CEW+ applauds Nelsy’s commitment to public health and names her the Elizabeth M. Dusseau Scholar.

Nelsy Castro Webb is a dedicated researcher pursuing her Master of Science in Biostatistics at the University of Michigan. Originally from Costa Rica, Nelsy earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Costa Rica. In 2002, she relocated to Boston with her family to support her husband’s educational pursuits. In Boston, she embarked on a research career as a research assistant in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard University. While working during the day, Nelsy took night classes to earn her master’s degree in biology from the Harvard Extension School. Her thesis, a cross-sectional study on the association of conjugated linoleic acid and diabetes risk in Costa Rica, was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Later, Nelsy worked as a research assistant at Boston University. She played an integral role in the Black Women Health Study, a large prospective study of U.S. Black women, and quickly earned the position of Research Data Analyst. Over the course of eight years, Nelsy contributed to 18 peer-reviewed scientific articles as a co-author.

Nelsy’s passion for making a meaningful impact on public health issues, particularly those affecting Black women and minority populations, motivated her to pursue a Master of Science in Biostatistics at U-M. She aspires to acquire the necessary skills to delve into social determinants of health, with a keen interest in measuring the public health effects of racism on minority populations. As a Latina researcher, Nelsy brings a unique perspective to her work, and she envisions contributing substantially to relevant public health questions. Her goal is to attain senior positions in biostatistical research labs, empowering her to lead groundbreaking studies and effect positive change in the lives of marginalized communities.

CEW+ applauds Nelsy’s commitment to public health and names her the Elizabeth M. Dusseau Scholar.