Rhodes Scholars

Global view: Students from around the world on what they give to – and gain from – U of T

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:13:41 +0000

Global view: Students from around the world on what they give to – and gain from – U of T

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 03/12/2024 - 12:13

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From left to right: Sapolnach Prompiengchai, Laura Ramos Barbosa, Mahmoud Rashid and Juliana Rivas Torrente (photo of Mahmoud Rashid by Safa Jinje, others supplied)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Global Lens

Centre for International Experience

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Rhodes Scholars

U of T Scarborough

Subheadline

With the relaunch of the $3-million International Student Experience Fund, international students to enjoy expanded supports across the university's three campuses

Applying for a study permit. Finding one’s place in a learning environment far away from home. Getting a handle on intercultural workplace etiquette.

International students come to the ��Ƶ from all over the world, but share similar experiences adjusting to a new school, culture and country, says Juliana Rivas Torrente, a third-year student from Colombia who is majoring in economics and public policy in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Thankfully, she says, U of T offers services and resources to help international students navigate these transitions at every step of their academic journey.

Juliana Rivas Torrente (supplied image)

“I've had a support for everything that has come up in my time at U of T,” Rivas Torrente says.

Rivas Torrente is one of two student members of a committee that adjudicates proposals submitted by faculty and staff to the International Student Experience Fund (ISEF), which was launched in 2018 to help foster a supportive environment on U of T’s three campuses by supporting initiatives that enhance the experience of the university’s international students and set them up for success.

To date, ISEF has funded 33 projects that range from initiatives that promote health and physical activity to translating the stories of multi-language learners into comics that promote intercultural understanding.

Now, U of T is building on the fund’s success by relaunching it with the approval of three new projects: the development of a digital tool that will help international students stay up to date on their immigration documents, a program to prepare graduate students for professional life across cultures and a project to enhance supports for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education throughout their U of T journey.

Rivas Torrente says the ISEF’s relaunch underscores U of T’s ongoing commitment to supporting international students on campus and beyond.

“There is truly a want on their part to have us here because of what we can bring to the table,” she says. “It also serves as reassurance that there are funds being allocated to creating programs that are specifically tailored to international students.”

As a member of the Centre for International Experience’s International Student Experience Student Advisory Committee, Rivas Torrente has helped shape the many supports available to international students across the university – both through targeted programs and campus-wide initiatives that have integrated the needs of international students into their services.

“U of T has done a great job setting up an institution where people are going to thrive and learn and explore,” she says, noting that international students bring with them different experiences and perspectives that contribute to U of T’s growing reputation as a global learning institution.

“But what really ends up having that differential, beyond any other university, it's really getting to meet people that challenge your worldviews – your perceptions – that make you kind of shift your attention towards completely different concerns.”

As U of T prepares to welcome some of the world’s top students for fall 2024, U of T News spoke to three other international students about how their experiences, backgrounds and ideas converged to invigorate U of T’s global community.

Mahmoud Rashid

(photo by Safa Jinje)

Though he wasn’t able to fly home to Tanzania during winter break, Mahmoud Rashid says staff at the ��Ƶ’s Chestnut Residence made sure he wasn’t feeling left out or alone.

Wellness co-ordinators organized activities including cookie decoration, postcard writing, reflection time and a communal dinner, says Rashid, a second-year student in materials science and engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

It’s just one of the myriad ways U of T supports international students at every step of their journey across the globe.

“There are so many resources that it can sometimes be overwhelming – academic and professional development, student life and mental health,” Rashid says.

He adds that he received an enthusiastic welcome to U of T moments after stepping off the plane at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where volunteer students at the U of T Airport Welcome Booth offered directions to campus and tips about Toronto.

As he settled in, Rashid says the Centre for International Experience smoothed his transition with resources about immigration, health care and life in Canada (including how to dress for the winter), while the First Year Office at U of T Engineering offered academic advising to set him up for success.

A Lester B. Pearson International Scholar, Rashid says the program, part of U of T’s growing menu of entrance scholarships for high-achieving international students, goes far beyond providing financial support for his four years of undergraduate studies.

It prepares Pearson scholars to not only excel academically, but give back to the community, says Rashid, providing resources ranging from workshops about time management to meet-and-greets with influential leaders.

“What’s a better way to learn about leadership than being with actual leaders and students who have similar dreams as yours?” he says. “They provide that platform where we get to learn from each other and make long-lasting connections.”

Whenever he feels homesick, Rashid says he turns to the African International Support Group for social support and a sense of community among students of several cultural backgrounds in Africa.

“Whatever place in the world you’re coming from, at U of T, you just know there’s a group or a club of people that have experienced something similar to you,” he says.

“There are so many supports that are there for you so that you can belong.”

Sapolnach Prompiengchai

(supplied image)

Sapolnach Prompiengchai, a fourth-year neuroscience student at U of T Scarborough, credits the university’s international community for informing his research on mental health.

He says the diverse perspectives reflected in his work likely resonated with the committee who selected him for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, making him the first student from Thailand to be selected through the Global Rhodes program.

“In mental health, to create culturally competent care, you need to understand that you need to incorporate diverse perspectives, and that was ingrained in me at the ��Ƶ,” says Prompiengchai, who attended high school in Bangalore, India before coming to U of T Scarborough.

“By understanding such diverse perspectives, I was able to truly appreciate the importance of reconciling differences to solve issues. And I think, in a way, that aligns with Rhodes’ mission of fostering a dynamic global community.”

Prompiengchai is among five U of T students and learners who are headed to the University of Oxford as part of the latest cohort of exceptional young people from around the world to receive the coveted scholarship.

He says U of T – a large and globally top-ranked research university with expertise across a broad range of fields – equipped him with a multidisciplinary outlook that will set him up to succeed among the world-renowned ranks of the Rhodes community. That includes learning how neuroscience intersects with global issues such as mental health and climate change.

Moreover, Prompiengchai says he gained a range of perspectives from the U of T community, by making friends at the International Students Centre and learning from global leaders as a Pearson Scholar.

And he has contributed his own perspective in turn.

“Regardless of what you’re interested in, you're going to get an extensive, long-term network of exceptional students and faculty from around the world,” he says of the university.

“Within this diverse set of networks, you also shape the place and make the place even more diverse. It’s a really good cycle of learning.”

Laura Ramos Barbosa

(supplied image)

When she arrived at U of T in 2019, Laura Ramos Barbosa remembers going to the Centre for International Experience (CIE) with questions about everything from getting a Social Insurance Number to navigating the St. George campus.

Now, with a bachelor’s degree under her belt, Ramos Barbosa is the one doling out answers as a University Health Plan co-ordinator at CIE as she pursues a master’s in social work.

She’s among a number of international students who have gone on to work at CIE as part of a knowledge exchange that spans graduating classes and continents.

“When you get to speak to other international students, you get to build more of that community, interact with people from other places and find people with common backgrounds.”

Originally from Brazil, Ramos Barbosa lived in a number of different places before landing in Toronto. She says she’s brought these experiences to bear in the classroom, particularly during her undergraduate studies in women and gender studies and anthropology, giving peers a perspective into parts of the world with which they might not be familiar.

“I was always trying to connect my experiences and identity with my education,” she says. “I was able to bring those experiences to the table for other people to learn about and, on the other hand, I got to learn from other people's experiences.”

U of T students, learners awarded prestigious Rhodes Scholarships

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:04:48 +0000

U of T students, learners awarded prestigious Rhodes Scholarships

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:04

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From left to right: 2024 Rhodes Scholars Sapolnach Prompiengchai, Leighton Schreyer, Adam Martínez, Tierrai Tull and Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen (supplied images, photo of Tull by Tysen Harvey Photography Bermuda)

Topic

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Subheadline

Four U of T students and one medical resident are among the members of the 2024 cohort of Rhodes Scholars

For the first time in more than three quarters of a century, four ��Ƶ students have been selected for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in a single year.

With interests that span mental health, narrative health, gender and discovering next-gen materials, Sapolnach Prompiengchai, Tierrai Tull, Leighton Schreyer and Adam Martínez are headed to Oxford University with the support of the coveted scholarship, which identifies and supports exceptional young people with the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen (supplied image)

A fifth member of the U of T community, Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen, an ophthalmology and vision sciences resident in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, also received a Rhodes Scholarship via her alma mater, McGill University.

“The ��Ƶ is delighted to see so many of our exceptional students and learners join the world-renowned community of Rhodes Scholars,” says U of T President Meric Gertler.

“We wish them continued success as they enter the next chapter of their academic journeys. And we look forward to seeing their accomplishments and contributions to society in the years to come.”

Here are the four U of T students – two Canadian students, two international students – who recently joined an elite group of more than 100 new Rhodes Scholars from across the globe as part of the 2024 cohort:

Sapolnach Prompiengchai

U of T Scarborough

(supplied image)

Prompiengchai, who grew up in Thailand and attended school in India, is one of two Rhodes Global Scholars this year – making him the first recipient selected from Thailand through the Global Rhodes program, which is open to candidates from parts of the world that aren’t covered by one of the 25 Rhodes constituencies.

He says the news took a toll on his vocal cords.

“I probably lost my voice from talking to so many incredible people at the University of Oxford and then calling everyone I know,” says Prompiengchai, a fourth-year neuroscience student at U of T Scarborough.

A 2020 recipient of U of T’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Prompiengchai earned recognition for his interdisciplinary mental health research and advocacy. That includes receiving undergraduate research prizes for several of his papers.

A member of the student advisory committee for Inlight, one of U of T’s institutional strategic initiatives, Prompiengchai has worked in five research labs specializing in disciplines including clinical neuroscience, memory and educational psychology.

He is currently working in Professor Andy Lee’s cognitive neuroscience lab at U of T Scarborough where he is doing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments to discover how the brain encodes time when memories are formed.

“I think to properly tackle mental health you need to become a multidisciplinary scientist, so I hope to learn more about genetics and chemistry,” he says.

“I hope to one day be a scientist who can work with diverse stakeholders – including politicians, clinicians, scientists and community groups from diverse backgrounds – in order to translate research into real-world solutions.”

Tierrai Tull

Faculty of Arts & Science

(photo by Tysen Harvey Photography Bermuda)

Tull, a fourth-year student in Woodsworth College studying political science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, says she was on her evening walk overlooking the waters of Bermuda when she got the call.

“I screamed, and I had to mute myself because I didn’t want to blow [the national secretary’s] eardrums out,” says Tull, an international student who is representing the Rhodes constituency of Bermuda. “I was just so overcome with joy that I ran for 15 minutes straight home.”

A recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Award and the Frank Peers Award for International Study, Tull says her studies have focused on gender in the Caribbean, pursuing research ranging from appropriation in the health and wellness industry to the case for reparations under John Locke’s theory of labour.

Her time at U of T has been a “global experience” spanning five countries, Tull says.

Starting her studies in fall 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tull took courses virtually in Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. She continued her remote studies from Bermuda and the U.S. before arriving at U of T in her second year. After studying abroad at University College London, she returned to the St. George campus to finish her degree.

Tull says she’s looking forward to continuing her studies at Oxford, where she’s interested in exploring the social sciences and women’s studies.

A first-generation student on full scholarship, Tull says she hopes her success will inspire students in similar circumstances to shoot for prestigious programs like Rhodes.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling but has big goals to dare to dream and dare to achieve,” she says. “Don’t tell yourself no before anyone else does.”

Leighton Schreyer

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Leighton Schreyer (supplied image)

Schreyer, one of two U of T students among the 11 Rhodes Scholars selected from Canada, says receiving the call from Rhodes organizers quickly turned into an impromptu celebration.

“I had to turn the stove burner off, so I wasn’t going to burn down my building,” they say. “I think I did a bit of a party dance.”

An activist, writer and poet, Schreyer says their emphasis on the human side of medicine was informed by interactions with the health system – a theme explored in works that have been published in leading medical journals, literary magazines and news outlets. They have also held research positions at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Unity Health Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children.

Schreyer plans on fusing passions for storytelling and medicine by pursuing a DPhil in anthropology at Oxford, specializing in medical anthropology. Their interests lie in the field of narrative medicine, which honours the fundamental role that story plays in health care and caregiving – and explores how narrative can help bridge the gap between the biological manifestation of disease and the patient’s lived experience of illness. They credit U of T’s health, arts and humanities program with formally introducing them to the field.

“My story – the narrative of my life – is far from complete and, in many ways, I hope it never will be; I want to be continuously challenged to rethink, rework and refine my story,” Schreyer says. “I hope that, through Rhodes, I will have the opportunity to gain perspective and participate in experiences that will allow me to walk away from Oxford with a bigger, more complete and comprehensive story of the world.”

Adam Martínez

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

(supplied image)

Martínez, who was also named a Rhodes Scholar from Canada, says receiving the scholarship was a life-altering event.

“I was walking across campus when I got the call,” he says. “All I really heard were the words ‘Welcome to the Rhodes community,’ and after that it was kind of hard to focus. I could really sense a shift in the trajectory of my future.”

A recipient of U of T’s National Scholarship, Martínez is majoring in engineering physics and has taken on internships and fellowships at leading-edge labs in Ontario and around the world. A key theme of his research is the potential of new materials to solve complex challenges in different domains, from biomedicine to sustainability.

“One example I think about a lot is catalytic materials that can convert captured carbon dioxide into products that we already need, such as methanol and ethanol,” he says. “This could help us close the carbon loop and develop a low-carbon economy.”

However, synthesizing and testing the millions of potential catalytic materials in a lab is too slow, Martinez says, with emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing holding the potential to dramatically speed up the process.

As a thesis student at the Vector Institute, he is using generative AI models to simulate quantum circuits and bring such systems closer to reality.

He plans to pursue similar research at Oxford, saying the scholarship will help him make new connections and find new problems to solve.

“The Rhodes community includes a lot of different people coming from different areas of the world and different disciplines,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to open dialogues, to think about the implications of my field on theirs, and to use that space to try to do good in the world.”

Prompiengchai, Schreyer, Martínez and Tull were all supported by U of T’s internal selection process for the scholarship.

U of T grad, current student named Rhodes Scholars

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 23:01:28 +0000

U of T grad, current student named Rhodes Scholars

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 11/24/2020 - 18:01

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U of T's Jeffrey Fasegha and Ikran Jama are among 11 Canadians to receive a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford next year (photos courtesy of Faculty of Arts & Science)

Chris Sasaki

Topic

Global Lens

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Meric Gertler

Rhodes Scholars

The ��Ƶ’s Ikran Jama and Jeffrey Fasegha are among 11 Canadians to receive a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford next year.

“As the daughter of refugees, it’s hard to put into words how much this means to me, my family and my community,” Jama said. “I’m overjoyed, grateful and honoured to have this award reflect the culmination of sacrifices, care and compassion given by those who raised and guided me.”

A member of Victoria College, Jama is completing a double major in criminology and socio-legal studies and international relations with a minor in African studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science. She is also president of the Arts & Science Students’ Union (ASSU) and is working to support underrepresented and marginalized communities.

“I’ve had to overcome a lot of barriers to even get to this stage in my studies and this award is a sign to me and anyone in the same position that we can always achieve incredible things,” Jama said.

Fasegha, meantime, graduated from the Faculty of Arts & Science in June with a bachelor of commerce degree in finance from Rotman Commerce with minors in psychology and economics. A member of University College, he believes in using innovation and entrepreneurship to improve the lives of people around the world.

“It is an absolute honour,” Fasegha said. “I thank God for the opportunity to further my research into how we can use innovation as a tool to solve our most pressing problems. I’m immensely grateful to my family, my friends and to the university for their support throughout the process. It truly takes a village.

“As I begin this new chapter in my life, I remember fondly the many kind people I’ve met at U of T and the good times we’ve had – with a special shout out to the Black Rotman Commerce community and the professors who changed my life.”

Watch a video profile of Jeffrey Fasegha

The 11 Canadian Rhodes Scholars join a class of more than 100 students from more than 60 countries to receive the scholarship to study at the University of Oxford next year. Since it was established in 1903, nearly 8,000 Rhodes Scholars – including more than 1,000 Canadians – have gone on to establish themselves in careers that range from government and business to the arts, education and research, among others.

U of T President Meric Gertler congratulated the two scholars.

“We are all incredibly proud of Ikran and Jeffrey, our newest Rhodes Scholars,” President Gertler said.

“Through their record of scholarly achievement, leadership and social engagement, they are an inspiration to all members of the ��Ƶ community. We look forward to hearing about their accomplishments in the years to come.”

“This is wonderful news for these two exceptional students,” said Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.

“Ikran and Jeffrey both possess the qualities that define a Rhodes Scholar – academic excellence, character, leadership and a commitment to making the world a better place – and have contributed to the Faculty in remarkable ways. I am so proud and excited for them to have received this honour.”

As a two-term president of ASSU, Jama advocates on behalf of more than 27,000 students, a challenging role during COVID-19.

She is also passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and does so as a mentor for Somali youth and, previously, as a fellow at the Mosaic Institute, an international non-profit organization that seeks to reduce social divisions and prevent conflict. A Somali-Canadian, she is interested in researching how the law affects the lives of immigrant and refugee youth and hopes to one day apply her studies to advance criminal justice reforms at home and abroad.

Jama says she hopes to develop solutions to the social and legal issues that disproportionately affect communities like her own. At Oxford, she plans to continue to pursue research into criminology at the intersections of criminal justice, migration and the law.

As for Fasegha, his work focuses on using entrepreneurship and innovation as a tool for economic and social development – particularly in Nigeria, where he was born. At U of T, he led independent research on social enterprises in the Nigerian energy industry, founded the Black Career Conference, co-founded Black Rotman Commerce and held several leadership positions in finance student organizations where he worked to increase equity for marginalized groups.

He is currently working on his startup Fyyne, a platform for hair services where “anyone can make a living with their skills.” At Oxford, Fasegha plans to pursue a master’s degree in African studies and public policy with a focus on the innovation economy.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her educational journey, Jama recalled the support she received during her time as a U of T student.

“I will most value and am forever thankful for the friendships I’ve made, instructors who have inspired me and mentors who have guided me during my time at U of T,” she said.

“Without all of these remarkable people, this incredible community, I would not be where I am today. I share this moment with them all.”

#UofTGrad16: Rhodes Scholar Jessica Phillips

lavende4 — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:50:19 +0000

#UofTGrad16: Rhodes Scholar Jessica Phillips

lavende4 Tue, 05/24/2016 - 10:50

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Jessica Phillips: “My time at U of T has helped me identify my passion and given me the means to pursue it”

Arthur Kaptainis

Author legacy

Arthur Kaptainis

Topic

Subheadline

Using her studies to make the world a better place

For Jessica Phillips, it all started under water, six years ago, off the coast of Belize.

“There were sea turtles swimming under me, and reef sharks all around,” the 22-year-old recalled in the Junior Common Room of University College.

“It was a really pristine area, and the coral reefs were so beautiful.”

“I thought there should be more places like this: undeveloped, the way they originated. I wanted to protect more species, more areas. That is how I became interested in wildlife biology.”

And this is how the native of Hong Kong started an academic career at that led to her being named one of three 2016 Rhodes Scholars from the ��Ƶ.

Phillips is one of 13,500 U of T students expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall to receive their degrees during ceremonies that run from May 31 until June 16. Some are already working; some, like Philips and fellow U of T Rhodes Scholars Kaleem Hawa and James Flynn, will be pursuing further studies. Over the next few weeks, U of T News will be telling their stories.

“Jessica Phillips will be following in the footsteps of prior UC Rhodes Scholars, such as former U of T president David Naylor and former Ontario premier Bob Rae,” commented University College principal Donald Ainslie.

“And the research she does at Oxford on climate change will continue the UC tradition of using academic studies to make the world a better place.”

Phillips will pursue a DPhil – the Oxonian PhD – in zoology at Merton College. Her BSc studies at U of T were as a specialist in ecology and evolutionary biology, a major in biodiversity and conservation and a minor in psychology.

Her particular interest is the Antarctic, the least interfered-with of the seven continents.

“That is a good enough reason for us to want to protect Antarctica,” Phillips said. “But of course there are a lot of other reasons. The ecosystem is fragile. Development can have drastic consequences. Species could interact with the effects of climate change.”

Three U of T undergrads win Rhodes Scholarships

The ��Ƶ is sending three undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts & Science to the University of Oxford as Rhodes Scholars next October.

She expects her sojourn in Oxford to include a field trip to Antarctica to study gentoo, chinstrap and emperor penguins and observe how reduced ice cover and increased fishing affect their distribution and ability to thrive.

Raised mostly in Beijing, the daughter of psychiatrists practicing in central China is accustomed to travel. By her second year at U of T she was working with Professor Martin Krkosek at the Salmon Coast Field Station off Vancouver Island. Last summer Phillips was involved in study of sub-arctic hummingbirds in Churchill, Manitoba.

“The arctic is getting warmer earlier, so the bugs emerge earlier,” she told UC Magazine. “Unfortunately, the birds can’t evolve fast enough to time their migration to the time when the bugs are appearing.”

Although she spoke English at home – her father is Canadian, her mother American – Phillips was schooled in Mandarin until she was 16, when she enrolled in an international school in Shanghai.

“I wanted to start learning the scientific terms in English,” she said. “So it would be a less difficult transition.”

U of T was a natural choice for post-secondary education because of its reputation and the presence in the Toronto area of relatives, whom she paid regular visits during the summer.

“My impression of Canada was sunshine and lakes,” Phillips said. “People talked about Canadian winters but I never really experienced them.”

Phillips has learned much about the Canadian ecosystem through her undergraduate field work but also as president of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Club, a position that involved organizing hiking expeditions. She has maintained her links to China as a member of the U of T Mandarin Debate Club.

“I try to read the novel in the language in which it was published,” Phillips said of her reading habits. “You lose a lot in translation.”

Phillips regards her unusual upbringing as a blessing. “I think that helped me a lot,” she said. “Especially in terms of being able to understand multiple cultures. This has shaped my world, growing up like that.”

A university as diverse as U of T was a perfect place for Phillips. But it was the academic environment that made the biggest difference.

“My time at U of T has helped me identify my passion and given me the means to pursue it,” Phillips said.

“Be proactive,” is her advice to students starting out. “Seek out opportunities.”

#UofTGrad16: Rhodes Scholar James Flynn

lavende4 — Mon, 09 May 2016 15:33:30 +0000

#UofTGrad16: Rhodes Scholar James Flynn lavende4 Mon, 05/09/2016 - 11:33

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James Flynn’s advice to new U of T students: Plan for the big picture but don’t put off the small stuff (Diana Tyszko photo)

Arthur Kaptainis

Author legacy

Arthur Kaptainis

Topic

Subheadline

“There are so many places I want to see”

Newfoundland and Oxford might seem far removed in some respects, but the hop from St. John’s International Airport to Heathrow in London is only five hours.

Nevertheless, James Flynn, 22, who is one of three 2016 Rhodes Scholars from the ��Ƶ, expects to be travelling more often to European destinations than to his home province when he has a few days off.

“There are so many places I want to see,” the Trinity College double major in economics and political science said recently in the Arbor Room.

Flynn will graduate with a BA in June and spend two years at the University of Oxford. He is just one of 13,500 U of T students expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall to receive their degrees during ceremonies that run from May 31 until June 16. Some are already working; some, like Flynn and fellow U of T Rhodes Scholars Kaleem Hawa and Jessica Phillips, will be pursuing further studies. Over the next few weeks, U of T News will be telling their stories.

[embed_content nid=7471 (class="additional class")/]

Flynn plans to study philosophy, politics and economics at Pembroke, an Oxford college founded in 1624 by James I and associated with Samuel Johnson and J.R.R. Tolkien (among writers) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (among active political figures).

“It’s Oxford’s classic degree,” Flynn says of the Oxford BA, which, according to the dictates of a centuries-old tradition, transforms into a MA (Oxon.) after seven years.

“It offers the tutorial experience that Oxford is well known for. And it gives you time to explore a lot of topics. Master’s degrees are more focused.”

Variety comes naturally to Flynn. “James is extremely insightful and a very interdisciplinary scholar,” says Shari Eli, an assistant professor of economics. “It is clear that he has a very bright academic future.”

Lynette Ong, an associate professor of political science who is cross-appointed to the Munk School of Global Affairs, admires his determination to make a contribution to the real world: “Once he had found a social issue he's passionate about, he's amazingly devoted, driven and resourceful.”

The plan after Oxford is law school – back at his alma mater. Flynn has deferred an offer of admission by U of T Law.

Writing submissions should not be a problem. Flynn served as news editor and managing online editor of The Varsity, an experience that enhanced his writing skills even if it lent a journalistic tone to some of his academic essays.

Flynn is proud of having taught himself to prefer the active to the passive voice: “That is something that I never would have thought of before I worked at The Varsity.”

He is also capable of teaching others, according to former Varsity editor-in-chief Danielle Klein: “James was a generous mentor who helped his writers develop their talents, and a skilled editor who curated his section with great care.”

The Varsity also provided a community outside the classroom. Finding a club or activity is one of Flynn's prime recommendations for a successful undergraduate career.

“U of T is obviously a big school,” he said. “It can be hard to find your place. On the flip side, there are so many opportunities, so many clubs and groups. There is something for everyone.

“Make sure you get involved. Yes, you are spending time on things that are not academic. But somehow it helps you manage your academic time.”

Another aid is a wall-size calendar that lets you put the near and distant future in perspective.

“They sell them at the book store,” Flynn says of these calendars. “Write out every day in the semester that you have a task, that you have an essay due.

“That way you can visualize when you are going to be busy and know when to start. Big-picture planning is probably the biggest thing that helped me.”

More advice: Don’t put off the small stuff. “Do things as you get them. Especially the small tasks: grocery shopping, laundry. I find that making sure I do the small tasks as soon as possible really helps.”

Finally, take advantage of courses with a high cool factor that are not necessarily related to your major. In his final year Flynn took a course with no obvious connection to political science or economics: The Beatles.

“It was a great course,” he said of MUS 321 with Professor James Kippen. “One of the best I’ve had.”

Flynn mentions Eli, Ong, Donald Kingsbury and Kanta Murali among professors who helped him succeed. Two other people who need to be mentioned are Wanda Parsons and James Flynn, his mother and father, both physicians.

“I am incredibly grateful to my mom and dad for their guidance and support over the years,” Flynn said. “They have worked so hard to give me opportunities to succeed.”

Flynn will spend part of his summer at home in Newfoundland as a volunteer at SHAD, a program that helps high school students find their focus. He is an alumnus of this program himself.

“A combination of camp councillor and mentor” is how he describes his role.

Then Flynn returns to Toronto to join his fellow Rhodes Scholars on their way to Oxford.

“All the Canadian scholars fly as a group,” he explained. No short cut available.

Three U of T undergrads win Rhodes Scholarships

sgupta — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 15:56:21 +0000

Three U of T undergrads win Rhodes Scholarships sgupta Tue, 11/24/2015 - 10:56

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Jessica Phillips, Kaleem Hawa and James Flynn will be attending the University of Oxford as Rhodes Scholars next year (all photos by Diana Tyszko)

Arthur Kaptainis

Author legacy

Arthur Kaptainis

Current Students

University College

Undergraduate Students

Faculty of Arts & Science

Awards

Top Stories

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“It is an extraordinary achievement to have three Rhodes scholars from one Faculty,” says David Cameron, dean of Faculty of Arts & Science

The ��Ƶ is sending three undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts & Science to the University of Oxford as Rhodes Scholars next October.

“It is a privilege and an honour to represent U of T, my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canada at Oxford next year,” said James Flynn, a double major in political science and economics from Trinity College

Flynn, 22, who is managing online editor and former news editor of the Varsity, expects to pursue a master of science in social science of the Internet as well as a master of public policy degree.

In 2011, Flynn (pictured below) won the Bank of Montreal ��Ƶ National Scholarship, which covers four years of study and is valued at approximately $50,000.

Jessica Phillips of University College – a specialist in ecology and evolutionary biology with a major in biodiversity and conservation biology and a minor in psychology – hopes to study penguins in Antarctica. Details have not been ironed out, but her zoology research would involve fieldwork on the coldest continent.

Kaleem Hawa, 21, a double major in international relations and global health, also from Trinity College, was named a BMO Loran Scholar in 2012 – an honour that brought him approximately $26,000 in tuition waivers from the university along with annual stipends and enrichment opportunities from the Loran Scholars Foundation. Hawa said he is looking forward to acquiring master’s degrees at Oxford in both integrated immunology and global governance and diplomacy.

“My interest is in pandemic threats – such as Ebola virus, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome – and the intersection of these diseases with foreign policy and national security,” Hawa said. The Torontonian was born in Edmonton to parents who were refugees from Lebanon.

“James, Jessica and Kaleem have shown tremendous engagement as undergraduates, and each has an outstanding record of leadership outside the classroom,” said President Meric Gertler. “We are immensely proud of them and look forward to hearing about their accomplishments at Oxford and for many years to come.”

Sporting sidelines are no longer required of Rhodes Scholars – Flynn would admit only to an enthusiasm for ballroom dancing – but they do not hurt. Phillips, 22, oversees hiking and camping expeditions as president of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Club.

Community service and engagement are also typical for Rhodes Scholars. Flynn is the founder of Code NL, an initiative dedicated to improving computer education in Newfoundland and Labrador, and he tutors and mentors underprivileged students with Project: Universal Minds. Hawa has worked at the World Health Organization in Geneva, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, and McKinsey & Company in Toronto. He is the past president of the Hart House Debates Committee, U of T Liberals, and U of T International Relations Society. An avid photographer, Phillips, who was born in Hong Kong, raised in Beijing and identifies as Torontonian, has been a member of the U of T Mandarin Debate Club.

“It is an extraordinary achievement to have three Rhodes scholars from one Faculty,” said David Cameron, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.“James in political science and economics, Jessica in ecology and evolutionary biology and Kaleem in international relations and global health represent the breadth of academic opportunities and excellence available to arts and science students and they are stellar examples of how this institution prepares global leaders.”

Rhodes representatives interviewed Hawa and Phillips in person on Saturday at Toronto’s University Club and informed them of the good news a few hours later. “It was quite a whirlwind,” said Hawa (pictured below).

While study abroad at Oxford is inevitably a special thing, it is also something of a U of T tradition.

Back to School 2015: Rhodes Scholars pay it forward

sgupta — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 16:37:26 +0000

Back to School 2015: Rhodes Scholars pay it forward sgupta Mon, 08/24/2015 - 12:37

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“You have people that have similar experiences and can empathize with you,” says Aquila Akingbade, pictured at left with Ike Okafor at right. “And such successful people – Rhodes Scholars!”

Carolyn Morris

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Boosting students' mentoring, networking and research opportunities at U of T

It’s the brainchild of Ayodele Odutayo, one of the ��Ƶ’s Rhodes Scholars: a project that aims to support black, undergraduate med-school hopefuls by kick-starting their research skills and building their support networks.

And it’s a real-life example of an exceptional student paying it forward.

“My family immigrated to Canada when I was 12,” says Odutayo, who spent his childhood between Nigeria and the British Virgin Islands. “I had no extensive network of medical clinical people I could talk to or get advice from.”

But all that changed when Odutayo found a mentor.

As a first-year health sciences undergraduate student with plans to pursue medicine, Odutayo figured he would spend his summers working at a local shop or restaurant – he’d worked at No Frills in the past. Early in the school year, he had lunch with his mentor, an upper-year undergraduate student assigned through a scholarship program, who suggested he apply for hospital-based research jobs. Odutayo credits that tip for much of his later success.

“That first research job led to seven years of summer research positions at Sunnybrook,” says Odutayo, now a Rhodes Scholar taking a leave from his U of T residency in internal medicine to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford.

“That mentor helped me make my first connection to the medical community.”

Back to school stories often focus on new techniques and teaching innovations developed by professors to help students learn, from the inverted classroom to online courses. But students themselves are also driving change – with the help of faculty and staff.

2015 Rhodes Scholars: meet Caroline Leps and Moustafa Abdalla

sgupta — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:29:19 +0000

2015 Rhodes Scholars: meet Caroline Leps and Moustafa Abdalla sgupta Mon, 12/01/2014 - 11:29

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(photos courtesy Caroline Leps and Moustafa Abdalla)

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��Ƶ undergrads Moustafa Abdalla and Caroline Leps are heading to Oxford University next year for postgraduate studies – as two of Canada’s 11 students named 2015 Rhodes Scholars.

“On behalf of the U of T community, I congratulate Moustafa Abdalla and Caroline Leps on being selected Rhodes Scholars,” said President Meric Gertler. “I would also like to thank them for their example. Each has an outstanding record of multifaceted excellence, and both are determined to use their talent and learning to benefit individuals and communities, here and around the world. In this they demonstrate brilliantly the highest ideals of the ��Ƶ.”

The Rhodes Scholarship program is the oldest – and one of the world’s most prestigious – postgraduate award program supporting outstanding, all-round students at Oxford. According to the Rhodes web site, scholars are selected for their “outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service” and leadership. (Read more about the selection process.)

Rhodes Scholars have gone on to become Pulitzer Prize winners, heads of state or government and Nobel Laureates. Among the well-known Rhodes Scholars: Bob Rae; David Naylor; Bill Clinton; and Rachel Maddow. So far, just 69 students from around the world have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships this year; however, a total of 83 scholarships are expected to be announced.

Leps, a Trinity College student, is studying global health and international relations. The co-president of the International Relations Society and of Trinity College’s Women’s Athletic Association, Leps is also co-captain of Trinity’s basketball team, and plays violin in the Hart House Orchestra. She also volunteers at a children’s hospital and a camp for kids with cancer.

“It hasn’t settled in yet. It’s really exciting. I can only imagine the kinds of opportunities I will have [at Oxford],” said Leps.

At Oxford, she will be pursuing a master's degree in comparative social policy, with aspirations to become a paediatrician working in global children’s health in low- and middle-income settings.

“I believe in global children’s health – it’s a field we should all invest in. Ensuring children have a healthy childhood means they can contribute to our community as adults.”

Abdalla, a student of Victoria College at Victoria University at U of T, is studying biochemistry and physiology at the Faculty of Arts and Science. He plans to study computational biology and computational medicine research at Oxford, and hopes to one day contribute to the advancement of medicine through the ethical use of technology and artificial intelligence.

“We are currently developing artificial intelligence that is capable of teaching itself, and teaching other artificial intelligence. The stock exchange is an example of computers teaching other computers how to trade stocks. We don’t realize the implications of this.

“So I guess my ultimate goal is to avoid a Terminator-like scenario,” he jokes. “Ultimately, I want to develop an ethical, compassionate framework for technology, and apply that within the context of medicine.”

Abdalla also works as a youth director at Flemingdon Park Parents Association, his North York community’s charity organization, and tutors chemistry at Victoria College.

Last year, two alumnae from the U of T’s Innis College – Aliyyah Ahad and Chloe Walker – were named Rhodes Scholars. (Read more about Ahad and Walker.) And, in 2012, the university had three Rhodes Scholars: Joanne Cave, who studied women and gender studies and sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Science, Woodsworth College; Connor Emdin, who studied biochemistry and global health at the Faculty of Arts and Science, Trinity College; and Ayodele Odutayo, who studied medicine in the Faculty of Medicine.

See the full list of Rhodes Scholars: http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/rhodes-scholars-elect-class-of-2015.

Liz Do writes about education for U of T News.

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Two U of T alumnae selected Rhodes Scholars

sgupta — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 08:01:05 +0000

Two U of T alumnae selected Rhodes Scholars sgupta Fri, 12/13/2013 - 03:01

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Alumna Chloe Walker receives her Rhodes Scholarship from Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave (left), while secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship for Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean, Peter Goldson (second left) and Chief Justice Marston Gibson, a fo

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Two alumnae from the ��Ƶ’s Innis College – Aliyyah Ahad and Chloe Walker – will pursue post-graduate studies at Oxford University next year after being named 2014 Rhodes Scholars.

"To be honest, the reality of winning the Rhodes scholarship still hasn't quite sunken in yet,” Walker said. “To work so feverishly toward a goal and have it realized, exactly as I planned, is a little overwhelming.

"Needless to say, I'm excited, I'm extremely proud and I'm grateful.”

The Rhodes Scholarships are among the world’s most prestigious postgraduate awards, with only 83 students from universities around the world chosen each year. The scholarships support outstanding all-round students at Oxford as they develop into exceptional leaders who are motivated to fight for “the world’s fight” and hold public duties in the highest regard, all while promoting international understanding and peace.

“On behalf of the U of T community, I congratulate our alumnae, Aliyyah Ahad and Chloe Walker, on being named 2014 Rhodes Scholars," said President Meric Gertler. "Their multi-faceted leadership and excellence are an inspiration to all of us, reflecting the highest ideals of the ��Ƶ.”

Ahad (pictured right), who graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of arts in political science and sociology, was the only recipient to be named from Bermuda. She has been working at the Bermuda Government Cabinet Office since her studies at U of T – first, in a year-long internshipand then as a consultant for the Human Rights Commission – and is now in the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Winning the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the greatest honours that I have ever received,” Ahad. “I care so deeply about making a positive contribution to not only my home country of Bermuda but also to the world more broadly.”

Ahad is on the board of Bermuda’s Emerging Professionals, the youth division of the Chamber of Commerce, which organizes events for young professionals focusing on their development. A skilled debater, she has represented Bermuda at international tournaments and is on the board of the Bermuda Debate Society.

"My education at U of T played a vital role in equipping me with the critical thinking needed to succeed in the real world,” Ahad said, adding her experiences outside the classroom also had a big impact.

“The wide range of opportunities to get involved and to take leadership positions is unparalleled,” said Ahad. "Further, its location in the freezing yet welcoming multi-cultural city of Toronto makes U of T an absolute gem of higher learning.

“The fact that U of T partners with such incredible schools around the world gives students the privilege to gain a degree that is not only globally recognized, but also globally focused.”

Walker, the only Rhodes Scholar selected from Barbados, also graduated from U of T in 2012, with a bachelor of arts in literary studies and African studies. During her time at U of T she was president of the U of T Swahili Conversation Cluband an active volunteer, activities Walker credits with helping her develop “leadership and civic skills” sought by the Rhodes program. Now pursuing a master’s of philosophy in literatures in English at the University of West Indies, Walker is also serving as a member of their vice-chancellor’s ambassador corps, teaching English, coaching the debating club at her former high school and volunteering for Read for Life.

“My time at UofT definitely contributed significantly to being awarded the scholarship,” Walker said. “Both my majors were very demanding (particularly with regard to time constraints). Consequently, by the end of my tenure, I had honed several important academic skills, namely; research, time management, writing, presentation, working with others, and public speaking.

“Apart from academics, my confidence improved tremendously, and I was literally exposed to a whole new world and way of being. This gave me a new philosophy in life, which directly impacted my decision to apply for the scholarship

The recipient of the University of the West Indies Graduate Scholarship, the Innis College Exceptional Achievement Award and the CAPE Award for Top Performance in Humanities, Walker serves as a supervisor for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. She is also a founding member of global youth network AIESEC’s Barbados chapter, a student-run not-for-profit organization focused on world issues, leadership and management.

“Innis College is thrilled to have two graduates chosen as Rhodes Scholars," said Janet Paterson, principal of Innis. "Both Aliyyah Ahad and Chloe Walker exemplify, in a striking manner, the values of Innis College: high academic excellence and unwavering commitment to social improvement. We are extremely proud of their achievement.”

Jessica Lewis is a writer with the Faculty of Arts & Science at the ��Ƶ.

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Meet Ayodele Odutayo, Rhodes Scholar for 2013

sgupta — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Meet Ayodele Odutayo, Rhodes Scholar for 2013 sgupta Tue, 12/04/2012 - 11:36

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The Faculty of Medicine's Ayodele Odutayo (photo courtesy of Ayodele Odutayo)

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One of three new Rhodes Scholars at U of T

Ayodele Odutayo, a fourth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, has been named a 2013 Ontario Rhodes Scholar.

The prestigious and highly competitive scholarship, awarded to 11 Canadians a year, is one of the world’s most celebrated academic honours. It comes with a stipend and tuition expenses to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford.

Having spent the first 12 years of his life between Nigeria and the British Virgin Islands, Odutayo developed a keen interest in improving health care internationally. As a nephrology research trainee at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and former intern with the World Health Organization (WHO), his goals include improving management of kidney diseases beyond Canada’s borders.

The committed volunteer and student leader previously served as co-director of U of T’s International Health Program (UTIHP) and currently represents Canadian medical students on the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Committee on Healthcare and Promotion.

U of T Medicine asked Odutayo about the scholarship, his work and his future goals.

What’s it like to win a Rhodes scholarship?
The entire experience has been surreal and has taken time to sink in. I am extremely humbled to have been chosen along with Connor Emdin and Joanne Cave of U of T. The process has been very meaningful, because it challenges you to reflect on your experiences and develop a clear sense of what motivates you and what contribution you hope to make.

What do you plan to do at Oxford?

I am interested in health care quality improvement in nephrology, particularly through increasing access to health information and research capacity building efforts aimed at renal disease and its precursors. At Oxford, I plan to expand on this interest by pursing a Master’s degree in public health and health policy. Using the research time within this degree path, I hope to return to work with a United Nations organization such as the WHO, a non-governmental organization (NGO) or another leading health care organization.

And your future plans?

My goal is to return to Canada to enroll in a general internal medicine residency program, with a likely sub-specialization in nephrology. Building on my knowledge of public health and health policy, I hope to expand my work to look at health care quality improvement in nephrology.

I also hope to stay involved with the Faculty of Medicine’s Summer Mentorship Program as a resident and mentor, assisting students who are underrepresented in the health sciences to pursue a career in health care.

I hope to obtain a position as an attending physician at a tertiary care centre. Ultimately, I hope to take on a leadership role within an academic institution or a national/international organization and make a meaningful contribution to health care delivery in nephrology.

What drew you to the ��Ƶ?

As an undergraduate student, I was attracted to U of T’s Doctor of Medicine program because of the broad clinical exposure that could be obtained in this multicultural and diverse city. The ability to work in varied hospital settings was also appealing and I enjoyed my clinical placements at Sunnybrook, St. Michael’s and Toronto Western Hospitals.

Why is nephrology an area of interest for you?

Although nephrology is sub-specialized, it provides exposure to all aspects of medicine. From managing the precursors of kidney disease to treating patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, nephrology involves the entire spectrum of health care.

What was the most memorable part of your experience as a trainee at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

My most memorable experience was assessing new data from a human physiology study conducted by our research group and being selected as a top 10 trainee abstract at the 2010 Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) meeting. After presenting at the conference, I was awarded first place - a testament to my mentors, Michelle Hladunewich (Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and physician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre) and David Cherney (Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and physician at University Health Network).

Tell us about some of your many activities and projects.

Leading U of T’s International Health Program (UTIHP) alongside Andy Tran (former U of T student) from 2010-2011 to increase student activism in global health was very rewarding. With a 100-student team, we introduced new initiatives, including the Global Health Education website that allows students to discuss health care disparities. We also revitalized the Refugee Health program, where students can conduct health care seminars for Canadian refugees.

Why is this kind of volunteer work important?

The world is becoming much more interconnected and learning about challenges in other areas broadens our perspective and informs our decision-making. There is also a basic social responsibility to work to the betterment of our society, and involvement in global health initiatives is one avenue to fulfilling that duty.

Tell us about the friends and mentors who have influenced you.

Among my mentors, Michelle Hladunewich stands out. It is because of her support that I have been able to pursue diverse learning opportunities such as working with the WHO and develop a broad network of professional relationships. I am also fortunate to have been mentored by David Cherney, Ron Wald (Assistant Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, ��Ƶ and physician at St. Michael's Hospital) and Diana Alli (retired head of U of T Medicine’s Office of Health Professions Student Affairs).

I am humbled to be a member of the 1T3 class and to have worked with students on global health initiatives. I have learned so much from our joint efforts.

Last but not least, my mother has made numerous sacrifices in support of my education and I would not have any of these opportunities without her.

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Rhodes Scholars

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Read more about Back to School at U of T.

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Meet Ayodele Odutayo, Rhodes Scholar for 2013