Nilendra Krishna Nair’s passion for addressing pollution has motivated him to excel in his academic pursuits. The son of a former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Itendra Nair, he left Fiji in 2009 on a Public Service Commission scholarship to study in Canada.
“Growing up in Nasova, the pollution levels along the seaside influenced my career path,” Mr. Nair stated. He recently became the first Fijian to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planetary Health, Climate Change, and Nutritional Epidemiology from Harvard University.
His journey has not been without its challenges. After spending thirteen years abroad, he achieved a double degree from Harvard, starting with a Master’s in Epidemiology. Now at 31, Mr. Nair works as a clinical genetic scientist at Mount Sinai Health System, the largest hospital network in New York City.
Having witnessed environmental injustices during his upbringing, he was motivated to become a change-maker. “Living in an urban community from a young age inspired me to initiate change within my household first, and then extend that to my community,” he explained.
Residing at the Nasova Police Barracks near the sea wall, he observed the increasing pollution contributed by neighboring communities, fueling his interest in environmental solutions and the necessary pathways to pursue them.
He attended Nehru Primary School and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School in Suva before moving to Canada in 2009, forgoing his Form 7 education. After two years, he transferred to the United States to continue his studies. Mr. Nair completed his PhD program, which typically lasts six years, in just four.
“Being surrounded by top talent was a challenge, but it pushed me to maintain high standards for myself,” he said, acknowledging the pressure to excel.
His commitment to achieving his maximum potential never wavered, despite moments of self-doubt. He credits his parents’ sacrifices for his education as a steady source of motivation. Originating from Labasa, he now travels globally, applying his expertise in genetics and microbiome research to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the South Pacific.
“I focus on understanding the genetic foundations of diseases in Fiji’s diverse population, an area that has not received enough attention. I’ve shifted from biological to clinical research to fill critical gaps regarding diabetes and related conditions,” he remarked.
As part of his doctoral research, he collaborates with the government of Kiribati to study factors influencing nutritional changes in the region. Currently vacationing in Suva, he is also engaging with the local community.
“I plan to work closely with the Health Ministry and Fiji National University, and the response to my research on NCDs has been very positive,” he noted. His research will delve deeper into the development of NCDs, analyzing genetic components while also considering environmental influences.
“My aim is to prioritize disease prevention for future generations and determine the best treatment strategies,” he added. Mr. Nair will advance his work on the intersection of climate change, planetary health, and human well-being at Harvard as the first Fijian postdoctoral research fellow and instructor.