Nelson’s research in sustainable energy draws on the resources of his home country.
An international student made history at Hofstra University as the college’s first Rhodes Scholar.
Antigua resident Resa Nelson has become the first recipient of a coveted Hofstra scholarship. Nelson also made history for Antigua by becoming the second Rhodes Scholar of Caribbean descent.
The Rhodes Scholarship offers students a postgraduate award at the University of Oxford in England. Candidates are chosen from thousands of applicants who are selected based on criteria such as academic excellence, moral character and “devotion to duty”. reports Forbes:.
A biology major, the college senior distinguished herself with her research focusing on sustainability in her home country. By: ABC7:his work concentrates Converting Antigua’s local algae into sustainable biofuels.
He now takes his place with the select group for the Class of 2026. One of the academy’s most prestigious honors, Rhodes Scholars alumni include former presidents, Nobel laureates and distinguished scientists.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we talk about Reza becoming not only a Rhodes Scholar, but at some point a corporate president or a Nobel laureate,” shared Dr. Javier Izquierdo, a Hofstra professor and Nelson’s advisor. “He is someone who is dedicated to doing positive things for our world.”
Nelson originally hoped to earn a medical degree. However, he discovered his passion for research, leading him to a new career path that could revolutionize his country’s energy resources.
“I found that I like discovery, the process of asking questions and finding answers,” she said.
Nelson also realized how many of her background are underrepresented in science, a problem she hopes to dismantle. As a mentor to her community, she also supports young people as they develop their own academic passions.
In addition to the environmental sciences, Nelson also has expertise in medical research, particularly stem cell development. She hopes her time at Oxford will continue this mission to help transform the health of Afro-Caribbean people.
“I see myself developing the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line, that’s my big dream, that we can take a stem cell and turn it into anything, and then it can be used as a diagnostic tool,” Nelson said.
As she prepares for her time at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Nelson has already made history with a mission to break down more barriers for Afro-Caribbean women in life research.
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