NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island — Hofstra University is celebrating a historic milestone with the selection of Resa Nelson, a 21-year-old biology major from the Class of 2026, as the university’s first-ever Rhodes Scholar.
Nelson, originally from Antigua, was chosen from a pool of nine finalists, becoming only the second Antiguan to earn the prestigious scholarship. She now joins a global cohort of roughly 100 exceptional students awarded the honor each year.
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Nelson first arrived at Hofstra planning to attend medical school, but research quickly reshaped her path. She became deeply engaged in scientific inquiry — particularly work focused on transforming invasive seaweed from Caribbean shorelines into sustainable biofuels.
“I realized I loved the act of discovery — the process of asking questions and finding answers,” she said.
She has conducted much of her research under the mentorship of Dr. Javier Izquierdo, a Hofstra biology professor who believes Nelson’s ambitions are only beginning to unfold.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if one day we’re talking about Resa as not just a Rhodes Scholar, but a corporate leader or even a Nobel Prize winner,” Izquierdo said. “She’s deeply committed to doing positive things for our world.”
In addition to her seaweed-to-biofuel studies, Nelson has pursued research in cancer immunology and neurobiology. She says representation in science is a driving force behind her work.
“Afro-Caribbean people like myself don’t always have the representation we need in cell biology and research,” she noted.
Her commitment extends beyond the laboratory. Nelson volunteers at a local middle school, tutoring students and offering support to young learners who may feel their opportunities are limited.
“Education for kids is something I’m passionate about,” she said. “Having someone believe in you can make all the difference.”
Nelson will continue her academic journey as a graduate student at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. And even at 21, she’s already thinking far ahead.
“I see myself developing the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line,” she said. “That’s my big dream — creating a tool that can be used for diagnostics and open new doors in research.”
