A University of Tasmania law graduate's dedication and commitment to climate justice has been recognised, with the awarding of the latest Tasmanian Rhodes Scholarship.
Brook Dambacher received the prestigious scholarship from Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania, in a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, 30 October 2018.
The Rhodes Scholarship, which recognises leadership, community service and extra-curricular activities as well as academic attainment, will enable Brook to study two degrees at the University of Oxford: a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Masters degree in Environmental Change and Management.
Brook graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2017 with degrees in law and science, where she is now a research consultant on renewable energy initiatives and climate change negotiations.
Despite graduating less than a year ago, Brook already has considerable experience with climate change negotiations at an international level.
In 2015, she took up an internship to support poor and vulnerable countries in the lead-up to the Paris Climate Change negotiations and later became a legal advisor to these countries.
Eager for others to benefit from this kind of experience, she co-founded the International Justice Initiative, which enables undergraduate law students to give pro bono advice to support developing countries and civil society on global social justice issues.
Brook was born in Oregon in the United States and did most of her schooling in Tasmania at Taroona High and Hobart College.
In addition to considerable volunteer work, Brook finds time to pursue her passion for horse-riding, competing in equestrian events at a state level.
The Tasmanian State Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship, Associate Professor Elizabeth Leane, acknowledged the Tasmanian community for its commitment to education at all levels.
"The calibre of candidates this year is outstanding and is a testimony to the talent and dedication found in the Tasmanian educational community, including the University of Tasmania," she said.
Two Tasmanian candidates, Chloe Meyer and Payton Rodman, will travel to Canberra and be considered in the Australia-at-large Rhodes Scholarship round at the end of November.
About the Rhodes Scholarship
Established in 1903, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international scholarship program in the world and aims to nurture public-spirited leaders for the future. The Rhodes Scholarships are open each year to students from all disciplines. These are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students to study at the University of Oxford.
Each year, there are nine Scholarships available in Australia – one offered by each state and three in the Australia-at-large round. Successful candidates are chosen on the basis of exceptional intellectual achievement, leadership, extra-curricular activities and commitment to service.
Pictured: from left, Payton Rodman, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM, Chloe Meyer and Rhodes Scholarship recipient Brook Dambacher.
