The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce D’Angele Symonds as the Department of Energy’s Bursary Award recipient.
The award, valued at $20,000, is for the 2026/27 school year and will be used toward her tuition and other university incidentals. Ms. Symonds is an exceptional young Bermudian whose academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to Bermuda's sustainable future set her apart in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Ms. Symonds recently graduated from Keele University in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Physical Geography, earning First Class Honours. During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Symonds demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, achieving outstanding results in Engineering and Applied Geology, Natural Hazards, Applied Geographic Information Systems, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
She will pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Geology at the University of Portsmouth. The programme will build on the expertise Ms. Symonds gained during her undergraduate studies, equipping her with the advanced skills in geotechnical investigation, ground stability assessment, infrastructure planning, and environmental risk management.
Ms. Symonds was selected as the bursary recipient based on an exceptional academic record, demonstrated leadership, and strong commitment to contributing to Bermuda,s sustainable development. During her time at Keele University, she served as a Student Voice Representative, advocating on behalf of her peers, and held a leadership position within the Keele University Geological Society. These roles highlighted her ability to lead, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to her academic community.
Ms. Symonds’ has a strong passion for sustainable development and renewable energy. Throughout the selection process, she articulated a clear vision for applying her qualifications to support Bermuda's energy transition, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. Her aspiration is to use her specialized expertise to contribute to projects involving renewable energy development, environmental assessment, and sustainable infrastructure planning.
The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, recently had an opportunity to meet with Ms Symonds and was please to highlight her successful selection as the Bursary Recipient.
Minister Lightbourne said, “Congratulations to Ms D’Angele Symonds on this well-deserved award. She has worked hard, demonstrated leadership, and shown a clear desire to use her education to contribute to Bermuda.”
“We want our young people to have the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and play a meaningful role in our energy transition. The NESP anchored this development as policy and through the Energy Bursary Programme, we are helping to make that possible while investing in the knowledge and skills Bermuda needs.”
The Department of Energy remains committed to supporting Bermudian students pursuing studies in fields that are critical to the Island's future. Through initiatives such as the Energy Bursary Programme, the Department of Energy will continue to invest in the development of local talent and the next generation of leaders who will help advance Bermuda's energy, environmental, and economic objectives.
