Over the years this program trained many of our best leaders and most accomplished people in several areas. Rhodes Scholars include many of the world’s most accomplished people. I find it interesting, and inspiring, to see who won the most recent awards, what they’ve done so far in their young lives, and what they plan to do.
Below is the press release from the Rhodes Trust’s U.S. arm, and then profiles of the U.S. winners (with photos this year!).
WASHINGTON, DC/November 17, 2012 – Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, today announced the names of the thirty-two American men and women chosen as Rhodes Scholars representing the United States. Rhodes Scholarships provide all expenses for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford in England, and may
allow funding in some instances for four years. Mr. Gerson called the Rhodes Scholarships, “the oldest and best known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates.” They were created in 1902 by the Will of Cecil Rhodes, British philanthropist and African colonial pioneer. The first class
of American Rhodes Scholars entered Oxford in 1904; those elected today will enter Oxford in October 2013.
Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a two-stage process. First, candidates must be endorsed by their college or university. This year approximately 1700 students sought their institution’s endorsement; 838 were endorsed by 302 different colleges and universities. Committees of Selection in each of 16 U.S. districts then invite the strongest applicants to appear before them for interview. Gerson said, “applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the Will of Cecil Rhodes. These criteria are high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor. These basic characteristics are directed at fulfilling Mr. Rhodes’s hopes that the Rhodes Scholars would make an effective and positive contribution throughout the world. In Rhodes’ words, his Scholars should ‘esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim.'”
Applicants in the United States may apply either through the state where they are legally resident or where they have attended college for at least two years. The district committees met separately, on Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, in cities across the country.
Each district committee made a final selection of two Rhodes Scholars from the candidates of the state or states within the district. Two-hundred twelve applicants from 88 different colleges and universities reached the final stage of the competition, including 12 that had never before had a student win a Rhodes Scholarship.
The thirty-two Rhodes Scholars chosen from the United States will join an international group of Scholars chosen from fourteen other jurisdictions around the world. In addition to the thirty-two Americans, Scholars are also selected from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the nations of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (South Africa, plus Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Approximately 80 Scholars are selected worldwide each year, usually including several who have attended American colleges and universities but who are not U.S. citizens and who have applied through their home country.
With the elections announced today, 3,292 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 314 colleges and universities. Since 1976, women have been eligible to apply and 473 American women have now won the coveted scholarship. This year, men constituted 55% of the applicant pool and 53% of those who reached the final stage of the
competition. Just over 1900 American Rhodes Scholars are living in all parts of the U.S. and abroad.
The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the academic field and the degree (B.A., master’s, doctoral) chosen. The Rhodes Trust pays all college and university fees, provides a stipend to cover necessary expenses while in residence in Oxford as well as during vacations, and transportation to and from England. Mr. Gerson estimates that the
total value of the Scholarship averages approximately US$50,000 per year, and up to as much as US$200,000 for Scholars who remain at Oxford for four years in certain departments.
[The press release continues: “The full list of the newly elected United States Rhodes Scholars, with the states from which they were chosen, their home addresses, and their American colleges or universities, follows. Brief profiles follow the list.” Here we have included only the profiles.]
Clayton P. Aldern
Minnesota, 2013
Current place of residence: Cedar
University: Brown University
Other information: Clayton is a senior at Brown where he majors in neuroscience. His work focuses on visual information processing and decision-making, and toward a better understanding of how human memory functions. Clay is also active as a peer advisor, a journalist, as editor-in-chief of a magazine of the Brown Daily Herald, and is committed to increasing scientific literacy in American culture. He also conducts research on treatment access for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury patients.
Juliet Elizabeth Allan
Georgia, 2013
Current place of residence: Atlanta
University: University of Georgia
Other information: Juliet graduated from the University of Georgia in 2012, with bachelors degrees in Arabic, international affairs and economics, and a masters in international policy. Elizabeth’s interests focus on U.S. policy in the middle east and north Africa. She has studied in Morocco, at Oxford, as well as in Peru, Germany, China, India and South Korea. She is co-director of a tutoring and mentoring program for low income students that includes 200 volunteers, and is also a long-distance runner and white water rafter.
James Bonifacio
New Zealand, 2013
Current place of residence: Christchurch
University: University of Canterbury
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics (2011) / Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics (Honours)
Other information: James is completing his Honours year in Maths and Physics. Fascinated by science from a young age, the focus of his interest now lies in theoretical physics. Alongside his own drive for understanding how the world works, James is passionate about teaching and inspiring others to learn, both fellow students and through volunteering at a local primary school and Refugee Homework Centre. A black belt in Taekwondo – he won Gold in the 2011 New Zealand Black Belt Championships and Silver in the 2012 South Island Championships – James enjoys the discipline physical challenge brings. He is currently training for the Coast to Coast World Multi-Sport Championship to be held in New Zealand in February 2013. Longer-term he aspires to contribute to the collective understanding of mankind through the study of theoretical physics.
Jennifer M. Bright
New York, 2013
Current place of residence: Manhattan
University: Yale University
Other information: Jennifer is a senior at Yale majoring in ethics, politics and economics. Jenny has focused on the legal, medical, economic and political aspects of urban public health policy. She has interned for New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, the New York Academy of Medicine and in the New York City Mayor’s office. She is also editor-in-chief of the Yale Undergraduate Law Review and the president of the Yale Urban Collective.
Joy A. Buolamwini
Tennessee, 2013
Current place of residence: Cordova
University: Georgia Institute of Technology
Other information: Joy graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2012 where she majored in computer science. She is now at the Carter Center working on global mobile surveying tools. An entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded three businesses, she has established a mobile data system for use in Ethiopia, and a digital teaching tool for schools in developing countries. Joy also helped develop a program using a robotic teddy bear to help the recognition ability of autistic children. She has won a Fulbright for work in Zambia where she will work to expand access to education.
David M. Carel
Pennsylvania, 2013
Current place of residence: Penn Valley
University: Yale University
Other information: David is a senior at Yale where he majors in economics. He cofounded an education technology start-up and performs as lead drummer in a West African dance troup and as an instructor in Rukdan Israeli dancing. He has become a leading advocate relating to HIV/AIDS, including as president of an AIDS coalition at Yale and as a national board member of the Student Global AIDS campaign. He has done extensive work at the community level in a small town in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, the country of his parents’ birth. He is fluent in Zulu and Hebrew.
Louis Chambers
New Zealand, 2013
Current place of residence: Dunedin
University: University of Otago
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Conjoint
Other information: Louis is completing his Honours in Law and his BA in Economics, with Environmental Management. Alongside his legal studies, Louis’s love of debating won him the 2011 Australian Law Students Association Mooting Competition; he serves as President and Adjudicator for the University of Otago Debating Society and has co-founded Law for Change to inspire students and young professionals to pursue public interest legal careers. Louis is National Co-ordinator of Generation Zero, a youth advocacy organisation promoting international thinking on climate change issues. For relaxation, Louis enjoys mountain biking, running, snowboarding, rock climbing and more. Longer-term Louis hopes to contribute to environmental and climate change policy, whether via government or NGO.
Natasha Chilundika
Zambia, 2013
Current place of residence: Lusaka
University: University of Zambia
Current/recent course: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies (2011)
Other information: Since completing her BSc in Agricultural Economics, Natasha has worked as a research assistant seeking to promote the interests of agricultural smallholder farming in the private sector. Whilst at University she served as Administrative Secretary for the University of Zambia Students Union Sports Council (UNZASU) and as Volleyball Team representative. In her free time now Natasha enjoys dancing, and is closely involved in her local church. Longer term she envisages a policy role, influencing national approaches to economic policy with a view to alleviating poverty.
Aidan C. de B. Daly
New York, 2013
Current place of residence: Manhattan
University: Harvard University
Other information: Aidan is a senior at Harvard majoring in computer science, with a minor in molecular and cellular biology. Aidan has done research internships at Harvard in quantum computational chemistry, at NYU in DNA computing, and at the American Museum of Natural History in population genetics. He has developed an iPhone app for field scientists, directed video productions, is a book illustrator, is co-captain of the Harvard kendo club, and was coxswain on the varsity lightweight crew.
Christopher B. Dobyns
Maryland/DC, 2013
Current place of residence: Highland, Maryland
University: Cornell University
Other information: Christopher is a senior at Cornell where he majors in African Studies with minors in Inequality Studies and Law and Society. Kit is a Udall Scholar who has studied Kiswahili and Zulu, taught English in Rwanda, worked at an orphanage in Tanzania, developed a curriculum for South Africa’s National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities, and created a curriculum on human rights abuses for a high school in Rwanda. He also founded a company that distributes low-cost energy in rural Nigeria and founded a nonprofit that provides consulting to social entrepreneurs.
Alyssa Fitzpatrick
South Australia, 2013
Current place of residence: Adelaide
University: University of Adelaide
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Other information: Alyssa is in the final year of her medical degree. During the course of her degree she took electives in Vietnam and in Oxford and found both experiences profoundly influential in different ways. Apart from her studies, Alyssa serves as Chair of Insight, the global health group of the University of Adelaide, and served as Publicity Officer for the Australian Medical Students’ Association’s Global Health Committee. Alyssa enjoys and performs classical and contemporary ballet and performs with, and is on the executive of, the Adelaide University Medical Orchestra. Beyond Oxford, in the shorter term, she hopes to train in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and, in the longer term, to work within the global health arena from both a medical and public health perspective.
Amanda J. Frickle
Montana, 2013
Current place of residence: Billings
University: The College of Idaho
Other information: Amanda graduated from The College of Idaho in 2012 where she majored in political economy and in history, and graduated summa cum laude. Amanda has been very active politically, a leader in the Obama campaign in Montana, as student body president, as president of the Gay-Straight Student Alliance, and as an advocate for LGBT rights. She has also worked for the Idaho ACLU, an executive officer on the feminist majority alliance, and has petitioned for sustainable environmental practices. Much of her academic work has been in gender studies.
Julian B. Gewirtz
Connecticut, 2013
Current place of residence: Hamden
University: Harvard University
Other information: Julian is a senior at Harvard majoring in history. Elected as a junior to Phi Beta Kappa, his secondary field is English and he has won prizes for his poetry. Fluent in Mandarin, his senior thesis is on the influence of western economists on Chinese reform. Julian is publisher of the Harvard Advocate, writes for the Huffington Post on China-related topics, and is a columnist for the Harvard Crimson. He also founded and directed a program that connects U.S. and Chinese young people, and has worked for Facebook, and for Alibaba in China.
Rhiana E. Gunn-Wright
Illinois, 2013
Current place of residence: Oak Lawn
University: Yale University
Other information: Rhiana graduated from Yale in 2011 with majors in African American studies and women’s gender and sexuality studies. She now works at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research in Washington, DC. Rhiana’s senior thesis won prizes from both of her departments. Her interests focus on the complex causes of inequality, poverty, and disadvantage. She has been extremely active in community service, working for the Yale Women’s Center, New Haven school children, grandmothers caring for children orphaned by HIV-AIDS in Uganda, and in Chicago for wards of the state. In Washington, she works as a health outreach volunteer with sex workers.
Margaret C. Hayden
Maine, 2013
Current place of residence: Brunswick
University: Stanford University
Other information: Margaret is a senior at Stanford where she majors in human biology and ethics in society. Her honors thesis is on the ethical implications of biological conceptions of mental illness and personhood. She has published two papers, has served as a patient advocate, and is passionate about the medical, sociological, political and moral contexts of mental illness. She is also a varsity squash player and a varsity sailor.
Christian H. Heller
North Dakota, 2013
Current place of residence: Beulah
University: United States Naval Academy
Other information: Christian is a senior at the United States Naval Academy, where he majors in history and minors in Arabic. He has interned at the U.S. Army War College and at the Office of Naval Intelligence. His academic work is focused to enable him to develop a broad understanding of the middle east. He is passionate about physical fitness, a marathoner and an amateur body builder; he is proud that he lost 115 pounds to attend the Naval Academy and to serve in the military. He has done submarine training, and attended the Marine Corps selection program at Quantico.
Allan J. Hsiao
Kentucky, 2013
Current place of residence: Louisville
University: Harvard University
Other information: Allan is a senior at Harvard with majors in economics and east Asian studies. Elected as a junior to Phi Beta Kappa, Allan is editor-in-chief of the Harvard Asia Quarterly, a professional academic journal, and the only undergraduate on its editorial board, senior editor of the Harvard Health Policy Review and of the Harvard Global Health Review. Allan was also an executive producer and director of the Identity 2012 Fashion Show, and president and co-founder of the Harvard actuarial society. He has attended a summit for young leaders in China, and has studied in Korea and Japan.
Kiley F. Hunkler
Missouri, 2013
Current place of residence: Glendale
University: United States Military Academy
Other information: Kiley is a senior at the United States Military Academy where she majors in engineering psychology. She has the highest academic average in her department and is one of a small number of seniors endorsed to attend medical school directly out of West Point, which will now be deferred until after her course at Oxford. She is a battalion commander and is captain of the women’s lacrosse team. Kiley has interned at Walter Reed and worked at regional hospitals in Ghana.
Micah A. Johnson
Ohio, 2013
Current place of residence: Canton
University: Yale University
Other information: Micah is a senior at Yale where he majors in molecular biophysics and biochemistry and psychology with a neuroscience concentration. Micah was elected as a junior to Phi Beta Kappa and won the Hunt Lyman prize as the outstanding junior at Yale intellectually and socially. His academic focus has been on brain disorders. He has done research on Parkinson’s disease and worked in Ghana to design and develop a plan to improve mental health care. He founded a program at Yale that assists in public health programs in Latin America, and is executive editor of the Yale Journal of Medicine and Law. He is also a professional magician and was the international junior champion in close-up magic.
Rachel R. Kolb
New Mexico, 2013
Current place of residence: Los Ranchos
University: Stanford University
Other information: Rachel graduated from Stanford in English in 2012, and with a minor in human biology. She is now a candidate at Stanford for an M.A. in English. Elected as a junior to Phi Beta Kappa, she is managing editor of the Leland Quarterly and an opinion columnist for The Stanford Daily. She has been active with Christian ministries and in disability advocacy. She has won numerous prizes for her writing and has for two years been president of the Stanford equestrian team, representing Stanford in the national finals. She is deaf; her Rhodes interview included the use of a sign interpreter.
Catherine Laporte-Oshiro
California – North, 2013
Current place of residence: Larkspur
University: Yale University
Other information: Catherine is a senior at Yale majoring in ethics, politics and economics. Her concentration is on Chinese state capitalism and she aspires to a career in public service related to China. She has studied Mandarin in Beijing and interned with a non-profit organization in Hong Kong and taught English in Nanjing. She also served as president of the Yale undergraduate economics association. She is team captain of the Yale Fed Challenge Team, analyzing the state of the U.S. economy. Cate also served as an economics intern for Senator Dianne Feinstein and has been active in the Yale Political Union.
Christopher Linegar
Diocesan College, Rondebosch 2013
Current place of residence: Cape Town
University: University of Cape Town
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics
Other information: Chris is completing the final year of his degree on a bursary from Denel Dynamics. His thesis project has been selected to be presented at the SAIEE National Competition later this year. Serving as Web Editor at UCT’s Varsity Newspaper, he was extensively involved in promoting the growth of online student media at UCT, and has initiated several internships in journalism and web development. Building on his experiences tutoring Maths and Physics, Chris is pursuing an outreach initiative aimed at making electronic learning resources available to underprivileged school pupils across South Africa. For recreation, he is an avid photographer and enjoys mountain biking. Chris envisages a career in autonomous robotics, through which he hopes to encourage students to aspire to higher levels of robotics research in South Africa.
Benjamine Y. Liu
Connecticut, 2013
Current place of residence: Westlake Village, California
University: Yale University
Other information: Benjamine graduated from Yale last year with a major in biology. He is now studying for an M.Phil. in computational biology at Cambridge University on a Mellon Fellowship. Ben also won a Goldwater Scholarship and Yale College’s highest honor, the Alpheus Henry Snow prize, for intellectual achievement and character. He has extensive public health experience, including in China, the Dominican Republic, and England, and has many publications in neuroscience. He also launched a musical and educational program in the Los Angeles County jails.
Dakota E. McCoy
Pennsylvania, 2013
Current place of residence: Wexford
University: Yale University
Other information: Dakota is a senior at Yale where she majors in ecology and evolutionary biology. Cody is a Goldwater Scholar, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and won the Frances Gordon Brown prize for intellectual distinction, leadership and service. She has several peer reviewed publications and has done research projects in ecology, primate cognition and evolutionary biology. She is a member of the varsity track and field team, where she throws the javelin and runs hurdles—and is in Yale’s top 10 of all time in each discipline. She also volunteers for the Special Olympics and sings a capella.
Rachel M. Myrick
North Carolina, 2013
Current place of residence: Charlotte
University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Other information: Rachel is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majors in political science and global studies and minors in creative writing. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, she has written for the undergraduate law journal and extensively for a student magazine. Rachel is also the student body vice president and chair of the student advisory committee to the chancellor. She also designed a cultural enrichment program for children at a domestic violence shelter in Belize.
Kiron Neale
Trinidad & Tobago, 2013
Current place of residence: San Fernando
University: University of the West Indies
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science (2012)
Other information: Kiron majored in Geography and Environment & Natural Resource Management, completing his BSc with First Class Honours. Kiron won the Caribbean Academy of Sciences Studentship to present his undergraduate dissertation on alternative fuel sources at the Caribbean Academy of Sciences General Meeting and Conference in November 2012. He currently works as an Associate Professional in the Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Beyond his academic and personal commitment to the environment, Kiron’s interests embrace the visual arts, and sport of many kinds; as a track athlete he was the 60m and 300m silver medallist at the University of Alberta Campus games, where he spent a semester on exchange. Longer term, Kiron wishes to contribute to environmental policy development in the wider Caribbean.
Geoffrey Pascoe
Victoria, 2013
Current place of residence: Victoria
University: Monash University
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (2011)/ Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and Bachelor of Science
Other information: Geoffrey is currently completing his studies, and does so as a Dean’s Scholar of the Faculty of Engineering. Academically, Geoff’s interests tend toward mobile robotics and he hopes to contribute – at Oxford and perhaps beyond – to transformative changes in technology in the field of transportation. Alongside his studies, Geoff has indulged his other passion, politics, serving both as President of the Monash University Liberal Club and a member of the Executive Committee of the Young Liberal Movement of Victoria. As a change from robotics and politics, Geoff umpires for the Victorian Football League Senior Squad. Whilst Geoff is unclear of the exact path his future career will take, he is clear that he will be working on ideas and technologies that impact people’s lives for good.
Laura Pittman
Newfoundland, 2013
Current place of residence: St John’s
University: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Engineering
Other information: Laura is the final year of her Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Whilst on campus, she has served as Vice President of the Engineering Students’ Society, Director of Languages and Volunteers for the Canadian Federation of Engineering Student 2011 Congress, and as a participant on the Atlantic Council of Engineering Students. She was chosen to represent the university as one of twenty-five Memorial Ambassadors. Laura has also been closely involved in a programme to introduce school girls to engineering. Following these community projects and in addition to highly successful research and employment placements, she was awarded the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education Student of the Year Prize for 2011. Laura is a High School volleyball coach, and plays volleyball and football. She plays the piano and violin, and dances. Longer term, Laura hopes to combine her interests in biomechanics with socially responsible business enterprise.
Kameel Premhid
KwaZulu-Natal, 2013
Current place of residence: Durban
University: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and Political Science (2010) / Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Other information: Kameel’s twin passions are politics and law, with particular focus on the relationship between government, civil society, and the international community. An active member of the Democratic Alliance since 2004, Kameel served as Chief Whip for the KZN Youth Parliament (2008-2010), and continues to serve as elected Branch Committee Member for one of the Durban Wards. A keen debater, Kameel won 2nd Best Individual Speaker at the Pan-African Universities’ Debating Championships in Bulawayo, 2011; was invited to serve as an Independent Judge in the 2012 World Universities’ Debating Championships and has a long history of coaching young people in KwaZulu-Natal Schools’ Debating Association.
Daniel A. Price
California – North, 2013
Current place of residence: Grass Valley
University: University of California, Berkeley
Other information: Daniel is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, where he will graduate with two B.S. degrees, one in bioengineering, and one in electrical engineering and computer sciences. He also has a major in physics. He has done research in medical robotics at Johns Hopkins, and at Berkeley to develop a new imaging modality known as magnetic particle imaging. He aspires to a career applying his interests in medical devices and medical robotics to address global health care needs.
Vinesh Rajpaul
South African College School, Newlands, 2013
Current place of residence: Cape Town
University: University of Cape Town
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science in Physics & Applied Mathematics (2009) / Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (Honours) (2010) / Master of Science in Astrophysics
Other information: Vinesh completed his BA at UCT with First Class Honours and is now working on a research-based Master’s in Astrophysics, with a focus on exoplanetary science. He has already authored a number of peer-reviewed publications in this area. He is passionate about improving educational opportunities for young people in Southern Africa and in 2010 he raised funds to establish a merit scholarship for students from poor backgrounds, to encourage and recognise hard work and academic excellence, and has volunteered for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town since 2006. For light relief, Vinesh enjoys language (French), literature and music (piano), “dabbles” in art and photography (with international recognition), and enjoys a number of outdoor activities, including running, cycling and hiking. Beyond Oxford, Vinesh would like to establish an exoplanet research group in South Africa and hopes to contribute, longer-term, to the development of education policy in South Africa.
Joseph W. Riley
Tennessee, 2013
Current place of residence: Athens
University: University of Virginia
Other information: Joseph is a senior at the University of Virginia where he majors in Chinese, and is in the honors program in government and foreign affairs. A Truman Scholar, and a Jefferson Scholar, Joe is ranked the number one Army cadet in the national ROTC. He is coauthoring a book on Sino-American relations and has done field research on Chinese mineral extraction industries in Africa. He has attended 101st Airborne Division Air Assault school, and Army Airborne Infantry school, and founded an organization to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Fund and to help bridge the civil military divide.
Mubeen A. Shakir
Oklahoma, 2013
Current place of residence: Oklahoma City
University: University of Oklahoma
Other information: Mubeen is a senior at the University of Oklahoma where he majors in biochemistry. Dedicated to a career in medicine, particularly oncology, he has interned at Columbia University and at the University of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and in its departments of pediatrics and urology. He has also worked in a program for entrepreneurs where he is developing an iPod application to detect concussions in collision sports. Mubeen also co-founded an education program for underprivileged youth in Oklahoma and tutors for children and teens in the Oklahoma Muslim community, and is an opinion columnist for the student newspaper.
David Sherwood
Western Australia, 2013
Current place of residence: Perth
University: University of Western Australia
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science (2011)/ Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Honours)
Other information: Dave is currently completing his degree in chemistry. Whilst at UWA, he won research placements at Monash University and the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland; and won the Fogarty Foundation Scholarship. He has remained closely involved with the Foundation’s on-going programmes to provide tutoring for disadvantaged high school students. Profoundly influenced by what he saw of unequal access to high quality education, in 2011 Dave established a not-for-profit company to organise tutoring for over 500 primary school students at 11 remote schools. For relaxation, Dave plays competitive sport – soccer, netball, badminton – and enjoys camping and water sports. Longer-term Dave hopes to contribute to broad educational reform, ensuring that an individual’s life prospects are not restricted by their place of birth.
Edward Stace
New Zealand, 2013
Current place of residence: Dunedin
University: University of Otago
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) (2009)/ Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Other information: Edward will complete his medical studies in the coming year. During the course of his medical degree, he took a year out to undertake research on Bone Banking, graduating BMedSc with First Class Honours. A keen sportsman, he was invited to join the New Zealand Rowing Squad but declined in favour of his studies. Instead, he joined the Territorial Army where he was promoted, this year, to Lieutenant. He continues his sporting involvement, hiking, running and playing rugby; this year he won first place in the Army’s Twin Peaks Battle Tab. Alongside competitive sport, he is a jazz trumpeter. He hopes to continue medical research at Oxford and, longer-term, he envisages a career in medicine, with the aim of influencing national approaches to preventative medicine and public health.
Evan R. Szablowski
California – South, 2013
Current place of residence: Bakersfield
University: United States Military Academy
Other information: Evan is a senior at the United States Military Academy where he majors in mathematics. He has also studied at Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco, and worked on projects encouraging entrepreneurship in Ethiopia, and on emerging markets in the Czech Republic. Evan is also a triathlete, conducts a West Point choir, and was a member of the first American team ever to win the Sandhurst military competition.
Helen Taylor
Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, 2013
Current place of residence: Stellenbosch
University: Stellenbosch University
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Arts in Law (2009) / Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) (2011); Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Other information: Helen graduated Cum Laude in Law and in English (Honours) and is now completing her LLB. At Stellenbosch, Hockey has taken a back seat in favour of her studies and of her interest in music. An accomplished pianist and violinist, she also teaches the violin and performs in a professional music group based in Cape Town, Camerata Tinta Barocca. Earlier this year, Helen attended a Summer School at King’s College, London, exposing her to the internal workings of the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey. This experience has confirmed her longer-term aspirations to become an advocate or a judge. Helen is keenly interested in the place of justice in law, particularly in the field of human rights law.
Jacob Taylor
New South Wales, 2013
Current place of residence: Sydney
University: The University of Sydney
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Arts in Languages with combined Honours in Social Anthropology and Chinese Studies (2010)
Other information: Jacob’s interest in how culture takes hold of our bodies and minds has led him towards a keen interest in the emerging field of neuroanthropology. Having completed his degree in 2010, Jacob has combined meanwhile his interests in rugby and China as a member of the Partnership Development Team of the Australia-China Youth Dialogue, and as the China Consultant and Liaison for the Australian Rugby Union. Alongside his career as Vice-Captain of the national Rugby Sevens team, Jacob has established the Engaging China Project which seeks to promote the study of the Chinese language in Australian schools. Longer-term, Jacob hopes to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in neuroanthropology, before seeking to influence more broadly the incorporation of empathic knowledge into the way we educate, govern, and do business worldwide.
Vincent F. Taylor
Jamaica, 2013
Current place of residence: Kingston
University: University of the West Indies
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Electronics (2011) / Master of Philosophy in Computer Science
Other information: Vincent completed his BSc with First Class Honours and is currently researching the scope of wireless sensor network security. He has used his talents in electronics to assist in the design and development of websites for charities such as the I Believe Initiative. He combines this with a passion for amateur radio as a webmaster of the Jamaica Amateur Radio Association. Vincent also represents the Department of Computing on the Faculty of Science and Technology Graduate Students’ Social Events Committee, and has won the Professor Sir Kenneth Hall Award for Excellence in Philanthropy for his extra-curricular activities. During his leisure time, he enjoys middle-distance running and weightlifting, and amateur astronomy. Long-term Vincent envisages contributing to technological advancement in developing countries.
Joseph W. Thiel
Idaho, 2013
Current place of residence: Boise
University: Montana State University
Other information: Joseph is a senior at Montana State University where he majors in chemical engineering; he will also get a B.A. in liberal studies, with a focus on politics, philosophy and economics. He is the only student representative on the Board of Regents of the Montana University System. Joe was the vice president of Engineers Without Borders at Montana State and served as a student senator. He has done summer work related to the storage of spent nuclear fuel and in biofilms engineering. He is keenly interested in international development and worked in western Kenya on an engineering project to provide water to rural primary schools.
Maka B Tounkara
Zambia, 2013
Current place of residence: Lusaka
University: University of Zambia
Current / recent course: Bachelor of Arts in Economics (2012)
Other information: Maka won the Citi Bank Scholarship for best overall final year student in economics, and graduated this year with Distinction. During the course of his degree he served as Vice President of the University of Zambia (UNZ) Business and Economics Association and was elected Business and Finance Chairperson for the Council of Hall Representatives. Maka also contributed to a scheme to raise awareness and understanding of HIV within the University community. By way of recreation, Maka is a keen football player. Maka is working currently as an Intern in the Budget Office of the Ministry of Finance and as a Staff Development Fellow in the economics department at UNZ. Longer term, Maka envisages a career as an academic engaged in policy work.
Andrew Trotter
Queensland, 2013
Current place of residence: Brisbane, Australia
University: Queensland University of Technology / Australian National University
Current/ recent course: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (2011) / Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2012)
Other information: Andrew completed his BA with Distinction and LLB with First Class Honours in 2011. Whilst at QUT, he was awarded the Golden Key Asia-Pacific Outstanding Achievement Academic Award (2010), the Tom Cain Trophy for Outstanding Achievement (2011) (Best Mooter) and the Tom Cain Trophy for Outstanding Achievement (2011). Apart from academic study and debating, Andrew played cricket, acquired fluency in French and Japanese, conversational Spanish and a useful level of Mandarin. Having completed the GLDP at ANU earlier this year, Andrew is now working as Associate to the Hon Justice Atkinson at the Supreme Court of Queensland. Beyond Oxford, Andrew hopes practice at the Australian bar, whilst continuing to engage in research and law reform to improve the quality of criminal and human rights law.
Katie D. Whitcombe
Arizona, 2013
Current place of residence: Mesa
University: United States Naval Academy
Other information: Katie is a senior at the United States Naval Academy where she majors in Chinese. She is tied for first is her class in academic order of merit, and is in the top 2% in overall order of merit, and is Brigade Character Development Officer. Katie’s primary interests lie in working with the peoples of the western and southwestern Pacific. She is on the varsity track and field team where she sprints and hurdles. She also plays the flute and is a dancer. She co-founded Operation Wounded Warrior on her campus, and volunteered last summer in the Philippines to work with girls victimized by human trafficking.
Georgianna H. Whiteley
Minnesota, 2013
Current place of residence: Wayzata
University: Luther College
Other information: Georgianna is a senior at Luther College where she majors in chemistry and minors in biology. Annie has done research on Maasai traditional medicine and the distillation of plant oils for that community’s economic development. She has also worked on projects at the nanoscience and nanotechnology institute at the University of Iowa. She is active as a youth mentor, and in Habitat for Humanity and other community projects. She is a varsity tennis player.
Benjamin B.H. Wilcox
Illinois, 2013
Current place of residence: Winnetka
University: Harvard University
Other information: Benjamin is a senior at Harvard majoring in history, with a focus on Latin America and the United States. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, he has done policy and community work with a Brazilian NGO, and his senior thesis relates to race and Brazilian history. Ben is also president of the Harvard-Radcliffe chorus, active in the international relations community, and has written for the Harvard Crimson and the Harvard Political Review. A cyclist, Ben has also logged 10,000 miles pedaling across North America and Europe.
Rachel M. Woodlee
South Carolina, 2013
Current place of residence: Greer
University: Wofford College
Other information: Rachel is a senior at Wofford College where she majors in business economics and Chinese language and culture. Rachel is fluent in Mandarin, and a junior member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is captain of Wofford’s Division I volleyball team. She has traveled in several regions of China, lived with a family in Tibet, and has also studied in Peru and India.
Nina M. Yancy
Texas, 2013
Current place of residence: DeSoto
University: Harvard University
Other information: Nina is a senior at Harvard majoring in social studies. Nina has interned in the British House of Commons, for CNN, and for the Center for American Political Studies. She has been a teacher and director of Citystep, an organization that provides dance instruction to low income youth, and worked with developmentally challenged youth in Peru. She is also a member of the Harvard Ballet Company and a choreographer for the Expressions Dance Company. While in high school, her family lost their home in Hurricane Katrina. Nina was recently chosen to be the first class marshal of her graduating class.
Phillip Z. Yao
New Jersey, 2013
Current place of residence: North Caldwell
University: Harvard University
Other information: Phillip is a senior at Harvard where he majors in physics and minors in philosophy. Phil is passionate about expanding access to education and technology and has mentored in New York City’s Prep for Prep program, worked in the New York City Mayor’s office on a new computer science curriculum, and founded a virtual library that will reach over a million students in India with Pratham while on a summer fellowship. Phil was chair of education policy on the Harvard Undergraduate Council for two years, and continues to contribute to its education committee. He is also for a third year on the University’s educational policy committee, which comprises deans and department chairs, with oversight on undergraduate educational policy. Phil is also a pianist and a poet.
Daniel W. Young
Virginia, 2013
Current place of residence: Charlottesville
University: Cornell University
Other information: Daniel is a senior at Cornell majoring in philosophy and minoring in South Asian studies. He spent last spring semester in Nepal conducting research for his senior thesis on the social activism on Dalit (“untouchable”) castes. His work in philosophy is focused on the intersection of normative ethics and political theory. Daniel is active in the Cornell prison education program, offering liberal arts courses to men in maximum and medium security prisons. He is also active in Cornell’s outdoor education program and sings with the Cornell glee club.
Posted by Ed Darrell 
On Compromise:Compromise is usually bad. It should be a last resort. If two departments or divisions have a problem they can’t solve and it comes up to you, listen to both sides and then, unlike Solomon, pick one or the other. This places solid accountability on the winner to make it work.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 