An Antiguan student has surged onto the international stage after becoming Hofstra University’s first Rhodes Scholar in the institution’s 90-year history.

Rhysa B. Nelson, a 21-year-old biology major, was selected from a global field of finalists for her groundbreaking research that aims to convert invasive Caribbean seaweed into sustainable biofuel. Her work has drawn attention not only in the United States but across the Caribbean and academic communities worldwide.

Nelson, who proudly wears the colours of Antigua and Barbuda in the laboratory, said the project stemmed from witnessing the environmental impact of seaweed accumulation on regional coastlines.

“There are piles and piles of it, and it’s degrading,” she said. “There’s a very concerted effort in the Caribbean to find a way to use it, and this was one avenue I could pursue.”

Under the guidance of Dr Javier Escudero, Nelson explored methods of transforming the seaweed into biofuels and other byproducts. She has also conducted research in cancer immunology and neurobiology, and hopes her growing platform will help increase representation for African-Caribbean scientists.

“African-Caribbean people like myself don’t necessarily have the representation we need in cell biology,” she said. “Ten years from now, I see myself developing the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line.”

Alongside her research achievements, Nelson has performed internationally as a flautist and has volunteered as a tutor for middle-school students. Colleagues describe her as quietly determined and deeply committed to making a meaningful contribution to science.

Nelson will now take up two years of fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, an opportunity she says will allow her to advance both her scientific ambitions and her goal of giving back to the Caribbean.

Hofstra University said her selection had placed the campus “in the global spotlight” and marked a significant milestone for the school.