Water Authority Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Three promising young Caymanians are set to continue their academic journeys in the United Kingdom, pursuing careers in engineering. Hannah Robinson, Marco Lopez-Francis, and Liam Benson have been awarded the Water Authority’s 2025 Annual Scholarship.

Ms Robinson will pursue a Master of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. A graduate of John Gray High School, she earned her associate degree in engineering from the University College of the Cayman Islands and her Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the University of Leicester. In addition to her keen interest in STEM, she also enjoys sports, particularly playing netball, squash, and track and field. Ms Robinson recently completed a six-month internship with the Water Authority, splitting her time between the Engineering Department and the laboratory.

Mr Lopez-Francis will begin his studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. A graduate of Clifton Hunter High School, he earned his associate degree in engineering from UCCI while also serving as a STEM Ambassador—a role through which he inspired younger students and supported outreach efforts to promote science and technology. He was also a member of both Circle K and the Leo Club, contributing his time to various community service initiatives. In 2024, Mr Lopez-Francis gained valuable hands-on experience through the Water Authority’s Summer Internship Programme, where he worked at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Mr Benson is headed to Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. A recent graduate of Cayman Prep & High School, he achieved A-Level passes in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Beyond the classroom, Mr Benson demonstrated leadership as captain of the Cayman Islands National Robotics Team, representing the nation at the FIRST Global Challenge held in Athens, Greece, in 2024.

The scholars share a strong interest in sustainability and the role of engineering in developing sustainable practices, particularly in water resource management, to promote environmental stewardship and ensure future generations in Cayman have access to clean, reliable water.

Water Authority Director Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said that the organisation was proud to support all three scholars. 

“Supporting Caymanian students in achieving their educational aspirations is a key priority for the Authority, especially in the areas of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,” she stated. “These disciplines play a vital role in the water industry, and we are proud to contribute to the academic and professional growth of Ms Robinson, Mr Lopez-Francis, and Mr Benson. We extend our best wishes to them as they continue their studies.”

The Authority’s scholarship, valued up to CI$40,000, is provided to a suitably qualified Caymanian to obtain an undergraduate academic or technical/vocational degree or diploma in a field of study relevant to the Authority’s work. The Authority will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship in November 2025. For more information about applying for the Authority’s Annual Scholarship, please visit www.waterauthority.ky/scholarships-how-to-apply.