Resa Nelson is a 21-year-old biology major at Hofstra University who has been named the school's first-ever Rhodes Scholar.

What is Resa Nelson's research focus?

Resa Nelson has been working on transforming seaweed from her native Antigua into sustainable biofuel.

What are Resa Nelson's future plans?

Resa Nelson plans to continue her research as a graduate student at the University of Oxford, with a long-term goal of developing the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line.

Home / Education / Antigua Native Resa Nelson Becomes Hofstra's First-Ever Rhodes Scholar

Antigua Native Resa Nelson Becomes Hofstra's First-Ever Rhodes Scholar

15 Nov

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Summary

Resa Nelson, 21, is Hofstra's first-ever Rhodes Scholar
She is working on transforming seaweed into sustainable biofuel
Nelson plans to develop the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line

Antigua Native Resa Nelson Becomes Hofstra's First-Ever Rhodes Scholar

In November 2025, Hofstra University is celebrating a historic achievement - the school's first-ever Rhodes Scholar. Resa Nelson, a 21-year-old biology major in the class of 2026, has been selected for the prestigious academic honor.

Nelson, who hails from Antigua, has been working on transforming seaweed from her native Caribbean island into sustainable biofuel. She was chosen from among nine finalists, becoming just the second Rhodes Scholar from Antigua. Overall, Nelson was one of about 100 students chosen from around the world for the prestigious award.

Originally, Nelson had planned to attend medical school and become a doctor, but her plans changed once she started doing research. The biology major is now fascinated by finding solutions to complex problems, including the issue of shoreline pollution in the Caribbean. "I realized I loved the act of discovery, the process of asking questions, and finding answers," she said.