“Bahamian-Born Chemistry Professor Appointed to a US Chemistry Development Committee”

A Bahamian-born chemistry professor has been appointed to a key advisory committee responsible for shaping one of the most widely recognised high school chemistry programmes in the United States.

Dr Nikita Burrows, an associate professor of chemistry at Monmouth University in New Jersey, will serve on the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Development Committee. She is the only Bahamian currently serving on the panel.

The committee plays a central role in designing the AP chemistry curriculum and exam taken by tens of thousands of students in the US and international schools each year. High scores on the exam can translate into university credits and placement for students, making it a highly influential component of college-readiness education.

The college board, which oversees the AP and SAT programmes, said the committee is responsible for refining curriculum frameworks, ensuring scientific accuracy, and maintaining the fairness of assessment questions.

Dr Burrows, a graduate of the University of The Bahamas, earned her doctorate in chemistry education from Georgia State University. At Monmouth University, she leads a research group focused on laboratory instruction and inclusive teaching practices.

She said she is honoured by the appointment and proud to represent The Bahamas in the international education space.