Meet The Team
Our team of highly trained and qualified professionals brings to you the highest levels of expertise in the industry and are here to serve each and every one of our valued clients with the highest level of professionalism.
Rakesh Bhukal Cert., BSc., MSc.; Pg.Cert., PhD (Candidate) UWI
Founder & Managing Director
Rakesh has a multi-disciplinary background in Academia having pursued several advanced training programs at the local, regional and international levels. His fields of study include, but are not limited to Petroleum Engineering, Marine Biology, Zoology, Environmental & Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Development in the Caribbean, Tropical Aquaculture, Tropical Agriculture, Fish Health Management, Hydroponics and Crop Science with a special research focus on Aquaponics.
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Educational Institutions attended include the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT), The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus and the University of Florida (UF). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the UWI where his ground breaking research seeks to develop & advance critical aspects of Soilless Growing (Aquaculture, Hydroponics, Aquaponics) and other Climate-resilient & Regenerative Farming Techniques in the Caribbean.
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A true professional in his field, Rakesh lectures on Hydroponics, Aquaponics (Aquaculture & Hydroponics) and Tropical Aquaculture at the UWI and also provides expert consultancy to numerous organisations both locally and regionally. He is the lead instructor for all courses and workshops offered by Aquatik Solutions and brings a level of professionalism that is of the highest international standard. In addition to his vast teaching experience Rakesh also has numerous publications to his name and has presented ground breaking research at several international conferences. He is also responsible for creating several new and innovative training programs for growing under Tropical Climates & Conditions of the Caribbean and these are taught both locally & regionally.
Tel#: 1-868-466-2709
Sheldon Katwaroo
Head of Logistics and Outreach/ Technician
Mr. Katwaroo has a strong background in finance and farm management, with numerous years of training and practical experience in both fields. His logistical & technical skills has evolved with the organisation and proven to be invaluable over the years. As Head of Logistics and Outreach, he has seen numerous projects and events executed with the highest levels of success.
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Outreach projects and events successfully spearhead by Sheldon include multiple techAGRI Expo events at the UWI and the grand Agri Investment Forum and Expo II hosted by the GORTT at the Queen's Park Savannah.
Elizabeth Kroger
Team Leader & Consultant
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Elizabeth has a diversified portfolio and background in Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming, Food Access and Aquaculture, in addition to Environmental Management and Conservation. She is currently in her final semester at Middlebury College in the United States majoring in conservation biology. She has experience working in a variety of farm contexts in California. She worked at Casalegno Family Farm, an organic family-run vegetable farm, where she engaged in all farm operations from seed to harvest. Her areas of focus at this farm includes climate controlled agriculture (greenhouses) and precision farming techniques such as laying drip irrigation. In addition to this she also worked for Pajaro Pastures, a sustainable egg farm, caring for 350 chickens with rotational grazing strategies and packaging eggs as well as restoring ecosystems around the farm. Additionally, she was a farmers market vendor for Fogline Farm, selling sustainably raised eggs, chicken, beef, and pork. She currently works at Elmer Farm in Vermont caring for, harvesting, and packing organic vegetables.
Ms. Kroger brings invaluable experience to the team as a consultant and advises on key areas of sustainable, regenerative and organic farming. She has a keen interest in adopting and adapting existing farming techniques and technologies so that they can function effectively under the Tropical Climates and Conditions of the Caribbean.
Nikel Rampadarath
Team Leader & Technician
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Nikel graduated from the Faculty of Food & Agriculture, Department of Food Production in the year 2020 and immediately enrolled into a second program to further advance his knowledge, skills and competencies in Agriculture. He as a strong background in sustainable farming and is currently engaged in applied research on Aquaponics (Hydroponics & Aquaculture) at the UWI. Some of the select courses and programs Mr. Rampadarath is trained and qualified in in includes Principles of Soil Science, Bioengineering Principles, Principles of Sustainable Crop Production, Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Technology, Tropical Aquaculture and Tropical Crop Protection. With such diverse training in Agriculture it comes as no surprise that Nikel is a key player on our team.
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Nikel previously did his UWI student internship with us at Aquatik Solutions where his roles and responsibilities included the design and implementation of various hydroponics, aquaponics and aquaculture systems for our diverse clientele. In addition to this he has also operated and managed all of our demonstration and production systems at our Research & Demonstration Facility, roles and responsibilities which are still part of his current portfolio and which he does with utmost precision and accuracy.
Tel: 1-868-678-6029
