Two of Bermuda’s Rhodes scholars who are lifelong friends encouraged more science students to make their mark on the island.

Jayden Parker and Noah Da Silva, named as Bermuda’s Rhodes scholars for 2025 and 2026, were recognised during a ceremony on Friday before they pursue studies at the University of Oxford.

The prestigious postgraduate award, given to one Bermudian each year, is not the only thing the two friends have in common — both graduated from Warwick Academy, worked or interned at the Bermuda Zoological Society, led conservation projects on the island and are pursuing science-related degrees.

Mr Da Silva said the pair, who have been friends since middle school, are like “two sides of the same coin”.

He noted: “We have very similar interests, passions and values.

“We’re very different people, but we’re also the same at the same time.”

Mr Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in medical science with honours from the University of Guelph, completed a veterinary degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, and hopes to earn a master’s in biodiversity, conservation and management at Oxford.

Mr Da Silva earned a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences modified with biology, also with honours, and designed and completed a palaeontology-focused major at Dartmouth College.

He plans to pursue “palaeobiology and the study of ancient ecosystems, mass extinctions and the fossil records” while at Oxford.

Asked what each Rhodes scholar learnt from the other, Mr Da Silva said: “He’s an incredible ball of charisma and joy, and is just incredible to be around.

“When I was in Year 7, I thought, ‘I want to be like that guy’, and that’s what happened as the years have gone on.”

Mr Parker said: “[Noah] is the most selfless and giving person I’ve ever met, and even if it’s not necessarily academic, I’ve learnt a lot of lessons from him about empathy and being a better human being.”

Mr Da Silva surveyed micro-snails across 24 biomes while interning with the BZS and collaborated with the Government on conservation research.

Meanwhile, Mr Parker worked in animal care and quarantine at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, conducted research on the local sea turtle population and participated in projects in the Galapagos Islands and Malaysia.

Mr Da Silva said: “In Bermuda, you can be a big fish in a small ocean, since there’s not a lot of work being done here. One person’s impact can go a long way.”

Mr Parker said: “I think a lot of people, to this point, underestimate how much can be done in Bermuda and the fact that a scientific degree can be used to contribute to the community it came from instead of being used to work abroad.”

The Bermuda Rhodes scholarship is made possible through a partnership between the Rhodes Trust and the Banks Family Foundation.

Andrew Banks, himself a former Rhodes scholar, said the scholarship is given with the hope that students will make the world better.

He added: “A lot of people have interviewed, questioned you and vetted you and you are the best, so we do expect great things.”

Mr Parker and Mr Da Silva are looking forward to working with some of the most hard-working and talented young people in the world, as well as meeting more Bermudian scholars at Oxford.