Two Otago students gain prestigious Rhodes Scholarships

Two outstanding University of Otago students are among New Zealand’s newest Rhodes Scholarship recipients, it was announced today.

Otago’s Louis Chambers and Edward Stace, along with University of Canterbury’s James Bonifacio, are Rhodes Scholars elect for 2013 following a selection meeting this week at Government House in Auckland.

Tenable at Oxford University, Rhodes Scholarships constitute the pinnacle of achievement for university graduates wishing to pursue postgraduate study at one of the world’s leading universities. In this country, the awards are administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara.

Louis Chambers came to study at Otago after attending Havelock North High School. He will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Economics, with a Minor in Environmental Management.

At Oxford he intends to study for the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) in his first year and the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Change and Management in his second year.

Louis is particularly interested in issues of climate change and sustainability and has completed an internship with the Environmental Defence Fund in Washington DC, a non-governmental environmental advocacy organisation known for its science-based, non-partisan approach.

He founded a Youth Climate Change Advocacy Organisation called Generation Zero that advocates for responsible policy changes to reduce New Zealand’s emissions.

Louis has considerable experience in debating and has been the president of the Otago University Debating Society for over two years. He has also represented the University in Australasian inter-varsity debating championships.

Edward Stace has studied medicine at Otago, after attending Wellington College. He completed a research degree, the Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours, and will shortly graduate MB, ChB.

His Bachelor of Medical Science research investigated growing bone tissue from stem cells for storage and future transplantation.

At Oxford he plans to study for a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) and looks forward to continuing his studies in tissue engineering. He also hopes to develop his interest in preventive medicine and public health, with the aim of taking a role in tackling health issues facing society.

Edward has trained as an officer in the Territorial Force of the New Zealand Army.

He is a keen rower, and has been a member of the New Zealand Youth Olympic Rowing Squad.