Thu Jan 02 07:10:00 UTC 2025: **Local Man Overcomes Hardship, Earns PhD, and Returns to Serve Jamaica**

**Montego Bay, Jamaica** – Dr. Aubrey Stewart, 31, a Fulbright scholar, has completed his PhD in public policy at Florida International University, specializing in crime policy evaluation and program design. His journey is a testament to perseverance, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve academic success and a commitment to his homeland.

Raised in the challenging inner-city community of Albion Lane, Montego Bay, Stewart faced poverty and gun violence, including a firebombing attack on his family home in 2007. Despite academic struggles early on, describing himself as a “slow learner,” he found discipline through participation in the cadets at Cornwall College. This marked a turning point, leading him to pursue higher education.

Stewart’s academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in political leadership from the University of the West Indies, Western Jamaica Campus, followed by a master’s degree in comparative politics from a joint UWI and University of Cambridge program. He excelled in his doctoral studies, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and gaining induction into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

While pursuing his education, Stewart remained actively involved in community initiatives. He worked as a data scientist and research fellow in Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security and the Office of the Prime Minister before receiving the Fulbright Scholarship.

Despite receiving a job offer as a professor in the US, Stewart chose to return to Jamaica to contribute his expertise to national security projects. His PhD dissertation focused on evaluating and improving crime prevention policies in Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Latin American nations. He plans to implement some of his research findings to enhance Jamaica’s security apparatus.

Dr. Stewart’s story highlights the transformative power of education and the dedication of an individual determined to overcome adversity and serve his community. His return to Jamaica underscores his commitment to leveraging his knowledge and skills for the betterment of his country.

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