Tahlia Smith has today been announced as Queensland’s 2022 Rhodes Scholar.
Ms Smith graduated as valedictorian from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of International Studies and a Diploma of Languages. Throughout her studies she received many university awards for academic excellence and was awarded scholarships and grants to undertake domestic and international internships.
Ms Smith is currently a global engagement advisor at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission working with Australian exporters to diversify their markets after recent trade tensions. She also has experience working for the French Ministry of Education, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Attorney-General’s Department.
Ms Smith is multi-lingual and uses her language skills as a volunteer community translator and interpreter. She is also an active member of public service diversity networks, where she strives to identify challenges faced by culturally diverse staff and design strategies to combat these challenges.
Ms Smith’s proposed course of study at the University of Oxford is a Master in Diplomatic Studies followed by a Master of Public Policy.
“As a public servant during the global pandemic, I understand the critical importance of effective public policy and strong international collaboration during times of uncertainty,” Ms Smith said.
“I’m particularly interested in the Diplomatic Studies course because I am looking forward to learning about international politics under the tutelage of course director Dr Yolanda Spies, a career diplomat and academic with expertise in conflict resolution and changing global power relations.
“I am interested in the Master of Public Policy as I am inspired by its impact on other Australian public servants who have used the multidisciplinary learning experience of this course to explore how behavioural insights can inform foreign policy.
“I aim to use the academic knowledge and professional skills gained through this course to address complex public policy challenges in Australia, particularly those caused by the global health crisis and regional political tensions.”
Ms Smith has held leadership positions in international not-for-profits and student-led organisations. She has also co-authored publications on topics including actioning the sustainable development goals and cross-border collaboration to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda.
Ms Smith has run half marathons and is in training for a full marathon; she is also an avid cyclist and social sportsperson. She performs salsa, bachata and other traditional South American dances at community events.
QUT administers the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship on behalf of all Queensland universities.
Rhodes Scholarships background:
Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards, started in 1903 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes, for outstanding all-round students to study at the University of Oxford.
More than 100 scholars are selected each year from countries such as 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.
A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College fees, a personal stipend and return airfare.
QUT Media contact: Rod Chester, media@qut.edu.au or 0407 585 901
