THE United States Embassy in Kingston has selected four exceptional Jamaicans to participate in the Fulbright and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship programmes for the 2026-2027 academic year.

They are Abishua Johnson, Joelle Janson, Davia Findlotor and Jervian Johnson.

These awardees will pursue graduate studies and professional leadership development at premier US institutions, focusing on critical fields including data science, environmental engineering, finance, and natural resources policy.

“These exceptional awardees represent the very best of Jamaica’s rising generation of leaders, combining technical excellence with a true commitment to public service,” said Erin Mai Jarrett, public affairs attaché at the US Embassy in Kingston.

“As they pursue advanced studies at US institutions their vision and drive will directly contribute to Jamaica’s growth and national development. The United States is proud to invest in their talent and support the lasting impact they will bring back to their communities,” added Jarrett

This year’s awardees join a distinguished network of Jamaican alumni who continue to drive national development and innovation across the island.

They include Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon; National Librarian Beverly Lashley; and noted academic scholar Dr Jermaine McCalpin.

Fulbright scholar Abishua Johnson will pursue studies in data science and artificial intelligence at Rice University. He was the 2025 valedictorian for the Faculties of Science and Technology and Engineering at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and graduated with first class honours and a 4.01 grade point average (GPA), despite having no prior programming experience.

His work focuses on building intelligent AI systems for resource-constrained environments. His standout capstone project, eLife, uses custom AI and deep fake detection to securely digitise the proof-of-life verification process for Jamaican pensioners.

Fellow Fulbright scholar Davia Findlotor will study finance and financial management at Syracuse University. She was the Class of 2024 valedictorian of the Caribbean Maritime University, where she earned First Class Honours in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Findlotor has worked as an operations and financial support assistant at Justeese LLC, and mentored youth through the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Summer Internship Program. She also runs a freelance tutoring and coaching business specialising in finance.

Joelle Hanson also copped a Fulbright scholarship and will study environmental engineering at the University of South Florida. She was recognised as the most outstanding chemical engineering graduate at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and earned her degree with a 3.61 GPA.

Prior to the Fulbright programme Hanson served as a quality analyst at Pepsi-Cola Jamaica where she ensured rigorous water quality and operational standards were maintained.

Hubert Humphrey Fellow Jervian Johnson will study natural resources and environmental policy at the University of California, Davis.

Johnson’s academic accomplishments include First Class Honours in Chemical Engineering from the University of Technology, Jamaica and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Ajou University in South Korea.

A former Youth Member of Parliament and long-time community volunteer, she will use her Humphrey Fellowship to deepen her policy expertise and drive Jamaica’s economic and environmental resilience.