University of Western Australia's Andrés Noé wins 2016 Rhodes Scholarship

Andrés Noé, a University of Western Australia (UWA) student pursuing a Bachelor degree in Medicine and Surgery, has been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship for 2016.

This is the university’s 101st Rhodes Scholarship in 102 years, according to UWA. Noé is an alumnus of WA’s Christ Church Grammar School and has completed his Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours in obstetrics and gynaecology.

“I’ve had incredible help and support from my family — my mother, father and brother — and from my six referees who have supported me through every step of this process. I could not have done it without them,” Noé said. He expressed his gratitude for this award and said that he is ready for the challenges that await him.

The Rhodes Scholar will now move to Britain to study at the renowned Oxford University in order to obtain Master’s Degree in International Health and Tropical Medicine, and Public Policy. He idolizes Australian epidemiologist Fiona Stanley and aims to become a leader in paediatric public health like her.

Professor Paul Johnson, UWA Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the 24 year old student and said that he was delighted that Mr Noé has won the scholarship. Johnson wished him luck for his future endeavours too.

With this Rhodes Scholarship, Noé has joined the bandwagon of former Rhodes Scholars, including former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, former WA Premier Geoff Gallop, and Australian business leader Sir Rod Eddington, amongst others.

Noé joined the UWA in 2009 and won a Faculty of Medicine Student Travel Scholarship in 2012. He also received the Australian Education AsiaBound Grant Scholarship a year later. The Rhodes Scholar is also an ace athlete and has won a gold medal in sailing at the Australian University Games in 2010 and 2013.

His other co-curricular endeavour includes the World Ironman Championships in Zell Am See, Austria in 2015. He has been working as a youth volunteer and mentor in Western Australian Medical Students’ Society (WAMSS), since his very first year at the University.

Rhodes Scholarship for 2015 was won by Masters in International Journalism student Amy Steinepreis.

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