Latest Rhodes scholar is environmentalist who studied in Antarctica

Grace Tiao focused on mapping organisms to predict life in other areas of Antarctica.

By

Katherine Butler

Mon, Nov 23 2009 at 6:31 PM

Related Topics:

Antarctica, Ecology

Photo: Christian Revival Network/ Flickr

A Georgia woman has been named one of 32 Rhodes Scholars for 2010. Grace Tiao, 23, received a full scholarship to study mathematics and statistics at the University of Oxford in England.

Tiao, who graduated summa cum laude from Harvard in 2008, went on to receive a fellowship to study microbiology through a New Zealand university. As part of the fellowship, she led an expedition to Antarctica to study the continent's ecosystem.

Tiao's project focused on mapping organisms to predict life in other areas of Antarctica. Since returning to her home in Marietta, Ga., Tiao has spent time working on a book about her journey to Antarctica.

The Rhodes scholarship is valued at $55,000 a year, which includes tuition, housing, transportation and a stipend. It will cover studies for two to four years. According to Elliot F. Gerson, American secretary for the Rhodes Trust, “Candidates are chosen based on high academic achievement, integrity of character, spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor.”

Tiao will begin her studies at Oxford in October 2010. After completely her degree, she hopes to continue her work in microbiology at Oxford.