Nasir Rudolph, Maya Leighton Earn Scholarships
The selection committee of the Bermuda Maritime Scholarship announced that Nasir Rudolph and Maya Leighton have earned the award for 2022.
Nasir Rudolph
A spokesperson said, “Nasir is entering his third year at the University of Miami where he is studying Marine Affairs with a minor in Economics. With a love for the ocean stemming from his summers swimming, fishing, and camping in Bermuda, he began to see the negative effects that human interaction with the ocean has on our beautiful beaches and the environment. He most recently was involved with the WaterStart group where he participated in the turtle grass restoration project. Other more recent research endeavours include a coral restoration project with the Island School and the tagging of sea turtles.
“Nasir is truly committed to the cause of the environment having also been an intern at BIOS and volunteering wherever he can, even gaining his license to hunt lionfish. His ultimate dream after obtaining his bachelor’s degree, is to gain a Master’s degree in Marine and Environmental Science to work on the restoration of marine and other ecosystems, in Bermuda and around the world.
Maya Leighton
“A desire for higher education has always been a priority for Maya. Maya Leighton will be entering into her freshman year at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Oceanography.
“Maya is a graduate of Mount St. Agnes Academy where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. She also attended the Bermuda College. She has been actively involved in marine science as an intern at BIOS for the past two years and with various volunteer efforts such as the K.B.B. Coastal Clean-up.
“Once she has completed her Bachelor’s Degree, Maya plans to continue her education by attaining a Master’s and Doctorate degree towards becoming a research scientist. Her hope is to come back to Bermuda to be a part of “a bigger solution in fighting the ensuing climate crisis.”
Third Year Scholarships Awarded
“This is the third year that the Bermuda Maritime Scholarship has provided awards for students who are looking to have a career in Maritime or Marine studies. The award was formerly called the Concordia Maritime [Bermuda] Scholarship and was originally created to support students who were looking to pursue a career in shipping with career guidance as well as funding towards their goals. Now under the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, the Bermuda Maritime Scholarship continues to support students interested in maritime studies and also focuses on studies in marine conservation and other academic subjects that support the conservation and sustainability of our world’s oceans.
“The total value of the awards for 2022 is $12,000, and includes a continuing grant from 2021 to Logan Soares, who will return to her studies this fall at the University of Southampton pursuing an Integrated Masters Degree in Marine Biology, after spending her summer completing course work in Plymouth and spending an internship in Belize.”
So excited to see so many young people taking an interest in marine life. Wishing you both success in your fields Bermuda needs your expertise.