Congratulations to Geofrey Njovu, who has been awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is highly competitive; Geofrey is one of only two Rhodes Scholars chosen out of hundreds of applicants from Zambia this year. He will join the University of Oxford in autumn 2023 to begin his PhD studies and further his interests at the interface of inorganic and materials chemistry. Geofrey came to Edinburgh in 2018 as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and graduated in 2022 from the BSc (Hons) Chemistry degree programme. Reflecting on his time at the University of Edinburgh, Geofrey said: A big part of my Edinburgh experience was meeting and connecting with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. This experience helped me develop the ability to mix and converse with different people in different contexts, a skill I drew upon significantly during the interview process. The Chemistry programme at Edinburgh also helped me become comfortable asking for help when I needed it. This allowed me to seek advice and guidance from people that have previously gone through the scholarship application process. Geofrey Njovu When asked how it felt to be chosen for this prestigious international award, Geofrey commented: Looking at the accomplishments of current scholars and alumni, it was difficult to make the first step. I am very glad to have overcome that doubt, put my story forward in the best way I could, and to be finally awarded the scholarship. In addition, going through this process helped me reflect on my story and on how best to tell it. It is a monumental award and I look forward to utilising the opportunities it comes with. Geofrey Njovu We are all so proud of Geofrey at the School of Chemistry. He showed incredible potential during his time here, we are delighted that he has earned this fantastic opportunity to progress his career in chemistry. We wish him all the best of luck for his PhD studies. Professor Dominic Campopiano, Chair of Industrial Biocatalysis The Rhodes Scholarship First awarded in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most prestigious international scholarship programmes in the world. It is a fully funded postgraduate award which enables exceptional young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars are selected based on their demonstrated academic achievement, character, commitment to others and the common good, as well as leadership potential. Rhodes Scholars benefit not only from financial support but also the life-changing opportunities that come with becoming part of the fellowship of Rhodes Scholars. The award opens up opportunities for Scholars before, during and after their studies at Oxford. Further information The Rhodes Scholarship Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme This article was published on 2024-03-13
