BC’s new Rhodes scholar
University of British Columbia student Aneil Jaswal is this year’s recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship for British Columbia.
The scholarship of nearly $150000 will allow the fourth-year student to pursue dual masters’ degrees in global health science and global governance and diplomacy at Oxford University, starting October 2011.
Jaswal is currently enrolled in the Global Resource Systems Program of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, which offers interdisciplinary studies along with international placements and exchanges. He is focusing on global health issues in low-income countries, encompassing perspectives that include public health, economics, political science, and history.
Jaswal, who received a Loran Award scholarship to study at UBC, has conducted research on health systems with the World Health Organization in Geneva. As well, he worked with UBC researcher Richard Lester to investigate the use of cell phones in HIV treatment in Kenya. The findings show how simple messages of a text saying “how are you?” helped patients with the treatment process.
The Rhodes Scholarships, established in 1902, are designed to bring outstanding students from across the world to study at Oxford University in the interests of promoting international understanding and public service. Each year 11 Canadian students are selected from across the country to receive this honor.
