Rhodes Scholars Elect for 2013

Edward Stace, Louis Chambers and James Bonifacio have been selected as Rhodes Scholars Elect for 2013, following a selection meeting chaired by the Governor-General at Government House in Wellington on Wednesday.

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

James Bonifacio is studying at the University of Canterbury, after attending Hagley Community College.  He has completed a BSc with a double major in mathematics and physics, and is now in his Honours year. 

He has a keen interest in cosmology and has a passion for teaching and the communication of science to a wider audience.

At Oxford, he intends to undertake a DPhil in Theoretical Physics and to engage with researchers and academics from a wide range of fields. 

James completed two summer research positions, one at the University of Canterbury and another at the Australian National University. He has been the recipient of numerous university scholarships and prizes throughout his university career.

He has been involved in tutoring and mentoring at university and currently as a tutor at a local high school.

His other interests include taekwondo where he competes at a high level.

Louis Chambers studied at the University of Otago, after attending Havelock North High School. He will shortly 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 the University of 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.

(From left) Edward Stace, James Bonifacio, the
Governor-General, Lt Gen the Right Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Louis Chambers.