Economist, mathematician, climate campaigner and athlete Josephine Auer has been named Queensland’s 2023 Rhodes Scholar.
The University of Queensland alum received the honour from Queensland Governor, The Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane last night.
Ms Auer intends to use her Rhodes Scholarship to study a two-year Master of Philosophy (Economics) at the University of Oxford.
“I want to use my skills as an economist to work with leaders in a diverse range of fields to create transformative climate change policies that could chart a more sustainable and safer future for all,” Ms Auer said.
“I know the globally renowned MPhil Economics programme will build upon my existing background in economics and mathematics and provide a strong foundation to progress to doctoral research in my area of interest.”
Ms Auer completed a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Hons) at UQ in 2019 with a perfect GPA of 7 and was awarded the University Medal for her year.
She was Valedictorian of the School of Economics and named UQ’s 2020 Graduate of the Year.
Ms Auer is in her final year of a Bachelor of Mathematics, while working for a not-for-profit economic research institute.
She is also a volunteer with the policy team of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and involved in environmentally focused research opportunities at UQ.
“As a concerned citizen and student of economics, I see climate change as humanity’s greatest challenge and a solution its greatest need,” Ms Auer said.
In addition to her academic, research and community pursuits, Ms Auer is a talented distance runner.
She was the 2021 Bridge to Brisbane open 10km champion and won the Australian University Games 5,000m and 10,000m titles the same year.
She made the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials in the 1500m.
Ms Auer said elite distance running had helped prepare her for the rigours of academic study – but she wanted to balance it with community service.
“I hope to make lifelong friendships and professional partnerships that will enhance my contributions to society for many years to come,” she said.
“I’m most excited by the opportunity to develop the skills and tools needed to live a life of impactful service.”
All five Queensland finalists for the 2023 Rhodes Scholarship were from UQ.
Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)429 056 139.
