How Nelisa made her dream come true

Education has the power to change lives, not just by providing knowledge, but by opening doors and expanding horizons. For Nelisa, education was never taken for granted; it was a path she pursued with passion and purpose.

She got far thanks to her determination and her mother's support

Originally from Chipata, Zambia, Nelisa is one of five children raised by a mother who, as a dedicated primary school teacher, instilled in her children the importance of education and creative problem-solving. With limited resources but plenty of encouragement, Nelisa developed the discipline and motivation that would carry her far.

From her dream to her own reality

In 2009, after completing high school in Zambia, Nelisa was awarded a Pestalozzi International Scholarship, which allowed her to study in a vibrant, multicultural environment. During a summer break back home, she volunteered at a community centre supporting women and children, an experience that further fuelled her desire to make a positive impact through science.

“As a child, I was captivated by the white lab coats I saw at hospitals,” Nelisa recalls. “There was something about the confidence and purpose those professionals carried that spoke to me. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science, and I was determined to make that dream a reality.”

She went on to graduate with a BSc in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Jacobs University Bremen in 2014, followed by a Masters degree at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a DPhil in Physiology, at the University of Oxford. Her research excellence was recognised in 2021 when Diabetes UK honoured her as a promising young scientist in the field of metabolic disorders.

After completing her doctorate, Nelisa moved to London, where she worked as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Imperial College London. There, she investigated the metabolic implications of genetic risk factors in severe Alcoholic Hepatitis. She has since transitioned into the biotechnology sector, where she is now contributing to cutting-edge research in food and biopharma biotechnology.

“My journey has been driven by determination and a deep curiosity about how science can improve lives,” Nelisa says. “Hard work doesn’t guarantee success overnight, but it builds the foundation for achieving your goals. There were challenges along the way, but I always believed that with focus and effort, I could reach my destination.”

Today, Nelisa wears her own lab coat with pride, a symbol not just of her childhood dream realised, but of the power of perseverance and purpose.