Meet Zola Hinds | PhD Student – Nuclear Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zola Hinds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zola, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well in starting my own business as an author, I was inspired to write the Island Energy children’s book about the different superhero energies that power the Caribbean, when I began my PhD in nuclear engineering and became curious about the potential of nuclear energy in the Caribbean as a solution to combat climate change and rising energy prices.

However, I realised that Nuclear energy was only just being discussed as a future energy alternative. Quickly recognising the complexity of explaining nuclear energy to adults, I wondered how they would manage to relay this concept to their
children. Upon further investigation, it was apparent that this also holds for other clean energy sources used in the Caribbean, so I decided to create a children’s book.

This book simplifies the concepts of Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric and Geothermal energy, with an introduction to nuclear energy while capturing Caribbean diversity, culture and inclusivity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a children’s book author and a nuclear engineering PhD student, I am most excited about being a pioneer and using novel approaches not only tell the story of nuclear for children but to also actively contribute knowledge to the field in academia.

What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary expertise. With a background in Advanced Data Science, Computer Science, coupled with my nuclear engineering research application, I bridge the gap between computational modelling, physics, and engineering. Plus my experience as a Climate Advocate spans over 5 years and includes participation in the Girls Climate Action for Resilience & Empowerment (GirlsCARE) program. Additionally, I served as Director of Project Planning for the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council, spearheading the Albion Heights project, an initiative funded by the UNDP to mitigate the impact of Climate Change and create a ‘Green Community’. The project included the installation of renewable energy solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and community recycling systems in ten households.

One of my proudest achievements is not just my technical work but also my contribution to science communication. As the author of the Island Energy: The Superhero Energies That Power The Caribbean children’s book that introduces young readers to clean energy concepts through engaging storytelling.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy. As a Caribbean woman in a highly specialized STEM field, I have faced challenges in representation, access to certain resources and navigating an industry where diversity is still growing. However, perseverance, mentorship and my passion for innovation have driven me forward. I’ve learned that resilience, adaptability and a strong support network are key to overcoming obstacles. I have also embraced the importance of sharing knowledge—whether through research, mentorship, or public engagement—to create opportunities for others.

I want the world to know that my story is one of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo in nuclear science and technology. My brand is about innovation and the power of interdisciplinary thinking to solve complex problems. Whether through my research, advocacy, or mentorship, my mission is to contribute to research and innovation whether in academia or industry. I hope to inspire more young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to explore careers in STEM and to believe that they, too, can make an impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I’m in Jamaica, we would visit Portland and go to the beach then eat some jerk chicken, fried breadfruit with coconut water. We would also go to St Elizabeth to do the Appleton Rum Tour, head down to Pelican Bar to enjoy some Red Stripe and stop by Lil Ochie for some great seafood. Finally, we would spend some time in Kingston going to parties and having ice-cream at Devon House.

If I’m in the UK, I would take them around London to enjoy all the major attractions and nightlife, then head to North Wales to explore the Snowdonia mountain and surrounding areas. We would definitely have a few pints of Guinness, a good Sunday roast plus end the visit with some sticky toffee pudding.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a heartfelt shoutout to my incredible family for their unwavering support throughout this journey. From the very beginning, they believed in my vision, provided valuable input during the creative process, and continue to play a crucial role in handling logistics for the marketing, sale, and distribution of the book. Their dedication means the world to me!

A huge shoutout to Kabrena of Eva-Michelle Publishing—an exceptionally talented illustrator and publisher—who brought Island Energy: The Superhero Energies That Power The Caribbean to life in the most beautiful way. Your artistry and expertise have been instrumental in making this book a reality.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Kozy Korner Books and More Family for jumping on board as the first local distributor, helping to bring the book into the hands of eager young readers. Additionally, a special thank you to Winsome Wishes for Kids for their incredible partnership in expanding the book’s reach and impact.

And finally, to every single person who has supported this project—whether by promoting, sharing, or purchasing a copy of the book—you are all part of this journey, and I am beyond grateful. Your encouragement fuels my passion for education, storytelling, and clean energy awareness. Thank you for being a part of this mission!

Website: https://islandenergybook.my.canva.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandenergybook/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zola-hinds-05940b157

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=61557467300941

Image Credits
I have the rights