Britney Hamilton heads to Europe as first in family with tertiary degree

At 23, Britney Hamilton became the first in her family to earn a tertiary degree when she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, two years ago.

Now, the Albion, St Thomas, native is headed to Europe on a fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship from the European Union (EU).

“I am excited for the new journey, the new chapter, very excited for what is to come,” she said.

Hamilton will study coastal hazards, risks, climate-change impacts and adaptation through a multiuniversity programme spanning three countries. She begins at the University of Cantabria in Spain, continues at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and concludes at the University of Algarve in Portugal.

Her passion for this area was sparked during an internship at Smith Warner International, a coastal engineering design-and-build firm in Kingston.

The former Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls student is already focused on using her education to benefit Jamaica.

“The greatest accomplishment I would say is to give back to Jamaica based on the knowledge that I gained overseas, to help Jamaica solve climate-related issues, drainage issues, and any issues related to water hazards,” she told The Gleaner.

Hamilton is one of five Jamaican recipients of the prestigious scholarship this year. The other scholars are UWI graduates Christina Robinson, Savannah McDonald, and Amala Evans, along with University of Florida alum Alazne Cameron.

Robinson will pursue a master’s in islands and sustainability; McDonald in managing art and cultural heritage in global markets; and Cameron in children’s literature, media, and cultural entrepreneurship. Evans, like Hamilton, will also study coastal hazards, risks, climate-change impacts and adaptation.

Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus programme fosters academic excellence and cultural exchange. Each award covers tuition, travel, and a living allowance. The programmes last one to two years and involve study at a consortium of top-ranked universities in at least three European countries. Graduates receive joint, double, or multiple degrees.

EU Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Erja Askola praised the awardees’ focus on sustainability, culture, and resilience.

“At a time when the world needs inclusive climate solutions and creative innovation, these young Jamaicans are honing skills to help shape a more sustainable and equitable future,” she said.

She added that as Jamaica continues to promote its cultural and creative industries, the knowledge these scholars bring back home will strengthen national efforts in heritage preservation, economic diversification, and building the country’s global cultural presence.

Meanwhile, Hamilton credited the support she received from her parents over the years as integral to her success.

“They have been through it with me. During times when I am studying, my mother usually ensures that I am eating well. Anything school-related, my parents are there to support me, any academic achievement, whether big or small,” she said.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com