The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is thrilled to congratulate senior Tiana Dinham ’26 on being named a Rhodes Scholar.

Tiana is a geological science major, with a minor in in geography at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is also a Climate Scholar at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Her work focuses on the contamination of groundwater and sediment systems. She also explores ways to harness the Earth’s resources while preserving the environment. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford Tiana plans to continue her studies by earning an MSc in Water Science, Policy, and Management as well as an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment.

“My goal is to learn from leading scientists around the world how to design systems that ensure every Jamaican has access to clean, potable water. The recent impacts of Hurricane Melissa on our water supply have made this mission even more urgent. Becoming a Rhodes Scholar gives me the opportunity to gain the skills and expertise needed to turn that goal into something tangible for the people I care about most,” Tiana shared.

Tiana is the 55^th Rhodes Scholar in UNC-Chapel Hill’s history, and the third Robertson Scholar to win this prestigious honor. Originally from Jamaica, Tiana won the Rhodes for the Jamaica contingency and was honored by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen in a special ceremony on Thursday.

“I am still in disbelief. It is an absolute honor to be recognized in this way, and it is incredibly encouraging that the selection committee, especially the Governor General of Jamaica, believes the work I am doing is timely and important. I feel both humbled and deeply motivated to continue serving my country.”

Tiana is dedicating the honor to the people of West Jamaica who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

When asked what it means to be awarded the Rhodes alongside fellow classmate Gabrielle Moreau, Tiana shared, “I am over the moon. It was a no-brainer to me that Gabrielle would receive this distinction. I am so happy that I will get to share this experience with one of my friends and someone I have always admired. Knowing that we will take on this journey together makes it even more meaningful.”