Queensland’s 2017 Rhodes Scholar is Ellen Cliff.
Ms Cliff graduated from The Australian National University this year with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) in Chemistry and Marine Science.
Ms Cliff received an ANU National Undergraduate Scholarship and a University Medal. During her studies she was awarded the AN Hambly Prize for chemistry and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Prize.
Her aim is to be a leading ocean biogeochemistry researcher and science communicator.
“I have developed a deep passion for science and focused my skills in chemistry and maths on studying climate system science from an ocean biogeochemical perspective,” Ms Cliff said.
She is a research assistant at ANU’s Research School of Earth Science and has also worked as an undergraduate laboratory demonstrator with the Research School of Chemistry.
Ms Cliff enjoys teaching and has volunteered as a chemistry peer mentor, National Science Week presenter in 2015 and 2016, and a research assistant with ANU’s Research School of Biology.
With a passion for live performance, Ms Cliff co-wrote comedy sketches and songs for the inaugural Science Revue at ANU which tackled issues important to young scientists, including gender inequality and lack of university funding.
Ms Cliff intends to undertake a DPhil in Earth Sciences at Oxford University.
Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey announced the 2017 Queensland Rhodes Scholar at Government House today.
QUT manages the Rhodes Scholarship process in Queensland.
Rhodes Scholarships background:
Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards, founded in 1903 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes, for outstanding all-round students at the University of Oxford.
Eighty-nine scholars are selected each year from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The qualities Cecil Rhodes set out for those seeking Rhodes Scholarships include: academic and intellectual excellence, integrity of character, respect for fellow beings and a capacity for leadership.
More than 500 Australian Rhodes Scholars have been selected since the scheme began. Women became eligible in 1972.
A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College fees, a personal stipend and return airfare.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 n.widdowson@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
