Pursuing careers in science

Several organisations on-island provide scholarships to assist Caymanians in pursuing careers in science.

Here, recipients relate their chosen field and aspirations for the future.

Lysenia Elliott – Island Heritage

Lysenia Elliott is the recipient of Island Heritage Insurance Company’s 2022 educational grant, assisting her to pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Lysenia, 18, is studying at the University of South Florida, where she is earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in animal biology.

“I chose to pursue a career in veterinary studies as my passion from childhood has always been for animals,” she says. “Although I’ve owned many small pets, I have become more passionate about dealing with large animals throughout the course of my internship opportunities.”

The John Gray High School graduate plans to obtain her doctorate in veterinary medicine, and then return to Cayman to pursue a career in her chosen field.

“I enjoy assisting animals and trying to ease their discomfort,” she says. “It’s a vet’s job to do everything possible to find out the cause of the problem and treat the animal accordingly.”

Lysenia says the educational grant was a boost to her career path, helping cover expenses while studying overseas.

Joshua Martin – Dart

Joshua Martin is studying dentistry at King’s College London. He is in his fifth and final year, preparing to graduate in July of 2023.

“From an early age I was interested in a career in healthcare, and after being given an opportunity in Year 11 to carry out shadowing at a local dental clinic I realised that I wanted to become a dentist,” he says.

“I enjoy being able to see patients and build a rapport with them, and help improve their health, confidence and relieve their pain,” he says. “Dentistry is a great career if you have both a scientific and artistic flair and have a passion for helping others.”

After completing the required year of vocational training with the NHS, Joshua, 22, plans to pursue dentistry in the UK.

A graduate of Cayman Prep and High School, Joshua says the Dart scholarship he received in 2018 not only benefitted him financially but also helped to build relationships with fellow scholars.

“This scholarship has benefitted me by allowing me to become a part of a wider network of Dart scholars,” he says. “There are many opportunities to allow me to socialise and network with other Dart scholars, who are also excelling academically and professionally.”

Joshua plans to eventually return home to Cayman and establish a practice here.

“Ultimately, I look forward to returning home in the future to serve my local community,” he says.

Anja van Genderen – Dart

Anja van Genderen is in her final year of earning her master’s degree in biochemistry at Uppsala University in Sweden.

The 2014 Dart Scholar recipient says she enjoys learning about biological processes and the chemistry that drives them.

“I also learn best outside of lectures, in practical classes or demonstrations, for example,” she says.

“During my master’s degree, I have had many opportunities to learn about and perform a variety of experimental techniques, and I am drawn towards the hands-on lab work because of its challenge and rewards.”

Anja, 22, plans to further her studies after completing her master’s degree.

“I hope to one day complete a PhD in biochemistry or a related field. I really enjoy academic life and feeling like my work is contributing towards a small part of scientific understanding,” she says.

A graduate of Cayman Prep and High School, Anja says the Dart scholarship has benefited her in many ways, including financially as well as receiving support and encouragement from Dart Enterprises’ Education Programmes Manager Glenda McTaggart, as well as providing opportunities to travel. It also gave her a chance to meet such world-renowned achievers as Richard Branson and astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly.

“Before heading to university, summer trips such as the visit to CERN and Oxford Scholastica summer school gave me a taste of scientific research and helped me decide on my path in the sciences,” she says.

“All of these experiences and opportunities have enriched my life and have set me on the path to make my own contribution to humanity in the life sciences. It has been, and is, an honour and a privilege to be a Dart Scholar.”

Diandra Whittaker – Dart

Diandra Whittaker is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in reproductive biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Now in her third year of study, the St. Ignatius Catholic High School graduate plans to return home to Cayman to establish a career here.

“I hope to pursue a career in clinical embryology in order to provide women in Cayman options within their own country instead of travelling abroad,” she says.

“However, I would also love to work as a researcher within the field of reproductive biology, more specifically looking at the fertility of women and its consequent decrease with age.”

A 2017 Dart High School Scholar, Diandra also hopes to use her degree to promote awareness of reproductive health.

“I believe providing woman with this knowledge allows them to regain agency of their bodies and make informed decisions,” she says.

Diandra, 19, says the scholarship programme helped her choose which university to attend.

“The yearly summer trips during high school helped me narrow my choices in university locations and got me to start thinking of what I was looking for in a university,” she says. “It also provided me with my first look into the work world.”

Emma Turnbull – Dart

Emma Turnbull is in her first year of earning a PhD in virology at Newcastle University in the UK.

Having a passion for science throughout high school, the Cayman Prep and High School graduate decided to undertake an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences.

“In my final year of my degree, I took modules such as immunology of health and disease and cancer biology,” she says. “From this, my dissertation project was centred on the innate immune system, which further confirmed my passion for medical research.”

She then undertook a research masters in immunobiology where she wrote her thesis on the immune response to hospital-acquired lung infections.

“From this, I saw how lab-based research contributes to clinical outcomes through the development of new drugs,” she says. “I then decided I wanted to continue in the field of medical research by applying for a PhD centered on the innate immune response to influenza virus infections.”

Once Emma completes her doctorate in three years, she plans to pursue a career in medical research or within the medical industry.

Emma, 23, received a Dart high school scholarship in 2014-2018 and the William A. Dart university scholarship from 2018-2022.

“I have had the benefit of Dart’s guidance and support throughout my high school and tertiary education which has been invaluable,” she says. “The scholarship opened my eyes to a whole world of possibilities for me career-wise. It also gave me the financial backing to make my career goals a reality.”