A psychology academic with Bermudian roots has been named as the first Black woman professor at the City St George’s, University of London, in England.

The landmark appointment saw Jessica Jones Nielsen designated a professor of psychology at the public research university, which made the announcement online just in time for Christmas.

Dr Jones Nielson is assistant vice-president [EDI Race Equality] and a psychology academic for the School of Health and Psychological Sciences.

She is the daughter of Bermudian father Edward. While she was born in the United States, she cherishes many connections on the island, with family members based in the tight-knit Jones Village neighbourhood off Khyber Pass in Warwick.

She joined the university in 2013 and recently took part in a programme designed to increase the number of Black women in academia.

In her role as a researcher, she looks to “drive real change in practice”, and focuses on issues of power and identity in workplace and healthcare settings.

Dr Jones Nielson told The Royal Gazette: “It has been such a momentous occasion for me and my family, given all the struggles and tribulations I have faced in my life trailblazing this road.

“My family have the greatest belief in me. This achievement is not only a reflection of my own personal dedication and commitment to this area of my work but also my family’s genuine belief and faith in me. Their unwavering support has been instrumental to my success.

“In the UK, there are around 22,000 professors and of them, only about 70 are Black female so for me this is an immense accomplishment.”

She added: “However, it also shows how much work needs to be done, given the number of students who are Black or from ethnic minorities in the UK.

“I hope it is inspirational and helps future academics and professors to know they can achieve this. That is why, for me, it has been such a significant achievement.

“We are capable of everything, the impossible can always be possible with determination, a strong work ethic and the support of those around us.

“This couldn’t have happened without those who came before us, so it is also about honouring the legacy of Black female pioneers who have been inspirational to me.”

With a background in counselling and health psychology, Dr Jones has expertise in using mixed methods and other inclusive research approaches to study the impact of discrimination on mental and physical health.

Working locally and nationally, she has delivered interdisciplinary research on inequalities in mental health across health services with an emphasis on race.

The announcement of her promotion was made at the Network for Racial Justice's launch event of the Tackling Racism, Exclusion and Racial Injustices at City: The Lived Experience of Staff report in November.

Her research has explored the lived experiences of staff of colour as it pertains to racism and discrimination at the university, and included seven recommendations including in areas of promotion and progressions, recruitment, and pay disparity.

Her biography on the university’s website says: “Professor Jones Nielsen serves as a senior leader and is dedicated to turning high-level aspirations into practical, inclusive policies that improve organisational performance while aligning with core values.

“She has spearheaded significant progress towards institutional equity at City St George’s by applying an intersectional lens to address disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality.”