• 31 exceptional young Australians will join Australia’s most generous scholarship program for postgraduate study overseas.
• 167 applications received – more than a 70 per cent increase from last year.
• Scholarship value increased – now valued at up to AUD$90,000 p.a.

Sydney, Wednesday 13 July 2022: The Ramsay Centre is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of our Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship – outstanding, thoughtful, imaginative young Australians, committed to advancing a richer, deeper understanding of our civilisation through study at the world’s best overseas universities.

Our 31 scholars will form the second cohort of Australia’s most generous scholarship program for postgraduate study overseas. They will be supported with funding of up to AUD$90,000 p.a. for one, two and in select cases three years of coursework and/or research.

The 2022 scholarship funding of up to AUD$90,000 p.a. marks an increase from the 2021 scholarship value of AUD$85,000 p.a. The number of scholarships awarded has also increased – up from 20 awarded to our inaugural cohort in 2021.

It is expected that the 2022 scholars, already community leaders and high achievers in their respective fields, will go on to make significant contributions to Australian society in their chosen careers.

The 2022 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars include: a doctor inspired by Fred Hollows, who is researching gene therapy for macular degeneration and wants to serve rural and regional Australia; a young Catholic priest with a passion for the classics, examining the role of religious/metaphysical questions in education; a naval officer intent on improving the Western competitive edge through defence innovation; a mathematician keen to push boundaries of mathematical research and inspire young girls into maths; and an organist for St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, who will study organ performance at the Royal Academy of Music.

Also among our new scholars is a lawyer whose family’s experience with ethnic and religious conflict in Indonesia inspired his career in government and public law, to safeguard values underpinning our legal system. Other scholars include a quantum physicist exploring ways to create less fragile quantum computers; a scientist examining the gut microbiome and how it affects the human endocrine system and brain; a paediatric doctor passionate about addressing infectious diseases in disadvantaged communities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific; and a policy analyst studying Britain’s response to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, to help inform responses to mass atrocities.

A foreign policy specialist who wants to lead work enhancing Australian and US engagement with Southeast Asia has also been awarded a scholarship, as has a former teacher who studied under HH the XIV Dalai Lama, who wants to create education and workforce development policies to support Australia’s coal-mining regions through energy transition.

The Centre received 167 applications this year, up more than 70 per cent from 2021. Applicants must be accepted into a graduate program at a world-leading overseas institution before applying.

The scholars have been awarded funding from one of two scholarship categories:

• the World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, for graduate study in any field or discipline at a prestigious overseas university of their choosing, or

• the St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, for study of the Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts at this acclaimed US liberal arts college, as well as participation in an internship program in Washington DC.

They will embark on study in disciplines including physics, law, clinical neurosciences, theology, public policy, music, history, English literature, science, Middle Eastern Studies, mathematics, business, population health and international relations. Their study destinations include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of British Columbia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Georgetown University, University of Toronto, Royal Academy of Music, as well as St John’s College, Annapolis.

The scholars were selected by a panel of eminent Australians chaired by NSW Solicitor General Michael Sexton SC and including members of the Ramsay Centre Executive and Board. Selection criteria included strength of character, leadership, and service; academic achievement; future goals; and a commitment to advancing a richer and deeper understanding of our civilisation.

The scholarships have been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of our founder and benefactor, the late Paul Ramsay AO. Paul Ramsay founded Ramsay Health Care, now one of the largest private hospital operators, and was also a regional television pioneer, building stations that today form the Prime Television Network.

Known as a ‘man for others’, Paul Ramsay always wanted to give back to his country and his fellow Australians. He had a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities Australia had afforded him, as one of many countries that have benefited from being part of the long continuum of Western civilisation. He wanted younger Australians to share that appreciation by learning more about our heritage and to take the lead in passing that knowledge on to others.

These scholarships in his name support our future leaders to do just that, by supporting their graduate study at the world’s best overseas universities.

A full list of names of the 31 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars and their bios can be found on the next page of this release.

For more information on our Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships and how to apply visit: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/scholarships-courses/postgraduate-scholarships/

Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098/ sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org

For more information on the centre please visit our website: www.ramsaycentre.org

2022 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars

World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars

JUAN PABLO BONILLA ATAIDES
PhD in Theoretical Physics – Harvard University
Pablo Bonilla is a Sydney quantum scientist. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Physics and Mathematics) from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours, the University Medal, and the top mark in his cohort. After graduating, Pablo worked as a research assistant at UNSW before accepting a role with quantum computing start-up PsiQuantum. His research interest is fault-tolerant quantum computation: examining ways to rearrange the extremely fragile information units in a quantum computer – qubits – so they can tolerate faults without stored information becoming corrupted. He has had novel research on this published in Nature Communications, a sub-branch of Nature magazine. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Pablo will study a PhD in Theoretical Physics at Harvard. Pablo is excited about quantum computing’s potential to revolutionise medicine, renewable energy, and many other fields, and intends to continue exploring this rising technology and its impact on society.

DR GRACE BORCHERT
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Neurosciences – University of Oxford
Dr Grace Borchert is a junior doctor at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, currently completing a Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) at the University of Sydney. She is also an Executive Director of the not-for-profit initiative ‘Ubuntu Through Health’ which supports health projects in developing countries. Grace holds a Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (First Class) with the University Medal from Griffith University. Inspired by the humanitarian work of the late Fred Hollows, she is passionate about pursuing ophthalmology to restore sight and has undertaken placements with Lions Outback Vision, the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Grace will undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford, focusing on gene therapy for macular degeneration. In the future Grace hopes to serve rural and remote communities and take sight-restoring treatment a step further.

ADEN COTTERILL
PhD in Theology – Cambridge University
Aden Cotterill was born in Brisbane but grew up in Canberra, completing a Bachelor of Science (Psychology)and Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) at The Australian National University. Following his undergraduate study, he obtained a Master of Arts (Theology) and Master of Theology (Research) from St Marks National Theological Centre at Charles Sturt University, whilst starting the process of ordination in the Anglican Church. This all coincided with a decade of working with adolescents in both church and educational contexts. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Aden will pursue a PhD in Theology at Cambridge. In his PhD he will examine how increasing pluralism in Western societies fragments or fragilizes belief and how theology can articulate faith and aid belief in this milieu. Aden is passionate about helping young people and serving the Church and Academy in Australia. In the future he hopes his study will help bless and benefit the places he works in.

SOPHIE COTTON
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology – University of British Columbia
Sophie Cotton is a scientist from Sydney who holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Laws from Southern Cross University. Sophie is passionate about bridging the gap between medical discoveries made in the lab, and the patient’s ability to benefit from them in real life. She hopes her law degree will equip her to harness science’s potential to inform legislation and help patients. In 2019, Sophie began collaborating with a Microbiome lab at Stanford University, which led to her current PhD focus: how changes in our western lifestyle have altered our gut microbiomes, causing an increase in neuroinflammatory disorders. Sophie focuses on how the microbiome affects the brain across the lifespan, from autism in early childhood to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Sophie will study a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. In the future she hopes to both advance research and influence policy.

JOHN DE BHAL
Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations – University of Oxford
John de Bhal is originally from Brisbane and is currently a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in International Relations at Oxford. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Class I) in International Relations from the University of Queensland and a Master of Philosophy in International Relations from Oxford with a thesis on Brazil’s relationship with the West. His research focus is on social status in international relations, the international order, and West/Non-West relations. He has published in the journals Third World Quarterly and Contemporary Politics. He is passionate about shaping public debate around Australia’s place and role in international affairs and in the future hopes to work in a foreign affairs related field such as academia, defence, or the foreign ministry. When not studying at Oxford, John can usually be found on a cricket pitch. In 2021 he was awarded a Blue for Cricket and he hopes to achieve another Blue for cricket at Oxford this year.

DR BENJAMIN DICKSON
Master of Science – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Dr Benjamin Dickson is a paediatric doctor at Sydney Children’s Hospital, and an infectious diseases researcher at the University of Sydney. He graduated from James Cook University in Queensland with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery as Dux, with First Class Honours and the University Medal. Prior to undertaking paediatric specialty training, Ben worked clinically across remote communities in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland. Outside of clinical work, Ben conducts research to help eliminate neglected tropical diseases and improve antimicrobial resistance across the Asia-Pacific. He has a concurrent interest in the intersection between environmental change and infectious disease emergence. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Ben will study a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine and International Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, to gain the skills required to address the burden of infectious diseases facing disadvantaged communities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

JANET EGAN
Master of Public Policy – Harvard University
Janet Egan is from Melbourne, now based in Canberra as the inaugural Policy Director for the Office of Supply Chain Resilience in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She is passionate about integrating national security, international and economic considerations to develop holistic policy in the national interest. She is also very keen about supporting women in national security, having organised the Federal Government’s inaugural Women in Cyber event in 2016. Janet has worked on policy issues spanning cyber security, emerging technologies, foreign investment, critical infrastructure, and regulatory reform. Janet holds a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy and German Studies) from Monash University. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Janet will study a Master of Public Policy at Harvard, focussing on the development of international and domestic policy actions to strengthen the resilience of clean energy supply chains. In the future she will apply this knowledge in a public service career.

BRITTANY GITTUS
Master of Studies in Modern European History – University of Oxford
Brittany Gittus is a proud resident of the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, who works as a Policy and Research Analyst at Tasmania’s Department of Premier and Cabinet. Brittany has worked on numerous projects for the department, including the operationalisation of the Foreign Relations Act and Tasmania’s Literacy Advisory Panel. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology from the University of Tasmania, with First Class Honours in History. She has also attended Oxford University’s ‘History, Politics and Society Summer School’, obtaining first class results. Brittany is passionate about mass atrocity prevention and assisting people from disadvantaged backgrounds to harness the transformative power of education. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Brittany will study for a Master of Studies in Modern European History at Oxford, focusing on Britain’s response to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Brittany intends to use her historical research to inform the way nations respond to events of mass atrocities.

TOM GREIN
Master of Science in Modern Middle Eastern Studies – University of Oxford
Tom Grein works as a freelance copy writer in Sydney. He holds a Master of Science in International Relations from The London School of Economics (2021), a Bachelor of Political Science (Honours) from The Australian National University (2019), and a Bachelor of Political, Economic, and Social Science from The University of Sydney (2018). He enjoys modern history and political theory and is passionate about public policy, particularly foreign policy and diplomacy relating to the Middle East. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Tom will study a Master of Science in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford. The course focuses on Islam and the politics of the Middle East as well as modern Muslim thinkers. He will study the Arabic language track, designed for students with intermediate to advanced-level ability in Arabic or Hebrew. In the future Tom hopes to work in foreign policy or in a diplomatic role.

YIFAN GUO
Master of Advanced Study in Pure Mathematics – University of Cambridge
Yifan Guo is a Melbourne mathematician, who holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, with a major in Mathematics, and a concurrent diploma in Computing. Her research interest is algebra, in particular representation theory, which aims to better understand abstract algebraic objects by considering them as concrete matrices that are well understood. She is also keen to explore adjacent fields in mathematics. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Yifan will undertake a Master of Advanced Study in Pure Mathematics at Cambridge. In the future she wants to pursue an academic career, where she can push the boundary of mathematical understanding through research, while supporting the next generation of mathematicians, especially young girls who share a passion for maths, through teaching and outreach. Yifan acts as a keen mentor to future mathematicians, through her university’s maths society and mentoring high school students in the Australian Maths Trust Olympiad program.

GENIA HILL
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography and the Environment – University of Oxford
Genia Hill is from rural Central Queensland, where she grew up on a cattle farm. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Washington, Seattle. Genia also holds a Master of Environmental Management (Sustainable Development) from the University of Queensland, for which she conducted field research investigating food systems resilience in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Genia will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Geography and the Environment at Oxford. Her research will seek to determine community-focused drivers of food systems aid uptake using a case study of Papua New Guinea’s cocoa value chain. Genia believes Pacific aid is extremely important, and that aid applied through thoughtful food systems development can be the key to improving livelihoods (especially for women), facilitating healthy, resilient ecosystems, and combating climate change and its impacts.

WILLIAM HOLBROOK
Doctor of Philosophy in English – University of Cambridge
William Holbrook is from Brisbane, now based at Cambridge University, studying a Master of Philosophy in English. His MPhil dissertation is on D. H. Lawrence’s Australian novel Kangaroo and James Joyce’s Ulysses, and both writers’ views on democracy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts/LLB from the University of Queensland, with majors in English and Classical Languages. In 2020 he completed Honours in English at the University of Melbourne, where he wrote about the influence of the nineteenth-century polymath John Ruskin on two very different modernist writers: the Irish poet W.B. Yeats, and the German-Jewish Marxist Walter Benjamin. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship William will commence PhD studies at Cambridge; his topic is the influence of William Morris on various strands of twentieth-century political and aesthetic thought in England. William is passionate about cultivating an awareness of our rich literary heritage and in the future hopes to work in academia in literary studies.

ALEXANDER (XANDER) JACKMAN
Bachelor of Civil Law – University of Oxford
Alexander (Xander) Jackman is a Sydney lawyer passionate about commercial litigation, constitutional law, and legal history. Xander holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons I, University Medal for History) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) from The University of Sydney, and currently works as a solicitor in Allens’ Disputes & Investigations team. He devotes much of his energy to making intellectual contributions to the law through publications, part-time teaching, and private and pro bono practice while trying to leave room for sport, drama, and travel. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Xander will study a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford. He hopes to reinforce his diverse passions in the law by undertaking the Bachelor of Civil Law and considers the structure of the course (consisting of four electives) to be the perfect platform from which to develop a generalist legal practice and capacity to contribute more broadly to the Australian justice system.

MELANIE KILBY
Master of Arts in Asian Studies – Georgetown University
Melanie Kilby is a foreign policy specialist, most recently Executive Officer to Australia’s Director-General of National Intelligence. She has advised Government, on international political and strategic matters in several roles, including the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretary, and directed the National Australia-Indonesia Language Awards. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Indonesian major) with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland. Melanie is passionate about increasing Australia’s understanding of Southeast Asia and its shifting geopolitical landscape. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Melanie will study a Master of Arts in Asian Studies at Georgetown University, looking at political systems, the struggle for Western liberal democratic values, and the threat to the liberal international order – with a focus on Southeast Asia. In the future Melanie plans to lead work across sectors on enhancing Australia’s and the United States’ diplomatic, political, and economic engagement with Southeast Asia and continue volunteer work to increase Asian language literacy in Australia.

KEITA MATSUMOTO
Master in Public Policy – Harvard University
Keita Matsumoto, from Latrobe Valley, Victoria, is a former teacher through ‘Teach for Australia’, now working as Partnership Manager for Our Place | Colman Foundation, addressing structural causes of disadvantage in education. Keita holds a Bachelor of Science/Arts from The Australian National University, and a Master of Teaching from Deakin University. He has been recognised by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Social Impact, the Australian Education Awards, and was a Gurukul Scholar, studying philosophy and meditation under HH the XIV Dalai Lama. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Keita will study a Master in Public Policy at Harvard, focusing on education and workforce development policies to support Australia’s coalmining regions through energy transition. In the future he intends to work in the social finance sector to help fund, operate and scale organisations supporting Australia’s highest-need communities, including coalmining regions undergoing significant upheaval. Keita is also interested in meditation and spirituality, having studied under secular, Buddhist, and Jesuit traditions.

MAX MORRIS
Doctorate in Political Science – University of Toronto
Max Morris is from Melbourne and is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Research Master of Philosophy (ReMA) from KU Leuven in Belgium, graduating from both summa cum laude and earning first place in the latter. Max’s primary field of research is political theory (Plato’s Laws), with a secondary focus on international relations. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Max will complete his PhD at the University of Toronto. He is passionate about engaging with others to create new opportunities for intellectual exchange. In the future, Max intends to return to Australia to contribute to the revival of education and scholarship in classical Western political thought, working with scholars and professionals to establish and develop university programs, conferences and summer schools devoted to the study of classical texts.

DR NISHANK MOTWANI
Master in Public Administration – Harvard University
Dr Nishank Motwani is Director of Research and Policy at ATR Consulting in Afghanistan. He holds a PhD in international and political studies from UNSW, where he examined protracted conflicts, as well as a Masters in Strategic Studies and Masters in Diplomacy from The Australian National University. Nishank is passionate about exploring the intersection of strategic competition and its domestic impact on democratic governance, including tackling misinformation and helping refugees find resettlement. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Nishank will study a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School, where he is an Edward S. Mason Fellow, and focus on democracy and governance, policy design and delivery, and international security. Nishank enjoys research and has published in online channels and peer-reviewed journals. His forthcoming book Players, Perceptions, and Power in Afghanistan’s Regional Conflict will be published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2023. In the future Nishank hopes to work in politics and public policy.

FR JOSEPH MURPHY
Master of Philosophy in Philosophical Theology – University of Oxford
Fr Joseph Murphy is a Catholic priest from Brisbane with a passion for the classics. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient Greek, Latin, Literature) from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) from the University of Notre Dame (for which he analysed Aristotle’s Greek philosophical texts) and a Bachelor of Theology. In 2019 he was ordained a priest for the Sydney Archdiocese. He has worked as an Assistant Priest at All Saints Parish, Liverpool, as well as Chaplain for two schools and Volunteer Chaplain for Liverpool Hospital. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Fr Murphy will study a Master of Philosophy in Philosophical Theology at Oxford. His prospective thesis considers whether questions of a religious/metaphysical nature can maximise human flourishing and civic engagement and whether a pluralistic democracy should facilitate pursuit of these questions in educating citizens. In the future he hopes to incorporate this knowledge into his teaching and pastoral work.

ISABELLE NAPIER
Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations – University of Oxford
Isabelle Napier is from Sydney and has worked in social policy, food and agricultural sustainability, and international relations. She was a founding member of the University of Sydney’s Policy Lab, consultant to Denmark’s Ministry of Food and Environment and a fellow at Yale’s Sustainable Food Program. Isabelle holds a Bachelor in Ethics, Politics and Economics from Yale University and is completing a Master of Philosophy in International Relations at Oxford. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Isabelle will continue onto doctoral studies at Oxford. Her doctoral project will theorise ‘white allyship’ in international politics, as modelled by twentieth-century Australian, British, European, and American women who took up causes including indigenous Australian human rights, Ethiopian liberation, Indian nationalism and American civil rights. Isabelle is passionate about bridging cultural and societal divides in world politics and hopes to contribute in her future career to creating Australian foreign policy settings that foster international trust and collaboration.

HENRY PHILLIPS
Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy – University of Oxford
Henry Littleton Phillips grew up in the Adelaide Hills. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Adelaide, where he now teaches ethics and moral philosophy. His current area of research in moral philosophy focusses on blame and the emotions. Specifically, he examines how people feature in a blaming interaction; looking at whether when we are blaming people, we should examine how we ourselves acted in the past. Henry is passionate about answering difficult moral questions in a way that is accessible to the public. He is also passionate about human rights and is an active member of Amnesty International’s Activism Leadership Committee in SA/NT. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Henry will study a Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy at the University of Oxford. In the future he hopes to put this rigorous detailed academic training to use in an academic career.

MARK ROTHERY
Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy – University of Oxford
Mark Rothery is a philosopher from Sydney. From The University of Sydney, he holds both a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics), and a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Latin and Ancient Greek and with Honours in Philosophy. He is a keen debater and has represented The University of Sydney in debating, reaching the grand final of the 2020 Australasian championships and the finals stages of the 2020 and 2021 World Championships. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Mark will undertake a Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy at Oxford, focusing on philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of science, and ancient philosophy. He is passionate about ensuring philosophy is not confined to an ivory tower and hopes to make the lessons we learn through philosophy accessible to all. In the future he plans to become a philosopher and contribute to society through his teaching, as well as publishing both academic and popular material.

JASPER SCHOFF
Master of Philosophy in Music – University of Cambridge
Jasper Schoff is a musicologist, conductor, and singer from Sydney who recently graduated cum laude and with highest honours in a Bachelor of Arts in History and Music from Harvard University. He thinks one of the most heartbreaking problems with historical performance is the chasm between past and present modes of listening, and in his creative life as a scholar and performer he is passionate about bridging that gap and finding dynamic ways to bring early sounds to contemporary ears. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Jasper will pursue a Master of Philosophy in Music at Cambridge, where he will also sing as a tenor choral scholar in the Choir of Clare College. In the future, in whatever musical capacity he works, he hopes to bring the magic of the past to the present day, and to teach the arts as the vital, life-affirming, and endlessly relevant fields he believes they are.

THEODORE SQUIRES
Master of Business Administration – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Theodore Squires is a naval officer from Adelaide, passionate about improving the Western competitive edge through defence innovation. After studying a Bachelor of Finance at the University of Adelaide, Theodore joined the navy as a warfare officer. There he undertook specialist training in cyberwarfare and intelligence and honed his leadership and strategic thinking skills, which he has used in four deployments from the Arabian Sea to the Sea of Japan. His most recent role was analytical support to Fleet Command in Sydney. Theodore thrives on applying leadership, analysis, and communication skills to solve complex problems and has advised senior defence leaders on threats and opportunities. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Theodore will study a Master of Business Administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing on managing transformative technologies like artificial intelligence. In the future he hopes to work in national security at the intersection of public and private sectors.

JONATHAN TJANDRA
Bachelor of Civil Law – University of Oxford
Jonathan Tjandra is from Perth and is now a lawyer working in Canberra as Counsel at the Australian Government Solicitor, advising on constitutional and public law. His family migrated to Perth from Indonesia to escape ethnic and religious conflict against Chinese-Indonesians, which inspired him to study the law. He is passionate about ensuring the law is an instrument for unity, and upholds values like rule of law, constitutionalism, and equity. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Hons I) and a Juris Doctor from The Australian National University, which he attended on a Tuckwell Scholarship. After graduating, he worked as a Legal Research Officer to Chief Justice Kiefel AC, Chief Justice of Australia. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Jonathan will study a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford. In the future, Jonathan hopes to continue working in government and public law, ensuring government policies uphold fundamental principles and values that underpin our legal system.

JENNIFER TRIDGELL
PhD (Law) – University of Cambridge
Jennifer Tridgell is from Sydney and is the Senior Legal Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, working to safeguard the human rights of people of all faiths and none, worldwide. She is the youngest global board member of the International Law Association in 149 years and has worked at leading international law firms, the International Criminal Court, and NGOs. Jennifer holds a BA (Politics)/LLB (Hons. I) from Macquarie University and LLM (International Law) from Cambridge, where she was the Davis McCaughey Scholar. With her World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Jennifer will study a PhD (Law) at Cambridge looking into global governance of open-source software, addressing unexplored and interdisciplinary areas for regulatory reform to better safeguard democracy, rule of law and free speech. In the future she wants to work as a barrister, engaging in strategic litigation to raise the voices of the vulnerable and disenfranchised.

HAMISH TYNAN
Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy– University of Oxford
Hamish Tynan is from Adelaide. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) with First Class Honours in Philosophy from the University of Adelaide. For his undergraduate studies, he was awarded the Jefferis Memorial Medal and the Professor Sir William Mitchell Prize for Honours Philosophy. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Hamish will read the Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy at the University of Oxford. His main academic interests are in the history and philosophy of morality, and he will complete his thesis on the development of Western moral thought. Outside of his studies, Hamish is passionate about social justice and is a long-standing volunteer for educational and community organisations. He is also a keen athlete and musician, having won national awards in both disciplines. In the future, Hamish aspires to work as a philosopher and make a meaningful contribution to Australian philosophy, education, and public life.

HAMISH WAGSTAFF
Master of Arts in Organ Performance – Royal Academy of Music
Hamish Wagstaff is the Assistant Organist at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, where he assists in the day to day running of Australia’s most comprehensive cathedral music program, and one of only two cathedral choirs worldwide to perform daily Mass and Vespers. He commenced his organ studies in 2012 at Sydney Grammar School, and recently completed a Bachelor of Music degree with First Class Honours at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Alongside his studies, Hamish was Assistant Organist of Christ Church St Laurence, where he accompanied and conducted the choir. Hamish is passionate about sharing organ music with a wider audience and reclaiming its position in more mainstream classical music. Hamish will use his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship to study a Master of Arts in Organ Performance at the Royal Academy of Music under Professor David Titterington. In the future he hopes to advance Australia’s music scene through teaching and performance.

DR CHRISTOPHER WATSON
Master of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences – University of Cambridge
Dr Christopher Watson is a Senior Resident Medical Officer in ICU at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Clinical Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney. He holds a University of Sydney Combined Doctor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours with University Medal), as well as a Master of Philosophy (Research) for which he researched congenital causes of blindness. Christopher is passionate about helping children with developmental health issues through genetic research, advocacy and improving our healthcare systems. He is also passionate about community service, having volunteered for organisations including the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Holdsworth Community Centre, and successfully completing an English Channel fundraising swim. With his World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Christopher will study a Master of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences at Cambridge, acquiring key skills needed to help people with a disability. In the future he hopes to work as a clinician/scientist focusing on children with developmental disorders.

St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars

MICHAEL CONNORS
Master of Arts in Liberal Arts – St John’s College, Annapolis
Michael Connors is from Brisbane and holds a Bachelor of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium, and a Graduate Diploma of Education in Teaching from Griffith University. An accomplished musician, Michael has toured the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia, performing on board Royal Caribbean and Azamara Club Cruises. In 2016, Michael relocated to Sydney and accepted the role of Music Director at Cammeray Public School. In 2021 he was honoured with a North Sydney Community Award ‘In Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community’ for directing the North Shore Community Band. With his St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Michael will undertake the College’s renowned two-year Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts (MALA) degree and will be mentored to secure and participate in an internship in Washington DC. Michael hopes to contribute to organisations which advocate for Western Civilisation through education and research and intends to establish such organisations within Australia.

SYDNEY ROWE
Master of Arts in Liberal Arts – St John’s College, Annapolis
Sydney Rowe is from Black Rock, Victoria. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Monash University, in which he specialised in the philosophy of religion. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from Monash University for which his thesis examined the cognitive basis of connectedness to nature. Most recently he graduated with a Master of Public Health from the University of NSW and undertook an internship with the Office of Health Protection and Response, Department of Health, Australian Government. He has also worked at a social research company to support major government-funded projects. Sydney has a heartfelt passion for music and philosophy. With his St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Sydney will undertake the College’s renowned two-year Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts (MALA) degree and will be mentored to secure and participate in an internship in Washington DC. In the future he is considering a PhD in Philosophy.

LUCA STEPHEN-SUJDOVIC
Master of Arts in Liberal Arts – St John’s College, Annapolis
Luca Stephen-Sujdovic is from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney with majors in Economics and Spanish and Latin American Studies. He is currently a volunteer with Street Level Australia – an organisation dedicated to the revival of traditional architecture and good urbanism – where he writes articles for respected publications such as Australian Book Review, among other things. Luca is a writer/speaker/content creator, and he has appeared on prominent American radio show A Neighbor’s Choice to give cultural commentary on various matters. With his St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, Luca will undertake the College’s renowned two-year Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts (MALA) degree and will be mentored to secure and participate in an internship in Washington DC. He is looking forward to ‘diving deep into the intellectual underpinnings of our culture.’ Luca is interested in healthy lifestyles and the latest scientific trends in nutrition, physiology, and biology.