Even from a young age, Kerricia Hobson, BSc SGU โ08, has been passionate about and fascinated by the ocean and its inhabitants. So, it seemed only natural when she decided to study marine biology at St. Georgeโs University, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in life sciences.
Ms. Hobson kept her passion alive as she now serves as Project Manager for the Coastal Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) Project in Grenadaโs Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, and the Environment. The project is designed to reinforce deteriorating reef structures in Grenada and Carriacou through the creation and maintenance of the islandโs first-ever coral nurseries, a task that will have many long-term environmental and sociological benefits for Grenada and other Caribbean islands.
โSGU was really the foundation for everything. Muchย of what I studied at the University is integralย to what I do now,โ said Ms. Hobson. โWhile I work more in the management aspect of various projects and initiatives, it helps that I have that technical background from SGU because I am able to understand the jargon used in the field, which is very useful in my position.โ
During Prince Harryโs 2016 visit to Grenada, Ms. Hobson explained how the reef restoration project will help fuel the islandโs tourism and fisheries industries.
โTo restore [these reefs], coastal ecosystems have proven to be less costly to implement and a better fit than hard infrastructures such as seawalls,โ Ms. Hobson said.
After working as a science teacher, she enrolled in SGUโs School of Arts and Sciences in 2005. In addition to her studies, she served on the Public Lecturer Committee and was instrumental in developing the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA), serving two years as its President and making it more reflective of the student body it represented and being more involved in the lives of the students.
โBeyond being an institution where I could receive my bachelorโs degree, some of the most supportive and encouraging people Iโve ever met have come from SGU,โ said Ms. Hobson. โThe lecturers in SAS have always been ready and willing to do whatever was necessary to help me advance, and I can never be too grateful for that. I am still very much tied to SGU now, as a member of the Alumni Association and I will always be thankful for the opportunities that I have been afforded through being a part of the SGU family.โ
Published April 2017
