Azida Walker (Azida Hosein) was the first generation in her immediate family to attend secondary school and is immensely grateful for her time at St. Joseph’s Convent and for the lifelong friends she had the honour or meeting there.

She is currently Associate Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Central Arkansas. After graduation from St. Joseph’s Convent, Azida went on the UWI (University if the West Indies) to pursue a career in computer programming. This proved difficult without actually owning a computer. She then opted for a degree in Physics.

In 1994, Azida graduated with First Class Honours and placed first among graduating seniors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. She was then awarded a UWI Postgraduate Fellowship Award to pursue a Master of Philosophy Degree (M.Phil) in Physics. After graduation Azida taught Mathematics and Physics at St. Mary’s College, POS for two years. She was then awarded a scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. In Physics at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, followed by a Postodoctoral Fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

At UCA, Azida has been active in promoting STEM fields and careers to underrepresented groups in the area. She had been awarded a grant to organize a Day of Celebration of Women in STEM and has worked keeping this an annual event. Azida loves being active and has completed several half marathons and she is currently a black belt in American Tae Kwon Do. Azida understands the personal sacrifices it takes to be a mom (of two wonderful kids) and a professional and as such she continues to be an advocate for gender equality and support for women in the STEM fields.

“Life will shoot lemons at you. Take cover, collect what you can and make the best lemonade ever"

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Virtute et Labore!