Lyea Rivers
Thomson Leadership &
Innovation Award
Lancaster University
Bachelor’s of Science in Earth and Environmental Science
Amount Awarded: $10,000
Lyea Rivers is a graduate of John Gray High School and completed an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University College of the Cayman Islands (2019), and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Management and Information Technology from Lancaster University (2023). She will be completing her final year at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor’s of Science in Earth and Environmental Science degree.
“Growing up in the Cayman Islands, I was very fascinated attending wildlife conservation programs, visiting my relatives’ farm animals, riding horses, and caring for family pets and this sparked my interest in environmental health. This interest led me to study a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science to understand habitat quality, food and water safety, disease prevention, and ecosystem stability. I have also studied agriculture, GIS & energy technology. As I enter my final year, securing this scholarship will enable me to complete my degree and take the next steps toward a veterinary career with a one health approach in the Cayman Islands.
While pursuing my degree, I have worked to develop my employability skills and to support myself financially. My role as a Project Leader has allowed me to co-lead innovative research projects on clean water for health and sustainable food consumption. As a Digital Ambassador Leader, I have co-led a team of 17 members and engaged diverse audiences through creative content and presentations. Additionally, my experience as a Biology Lab Intern at Oxford University strengthened my laboratory skills and deepened my understanding of microbiology and global public health. Through a mentorship program, I was introduced to the One Health approach, which I aim to adopt in my career to ensure the health and well-being of all species.
My dissertation research in bird nutrition is furthering my understanding of the role of diet in animal health and productivity, and I will be interning in the livestock department at the Department of Agriculture in August 2025 to gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry
This scholarship will allow me to fully engage in my final year of studies, ensuring that I can complete my dissertation and final year modules to qualify for the pre-veterinary program at St Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands and in the future, create a research foundation and businesses advancing animal health, biotechnology, emerging technologies and sustainable agriculture. Beyond my personal aspirations, this scholarship investment will yield broader societal benefits. My studies in environmental science and future studies in veterinary medicine will contribute to revolutionizing public health and the food security in the Cayman Islands.”