A Black Woman is Hofstra's First Rhodes Scholar!

An excerpt from The Grio - 

Hofstra’s first Rhodes Scholar is a Black woman — and she’s changing the future of science

Resa Nelson is Hofstra University’s first Rhodes Scholar, one of the most prestigious academic honors in the world.

By Haniyah Philogene

Resa Nelson, Hofstra's first Rhodes Scholar, at a press conference held at Gittleson Hall on November 14, 2025 (Photo: Hofstra press release)

For communities, especially Black women, who are constantly faced with headlines spotlighting climbing unemployment rates and industries no longer deemed “professional” under this administration, a glimmer of good news is emerging from Hofstra University this month. The private university recently celebrated its first Rhodes scholarship recipient, and guess what? She’s Black! 

Biology major Resa Nelson made university history as the first-ever Rhodes scholar and became the second student from Antigua to receive the award. Chosen from nine finalists representing the Commonwealth Caribbean, Nelson reportedly committed to solving complex problems on her island and beyond. Through her research the groundbreaking scholar explored ways to convert seaweed into bio-fuel with the assistance of Hofstra Biology Professor Dr. Javier Izquierdo. 

“I would not be surprised if we’re talking about Resa becoming not only a Rhodes Scholar, but the president of a corporation or a Nobel Prize winner at some point,” he said, in a press release. “She’s someone who is dedicated to doing positive things for our world.”

https://thegrio.com/2025/11/21/hofstras-first-rhodes-scholar-is-a-black-woman-and-shes-changing-the-future-of-science/