to four medical schools, selecting medical biochemistry as her backup option. She was not admitted to the medical programs but secured a place in medical biochemistry. Her plan was to complete the first year and then transfer into medicine. Her second attempt at entering medical school was unsuccessful, but she found a new passion during her final year of scientific research. Encouraged by mentors, she pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry, embracing a different but equally impactful path in medicine. This shift led her to become a research scientist at the University of Oxford, where she specialized in genetic research, specifically in rare diseases.
The Birth of CariGenetics
Dr. Weldon's career took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As the only doctor with a Ph.D. in biomedical science on the island of Bermuda, she was called back home to lead Bermuda's national COVID-19 testing efforts. She was also appointed as the government's scientific advisor, frequently addressing the public and navigating the complexities of the pandemic response.
During this time, she recognized a significant gap in genetic research within the Caribbean. While Oxford had cutting-edge technology, Bermuda and other Caribbean nations lacked the resources to conduct genetic studies locally. She also noticed widespread vaccine hesitancy, fueled by the reality that many medical treatments had never been tested on Caribbean populations. This realization led her to establish CariGenetics, a company dedicated to advancing genetic research within the region.
Transforming Caribbean Healthcare
CariGenetics is committed to building research capacity within the Caribbean by conducting studies on diseases that disproportionately affect the region, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and chronic kidney disease. Instead of relying on foreign institutions, CariGenetics ensures that research is conducted locally, empowering Caribbean scientists and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Weldon and her team have already made significant strides. They completed a breast cancer study in Bermuda and are currently conducting a prostate cancer study across 10 Caribbean islands. CariGenetics has also partnered with renowned institutions, including the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Barbados, to establish genetic sequencing capabilities.
One of their most ambitious projects is the Caribbean Genome Program, which aims to genetically sequence 100,000 Caribbean individuals by 2027. This groundbreaking initiative will provide crucial data to improve medical treatments tailored specifically for Caribbean populations.
Embracing Caribbean Identity
Beyond science, Dr. Weldon is on a mission to strengthen Caribbean unity. She emphasizes that Bermuda has a history of slavery and that the people who were transported from the Caribbean islands have similarities in their genomic makeup. Her research has already revealed strong genetic links between Bermudians and populations from islands like St. Kitts.
She also challenges the misconception that the Caribbean is solely comprised of Afro Caribbeans. The region is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Indo Caribbeans, Chinese Caribbeans, Caucasian Caribbeans and Indigenous communities. CariGenetics is committed to ensuring that all Caribbean identities are represented in scientific research.
A Vision for the Future
“The Caribbean diaspora in the UK, Canada, and the US are very much on our radar,” Dr. Weldon emphasizes. “We want to ensure that Caribbean people, no matter where they are in the world, have access to research and medical advancements that truly reflect their genetic makeup. My vision is for Caribbean nations to take full ownership of their health data, reducing reliance on external institutions and ensuring that medical treatments are designed specifically for our populations.”
Her advice to young women and aspiring scientists who may face obstacles in the early stages of their careers is intentional:
"It is not the end, it is a detour. In the moment, it may feel like your world is crashing down but keep moving forward. No one will ask how you got to your destination; what matters is that you arrived. Keep going, and you will get there."
To learn more about CariGenetics, please visit their website.
