Programmes

Morgan is currently studying for an MSc in Social Data Science at the Oxford Internet Institute. Her primary research interests involve machine learning and data science techniques and their application to food systems research. Morgan graduated from Wake Forest University in May of 2019 with a BSB in Business Data Science and a double major in Religious Studies. Her past work has included research surrounding food deserts, effectiveness of urban farms, and populations affected by food insecurity. She is a member of IFSTAL (Interdisciplinary Food Systems Teaching and Learning) at Oxford, which works to train students in interdisciplinary approaches to creating transformation in the global food system. Morgan is passionate about using quantitative methods to help solve the global food crisis. Outside of her studies, she is a musician and enjoys writing music. Morgan is a member of Green Templeton College.

Yvonne is a Commonwealth Scholar and DPhil candidate at the Nuffield Department of Population Health. Her research focuses on breast cancer incidence trends, risk factors and survival in sub-Saharan Africa, working alongside the African Cancer Registry Network. Before coming to Oxford, she worked as a physician in Cameroon and did an MSc in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She worked to improve the uptake of HIV testing and treatment access for children living with HIV in Cameroon and helped build a hospital-based cancer registry to facilitate epidemiological research on cancer occurrence in a rural hospital setting. She is passionate about health policy and advocating for equitable access to quality healthcare for the poorest in sub-Saharan Africa. She is a member of Linacre College.

Valerie is an MSc student in Comparative Social Policy and a Marshall Scholar. She has recently completed an MPhil in the Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on welfare systems and the ways that they are accessible and inaccessible to those they are intended to serve. Valerie is particularly interested in affordable housing policy and has previously interned at a legal aid organization that represents low income tenants in eviction court. She also worked full time for a contractor of the Chicago Housing Authority after graduating with a BA in Sociology from the University of Chicago. Valerie is a member of St Antony’s College.

Anke is currently pursuing an MSc in Migration Studies. She completed her undergraduate education at Utrecht University, where she studied Liberal Arts and Sciences, focusing on conflict studies and cultural anthropology. Having previously earned a Modern Dance degree at the Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts, she worked as a professional modern dancer, completed a traineeship at FOAM (the Photography Museum of Amsterdam) and worked at Vice Media. Anke’s hobbies and interests include art, documentaries and sport. She is always up for a new challenge and started rowing and fencing when she came to Oxford. Anke is a member of Green Templeton College.

Odhran is an MD/DPhil student; his medical studies specialised in neuroscience and his DPhil is in Data Science. Odhran is a UK National Health Service Clinical Entrepreneur, and previously developed a new type of anatomy teaching software though Oxford IT Innovation. Odhran regularly competes in Innovation competitions in a team of five students from across the world. Through these competitions, the team have worked with the European Space Agency, Ernst and Young, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Odhran was a UK champion of the 2019 United Nations Hult Prize, where he developed an artificial intelligence platform to help people find skills that can improve their employability. Odhran completed the first part of his medical training at Wadham college and is currently a member of Green Templeton College.

Noman is currently completing his DPhil in Molecular Medicine, with a focus on CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome-engineering. Originally from a small, picturesque village in Germany, Noman pursued his undergraduate education at Technical University, Darmstadt, and went on to complete his Master’s in Biotechnology at Harvard University. Whilst at Oxford he has enjoyed leading various consulting projects and involving himself in university sports. As president of an Oxford University Muslim Student Association and a dedicated member of the local Muslim community, he has led various projects, with an emphasis on humanitarian work and the promotion of education amongst Muslim youth. In his free time, he is an avid sportsman (particularly to be able to justify and indulge in his cheesecake addiction). He is a member of Exeter College.

Sabrina is currently pursuing an MSc in Latin American Studies, with a focus on gender-based violence and femicides in the region. She recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Richmond, Virginia, with a double major in journalism and leadership studies. Through her leadership studies major, she was continually exposed to the ethical and practical implications of leadership and is excited to keep developing her knowledge on the subject. Her passion for journalism has led her to write for publications in Virginia, New York, Prague and El Salvador. She is an editorial member of Horizontes, the Latin American Centre's yearly newsletter, and will be working as a part-time intern at Latin News in Hilary term. After Oxford, she hopes to specialize in reporting on Latin American issues and communities. Sabrina is a member of Kellogg College.

Kwame is a lawyer and development finance professional currently studying for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Prior to Oxford, he worked as a senior analyst in the international cooperation department of Ghana Export-Import Bank, where he was involved in developing, shaping and implementing the bank's policy on cooperation with other export credit agencies and development partners. Kwame holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Warwick and a Graduate Bachelor of Laws degree from BPP Law School in Manchester. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration from the University of Ghana Business School and a Professional Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law. Outside of his paid work, Kwame volunteers for the Fair Justice Initiative, a charity organisation that exists to combat discrimination against current and former inmates, ensure access to effective legal representation, and improve the conditions of confinement in Ghanaian prisons. In his spare time, he reads legal fiction. Kwame is a member of Exeter College.

Paul is a second-year MPhil student in Politics with the European Politics and Society programme. His academic interests lie in foreign policy, democracy, and the development of civil society. He also works as a Junior Advisor for visiting students at St Edmund Hall. Prior to coming to Oxford, Paul received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Russia and then worked for a USAID contractor in Ukraine, focusing on democratic development and anti-corruption reform. Paul double majored in Russian Literature and International Relations at Stanford University. He enjoys cooking (poorly), playing the viola, boxing, and being in the outdoors. Paul is a member of St Edmund Hall.

Priscilla is studying for an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance at the School of Geography and the Environment. She previously completed an undergraduate degree in Geography at the National University of Singapore and a postgraduate diploma in Education at the National Institute of Education (Singapore). Prior to her studies at Oxford, she served as head of the Geography Department in a school under the Ministry of Education and volunteered with a variety of wildlife organizations. Her research focuses on the opportunities that environmental education, as a tool of environmental governance, can bring to address biodiversity issues, specifically human-wildlife conflicts. Priscilla is a member of Pembroke College.

Shuxiang is currently studying for a DPhil in Physics. He received a bachelor's degree in Computer Science at Chu Kochen Honors College, Zhejiang University and did a research internship in quantum machine learning at University College London. His research interests focus on quantum information processing, building state-of-the-art quantum information hardware and looking for more applications of a near-term quantum computer. Shuxiang is involved in founding Rahko, a quantum AI startup company in London. He is also the treasurer of the Oxford University Aikido club. Shuxiang is a member of Exeter College and a committee member of the college’s MCR.

Ifigenia is currently pursuing an MSt in Diplomatic Studies and is a member of Uruguay’s Foreign Service. She has a passion for international relations and politics, as well as intercultural communication. Focusing on the politics of identity in Latin America, her current research relates to the connection between faith and politics/policy in that region of the world. Ifigenia hopes the Global Leadership Initiative will provide her with further tools and skills to continue her work in the area of female empowerment in the professional world. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Principia College, USA. Ifigenia is a member of Saint Antony’s College.

Anjali is an MBA student and Skoll Scholar at the Saïd Business School. She recently completed an MSc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and is also a Senior Atlantic Fellow at the International Inequalities Institute and a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum. She is passionate about tackling inequalities through responsible business solutions, especially for women living in developing countries. Previously Anjali worked at BRAC, one of the largest NGOs in the world, where she led a nationwide project that brought digital financial services to the doorsteps of one million rural women in Bangladesh. Before joining BRAC, she was the Launch Leader at Ashoka and relaunched a network of over 60 social entrepreneurs. She enjoys travelling and has been to 26 countries. Anjali is a member of Lady Margaret Hall.

Hannah is pursuing a DPhil in Aerospace Engineering. Her research entails developing cryocooling technology for astrophysics detectors and imaging instruments on-board spacecraft. Prior to this, Hannah worked as a researcher at CERN in the surface physics group, and later at the European Space Agency, where she worked on the Russian-European lunar lander due for 2023 launch. At present, she is working to reinstate the Oxford Space and Astronomy Society, is a member of Mars Society UK, and an active member of the UN supported organisation SGAC, in which young space professionals advise international space law and policy. Her wider interests include theology, literature, karate, and Middle Eastern politics, which she studied whilst in Leiden. Hannah is a member of Magdalen College.

Prianka is currently pursuing a Master in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Trained as a lawyer in India, she started her career practicing law across various courts, with a focus on human rights and public interest matters. She subsequently worked as a Legislative Analyst in India’s parliament, providing research support to Members of Parliament. In her most recent role, Prianka worked with central and state government departments in drafting legislation. She is deeply passionate about exploring themes and ideas at the intersection of law and policy to strengthen democratic institutions and human rights. Prianka is a member of St Catherine's College.

Victoria is currently pursuing a MSc in Sociology with a research focus on women’s entrepreneurship. She recently graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology where her academic interests spanned subjects of gender, cultural consumption, and urban studies. Victoria aspires to empower women through a legal education or venture capital work. Beyond her studies, Victoria is passionate about fashion and the performing arts. She is a member of Green Templeton College.

Hannah is a DPhil candidate with a focus on endometriosis at the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, having previously earned a medical degree at University of Bristol, a BSc (Hons) in Medical Physics & Bioengineering at University College London, and MSc Clinical Embryology at University of Oxford. Hannah is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Kalsom Movement, a Malaysian youth-led education charity, where she was awarded the Associate Fellowship of the Royal Commonwealth Society as a Finalist of the 2015 Queen’s Young Leaders Award by The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust. Ultimately, Hannah hopes to pursue a career of medicine, non-profit work and consulting. She is a member of St. John’s College.

Tobechukwu is a Master of Public Policy student at the Blavatnik School of Government as an Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholar. He holds a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration (First Class Honours) from University of Benin and a MSc in Political Science from University of Ibadan. Prior to Oxford, he worked as the Research and Programme Manager at the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy where he managed the research programmes of the school; worked with members of the school's think-tank; and co-ordinated the school's policy dialogues. Tobe is interested in social policies and how opportunities can be created for disadvantaged groups within the society. He currently serves as the Co-chair of the Oxford Africa Society’s Scholarship and Access committee, an initiative that seeks to broaden opportunities to Oxford for talented African students. He is a member of St Antony’s college.

Talha is currently pursuing a DPhil in Aerospace Materials on “Optimizing Ceramics Matrix Composites for Jet Engine sealing applications.” Talha has over four years of experience in the aerospace industry and is a certified chartered engineer with IMechE. Talha has supervised industrial research projects at MSc level at University College London (UCL) and is currently an industrial supervisor of an additive manufacturing PhD project at Imperial College London. He is also one of the founders at Teach9, an online platform used to connect students with subject expert teachers. He is a member of Linacre College.

Ashton is completing an MSt in Traditional China. He graduated with the highest possible honours (Outstanding Graduate) from Peking University, where he studied Classical Chinese. His research focuses on classical Chinese history and thought, particularly on the relationship between Daoism and Legalism. Ashton was Vice-Chairperson of the first Peking University China-ASEAN Youth Summit, which attracted government and business leaders, academics, and 150 university students from China and all ten ASEAN nations to participate. Ashton is a member of St Antony’s College and he aspires to become an academic.

Lauren is a 1+1 Oxford MBA student and Pershing Square Scholar who has recently completed her MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance. She is the founder of Lively Worlds, a social enterprise aiming to bring ideas from the critical social sciences into business, government and civil society for the aims of social and environmental justice. Previously, she worked for four years on agricultural development and deforestation in Indonesia. Her most recent role was Results and Engagement Manager for an Australian Aid innovation systems action-research project. Lauren is a member of Green Templeton College and holds a BA in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard University. She enjoys playing piano, journaling and traveling.

Charles is a Commonwealth Scholar currently studying for an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management. He has a Bachelors in Forestry and Wildlife Management from the Cross River University of Technology in Nigeria and recently completed the Durrell Endangered Species Management Graduate Certificate at the Durrell Wildlife Academy in Jersey, United Kingdom. He has worked as a Research Assistant at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria before his MSc and plans to pursue a career in academia. His hobbies and interests include stargazing, traveling and photography. Charles is currently working towards encouraging people to eliminate discrimination.

Vassilis is currently pursuing a DPhil in Clinical Medicine. He completed his undergraduate in Health Science at Boston University and spent his summers at the Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University publishing papers on federal law and genetic discrimination, and cancer personalized medicine. Additionally, he interned at an NGO that delivered healthcare to rural parts of Honduras. He is currently on the Science Innovation Union Committee and The Foundry Student Advisory Board and has taken a particular interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and social enterprise. He is a two-time Blue in The Boat Race and a member of Keble College.

Feng is currently studying for an MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition at the Department of Education. With previous experiences as a volunteer teacher in China and Thailand, she is passionate about providing underprivileged students in rural areas with experiential leadership training program and character education. Believing in the power of youth and ripple effect, she hopes to explore the ideas of youth leadership for social change and a fairer society. She completed her BA in English language and literature from Beijing Normal University and is a member of Kellogg college.

Sara is an MSc Candidate in Social Anthropology at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology. Her interests lie in disability rights, and the ways in which the term "disability" is cross-culturally constructed and approached. Prior to Oxford, Sara worked in Hawaii as a program guide for a horticultural therapy program for young adults. She received her BA at Sewanee: The University of the South in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. During her undergraduate studies, I developed a partnership between Sewanee and a local day program for adults with a variety of disabilities. Sara has also advocated for the equal rights of people with albinism and other disabilities in Tanzania. She is a member of Wolfson College.

Juliana is currently studying for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Prior to Oxford, she served as a Policy Analyst in the Strategy and Policy Unit at the Office of the President of Rwanda. In this role, she worked in the economic cluster focused on private sector development, energy and ICT. Juliana received a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Economics and International Business from Drexel University in Philadelphia. In her free time, Juliana enjoys running, exploring new cities, and great conversations. She is a member of St. Peter’s College.

Anya is completing her MFA at Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art. Previous to this, she pursued two undergraduate degrees, one in Conservation Biology at Dartmouth College, USA, and the second in Intermedia Arts at the University of Edinburgh. Her research interests focus on the intersections of socio-cultural and ecological crises, and how an artist can communicate between these two spheres. In her artistic practice, Anya explores the nature-culture interface, and the themes of interior and exterior wilderness through performance and installation, working with dancers and musicians from her artists’ collective, which she co-founded in 2012. Community engagement forms a central tenet of her practice, and her projects revolve around work done with indigenous communities in Siberia, rural libraries in Japan, and primary schools in Europe and the USA. At Oxford, she is a member of St. Edmund’s Hall, and the St. Edmund’s Hall Women’s Crew Team.

Shanley is studying towards an MSt in Creative Writing, having previously completed an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Dundee. Her research interests lie in examining the relationships between humility, creativity, humanity and language, and she hopes to pursue a greater understanding of literature and its musicology—the ways its finds something new in the familiar. Despite her status as an International Student, Shanley has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, and she often finds inspiration for her poetry in this beautiful tension of belonging to more than one country. Beyond her studies, Shanley enjoys the violin and travelling. She is a member of Keble College.

Daniel is currently studying for a MSc in Environmental Change and Management at the School of Geography and the Environment. His research interests focus on the sustainable applications for vertical supply chain management, in addition to analyzing implementation of climate-resilient agriculture in developing countries. Daniel recently graduated from Cornell University, with a BA in Economics, minoring in Climate Change and Policy. His past work has been analyzing the adoption of sustainable cocoa farming practices in Indonesia, where his work is being published by the FAO. Daniel is on the Oxford Development Consultancy program and is a varsity rower for the University of Oxford. Daniel is a member of St Cross College.

Emily is studying for a DPhil in Plant Sciences, researching the response of biodiversity and ecosystem processes to reforestation. She hopes that her research will contribute to more effective reforestation projects in the future, as restoration of forest ecosystems will contribute to global goals for habitat restoration and climate change mitigation. Emily is passionate about tackling environmental problems and prior to starting her DPhil spent a year volunteering and working for a number of conservation NGOs in the UK. Emily is a keen runner and currently leads Wolfson College Running Club.

Radiya is on the MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy programme at the Oxford Department for International Development. Her research interests lie in communications and information policy, spanning the realm of fake news legislation, data protection, and cybersecurity. She will work in the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information after graduation and looks forward to joining the civil service. Before continuing her postgraduate studies in Oxford, she completed her BA in Geography at the London School of Economics.

Blane is in his fourth year of a DPhil in Engineering Science, focussing on the use of optical diagnostics in applied fluid mechanics. Having grown up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Blane moved to Oxford in 2011 to complete a Master’s degree in Engineering Science. One of his main interests is teaching and he currently holds a role at St Hugh’s College as a tutor for undergraduate engineering students. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football and learning new languages.

Mehroz is currently studying for a DPhil in Cardiovascular Medicine. His research interests lie in understanding how genetics play a role in development of cardiovascular disorders, especially rare inherited cardiomyopathies. Before coming to Oxford, he completed his undergraduate and master’s degree from University of Toronto. He is passionate about tackling inequalities in access to healthcare, especially among the poorest of the poor. He is always looking for more opportunities to help solve this problem and has had previous experience working for healthcare start-ups in Pakistan. Mehroz is an ardent Arsenal (football) supporter and likes to participate in extreme activities such as bungee jumping, shark cage diving and gliding. He is a member of Brasenose College, where he also serves as the President of the MCR.

Leo is in his second year of a Dphil in Engineering Science where his research looks into ultra-efficient engines and fuels. He earned his bachelor degree of applied science from University of British Columbia in Vancouver before moving to Exeter College, Oxford, as a China Oxford Scholar. He is currently the general secretary of the Oxford Chapter of Global Brigades, an international NGO that organizes students to play a part in engaging social problems with engineering solutions in many different parts of the world. His interests include: photography, tennis and snowboarding. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Adrian Thomas, professor of biomechanics at the University of Oxford and Director of Studies in Biological Sciences at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.

Olya is currently pursuing an MBA at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, following a Master’s in Environmental Change and Management. She previously served as a Global Academic Fellow at New York University Abu Dhabi and as a researcher at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her current interest is in developing understanding and engagement with topics of climate change, circular economy, and responsible growth, with a specific focus on Central Asia and her home country of Kazakhstan. Olya is a member of Green Templeton College and in her free enjoys swimming, rowing, and painting. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Kate Robertson, founder of One Young World, the global forum for young leaders.

Muhammad is currently enrolled in an inter-disciplinary program in diplomatic studies at the University of Oxford. Passionate about countering violent extremism and cyber security, he has a degree in software engineering from the Military College of Signals, Pakistan, and an MA in nonproliferation and terrorism studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California. After graduation, he joined Sandia National Labs as a visiting subject matter expert. In Oxford he is a member of Linacre College.His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Shiza Shahid, founder and CEO of the Malala Fund.

Oana is a final year DPhil student in Artificial Intelligence. Her research interests lie in developing interpretable neural network models for natural language understanding. Previously, she obtained an Engineering Degree from the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris. Oana has done internships in various countries such as Germany, France, UK and the USA, where she enjoyed the cultural diversity she experienced. A member of Linacre college, her hobbies include dancing, tennis, squash, foreign languages and traveling. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Nick Fortescue , Software Engineer at Google.

Winston (Ghee Wei) is studying towards an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy at Oxford’s Department of International Development. His research is about great power engagement in the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Prior to Oxford, Winston studied at Columbia University in New York, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts. Winston will return to the Singaporean Public Service after his studies, where he will work on trade promotion and business internationalisation. He is a member of St Anthony’s College. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Robin Niblett, director of Chatham House.

Emmanuel is a sustainable development professional from Nigeria, studying for a Master of Public Policy as an AIG scholar at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. In addition to studies, he serves as co-chair for the Oxford Africa Conference, a prominent platform convening high-profile policy and business leaders to brainstorm solutions to challenges on the African continent. Prior to Oxford, he worked in clean energy advocacy with the Heinrich Böll Foundation and advised financial sector clients as a sustainability consultant. Emmanuel completed an MSc with Distinction as a Commonwealth scholar at the University of Greenwich. He is a member of Wadham College. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Andrew Norton , Andrew Norton is director of International Institute for Environment and Development.

Jamie is in the fourth year of his DPhil in Cyber Security where his research examines the increasingly political role of technology firms and their relationships to governments. Within Oxford, Jamie is an active member of both the Centre for Technology and Global Affairs and the Changing Character of War Centre. In the first half of 2017, Jamie spent six months based at MIT as a Cyber Security Fulbright Scholar. He also has previous work experience with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and PwC India. He is a member of St Cross College. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Robert Hannigan, a senior British civil servant who previously served as the Director of the signals intelligence and cryptography agency the Government Communications Headquarters.

Julianne is completing a DPhil at the Department of Education, having previously earned a BA in Government from Cornell University and an EdM in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University. Her research interests focus on civic education and engagement, and how adolescents develop their civic identities and conceptualisations of citizenship in today’s digital age. Julianne’s experiences as an educator and mentor for young people have inspired her to continue working to empower youth in formal and informal settings. Beyond her studies, Julianne enjoys creative pursuits in travel writing and photography, and songwriting with her folk band. She is a member of Linacre College. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Vicki Nash, Oxford Internet Institute’s Deputy Director and Senior Policy Fellow.

Machmud is a Rhodes Scholar reading for an MPhil in Political Theory with a focus on the theory and praxis of American federalism. A graduate of Oberlin College, where he was named a Truman Scholar, he worked for Mayor of Atlanta, Congressman John Lewis, and the White House as an undergraduate. Following Oxford, he will enter Officer Candidate School with the United States Marine Corps. Machmud hopes to work across the fields of civic engagement, national security, environmental policy, and immigrants' rights throughout his career. He is a member of Magdalen College. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Judge James E. Baker, the former Chief Judge to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Yao is currently studying for a joint degree of MSc in Comparative and International Education (Routledge Scholar) and MBA (China Oxford Scholar) with a special focus on social entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Starry Night Chinese Ethic Cultures Think Tank and is dedicated to promoting marginalised intangible cultural heritages via cultural field trips, multicultural curriculum and creative cultural products. In addition, she has internship experience at the Chinese government, two European consulting companies and elementary schools both in China and the USA. Yao earned her Bachelor Degree in Education from Beijing Normal University and in Oxford is a member of St Edmund Hall. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Samuel Chen, Research Fellow in Ancient Near Eastern Studies/History of Civilisation at Wolfson College, Oxford.

Antje is an MSc Candidate in Environmental Change and Management at the School of Geography and the Environment. Her research interests lie in urban-rural resource management, in addition to the sharing economy and digital methods for community-led sustainability. Prior to Oxford, Antje worked as outreach and policy coordinator at a Chicago-based legal aid and housing advocacy non-profit, focusing on passing legislation that attempted to integrate environmental health and affordable housing. She received her BA at Duke University in Environmental Science and Policy with a double minor in Global Health and Russian. Antje is a member of Linacre College. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Sarah Parkin, Founder-Director and Trustee of Forum for the Future, an organisation with the mission to promote sustainable development.

Anna is currently studying for a DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics, researching organic solar cells. She recently graduated with a degree in Physics and Materials Science from MIT. Anna is passionate about promoting females in STEM fields and using science and technology to tackle global challenges such as climate change. At MIT, she researched semi-transparent solar cells, which could be used to coat windows or phone screens, and was part of a project considering how to increase global access to clean drinking water, which was presented to representatives from MIT, Harvard, and the World Bank. Anna enjoys learning new languages and traveling. She also loves to ski and has started to row for her College (Wolfson) here in Oxford. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Anne-Marie Imafidon, co-founder of Stemettes and keynote speaker on innovation and diversity in Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths.

Lwandlekazi is a Saïd Business School Foundation Scholar studying towards an MBA. She is a registered chartered accountant and worked as an auditor in the financial services division of Deloitte & Touche in South Africa for the past 6 years. She has a passion to contribute towards building a business citizenry that has both a knack for doing business in Africa and a focus to positively impact Africa. She hopes to take on a corporate strategy role after completing her MBA. She also hopes to get involved in changing the education landscape in South Africa through contributions to education policies and strategy. Lwandlekazi is a member of Lincoln College.

Ed is a New Zealand boy who is a keen rugby player, spending five years studying and playing rugby in the South of New Zealand at Otago University. Before moving to Oxford, he spent two years in Auckland where he began my career in the finance team of a New Zealand corporate law firm. Ed is currently studying toward a Masters in law and finance building upon the skills developed at the beginning of his career. A recent highlight was representing Oxford in the annual Varsity Rugby Match at Twickenham. Ed is a member of St Hugh’s College.

Frances is studying for an MSc in Global Health Science as part of her training as a public health registrar. Previously she studied medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, with an intercalated degree in Medical Ethics and Law. Over the last three years, she has worked as a junior doctor in clinical practice and medical research, and completed an MA in Bioethics and Society at King’s College. Frances is interested in wider dimensions of public health practice, including public health ethics, health inequities and concepts of health justice. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Sir Michael Marmot, Professor of Public Health, University of London.

Xian is currently studying for an MSc in Comparative Social Policy with a special focus on social policies for migrant ethnic minority groups. She earned a bachelors degree in philosophy and English literature at Tsinghua University, Beijing, and has an Oxford MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies. Xian has participated in academic programs and intern schemes in Hong Kong, Canada, Russia, South Korea and the USA. In her spare time she writes essays, having so far published a novel with another writer and over 50 articles. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Professor Kerry Brown, Director of the Lau China Institute at King's College, London.

Daniel is in his second year of a DPhil in Cyber Security. His research and interests lie at the intersection of technology and policy. One avenue he has pursued is ICANN with their NextGen initiative, which seeks to develop internet governance leaders. This summer he participated in HutZero, an early stage start-up accelerator run by CyLon. Daniel has gained leadership experience as MCR President of University College, through tutoring with Students4Students and in a junior ministry role at Echo Grove Summer Camp. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Charles Conn, Warden of Rhodes House.

Hanyang is in the second year of a DPhil in Candidate in Condensed Matter Physics, researching solar cell materials. He is a graduate of Zhejiang University, and has also studied at universities in Sweden and Canda. Born and raised in Shaoxing City, Hanyang has worked as a physics teacher and enjoys traveling and good conversation. His hobbies include dancesport, swimming, and hiking. He is fascinated by cultural diversity and inter-cultural communication. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Timothy Beardson, Author and Founder of Crosby.

Victor is a junior clinician-scientist from Australia, currently conducting research in neuroscience at the University of Oxford. His academic interests involve brain cancer and neurosurgery, and he is also interested in exploring communication techniques that can optimise outcomes both within and outside the healthcare setting. Beyond healthcare, his interests include learning languages and his favourite basketball team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Victor hopes to energise the links medical circles share with science and the community. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Jonathan Wolf, Professor of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.

Yin is a DPhil Candidate and Clarendon Scholar at the Oxford Internet Institute. Her research explores Brexit hashtags through the lens of sociology of culture, linguistics, and political communication. Yin has degrees in English from both Oxford and Columbia University, and she is the founder of the TORCH #SocialHumanities research network, which explores the implications of social media from multidisciplinary perspectives. Yin’s interest in youth empowerment and languages has led her to deliver workshops for students in Japan, teach German students at St Hilda’s College, and participate in outreach work for the London Centre for Languages and Cultures. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Baroness Lane Fox, founder of lastminute.com and board member of Twitter.

Darius is currently studying for an MBA at Oxford's Saïd Business School. He grew up in a small German community learning Spanish at school before being immersed in Latin American culture whilst studying international commerce at the American University of Asuncion. A masters in Innovation Management and work in international trade led him to Oxford as a Paraguay government scholar in 2016. The path, however, has been far from smooth. Collapsing at a half marathon in 2015, Darius was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the battle with which has made a significant mark on his outlook. Now free of any tumour, Darius is determined to make the most of the opportunities before him. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme.

Stefan is studying for a Master's in Public Policy at Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government. A Truman Scholar and committed Roman Catholic, he hopes to improve the lives of marginalized people through policy reform. He advocates for children of incarcerated parents through mentorship and community leadership throughout Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., with the perspective of a son whose father is incarcerated. Stefan has held internships at the White House and Philadelphia City Hall, and as student body president of his high school, received a letter of encouragement and congratulations from President Obama. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is James Dancer, Consultant with strategic intelligence firm, Hakluyt & Company.

Annika is a Public Service Scholar at the Blavatnik School of Government, completing a Master's in Public Policy. She had a corporate/arbitration background before moving into crime prevention and criminal justice. Annika has worked for United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime for the last seven years and is currently on leave from her position as the Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser in the Pacific region. She is interested in public policies that can better support good governance and empower people, especially marginalised groups. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Professor Ngaire Woods, Founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government.

Tejas is currently studying for a Master's in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Before coming to Oxford, Tejas worked as lawyer in Singapore and in India. His most recent appointment was as assistant standing counsel for the Government of Gujarat, India. He also leads Rannim Associates, a boutique firm which offers pro bono litigation and advisory services. An avid writer, Tejas has to his credit more than 40 publications with various national and international journals and newspapers. Tejas loves cricket and is currently part of the St. John’s College cricket team.

Amanda is currenlty completing a DPhil in Clinical Medicine focused on improving patient oriented research during emerging and epidemic disease outbreaks. She is a medical doctor, trained in Australia, and also has a MSc in Global Health from the University of Oxford. Her academic interest is in the medical response to humanitarian crises, and in global health security. She was the field project manager for the RAPIDE trial conducted in Sierra Leone during the West Africa Ebola outbreak and has worked in other humanitarian settings. Amanda is a Rhodes Scholar and keen sportswoman. She has been awarded an Oxford Full Blue. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Professor Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust.

Ibrahim is currently studying for an MSt in Islamic Studies and History, where he focuses on premodern legal theory and political thought. He arrived in Oxford with a BA in English and an MA in comparative literature from Dartmouth College. He is particularly interested in contemporary political theory and legal philosophy, especially as they relate to issues of international law. Ibrahim is currently Director of Research and Global Languages at St Anthony's College. His previous outreach efforts include volunteering with prison inmates and special needs children, and he hopes to strive for a more just and peaceful world. His mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is Philippe Sands, QC, Professor of Law at UCL.

Karen is a Rhodes Scholar from Zambia studying for an MBA at the Saïd School of Business. She recently graduated with a Master's in Public Policy from Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, is an Affiliate of the ACCA, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. Karen has worked for the World Bank, and as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche. She is interested in the intersection of business and government, the way in which both institutions bring about social change, and how the power they possess can be harnessed for the benefit of society. She is further interested in revenue management and taxation of extractive industries and how this can be used to drive growth in countries with the ‘resource curse’. Karen enjoys running, cycling and reading poetry. Karen’s mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is leading businesswoman and private equity investor, Temi Olatunde.

As a public policy student at the Blavatnik School of Government, Andrew's key interests concern moral decision-making and governance in Africa. Prior to beginning his studies in Oxford, Andrew worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Fraud Investigation and Dispute Analysis practices in London and Nairobi and studied for an MPhil in Criminological Research as a Cambridge University Commonwealth Trusts Scholar. In his spare time Andrews enjoys training for triathlons and playing rugby. Mentor: Jonathan Aitken - Political biographer and former Cabinet Minister.

Anna is in her first year of a DPhil in anthropology focusing on women directors in Hollywood and the nature of inequality within the industry. Originally from Montreal, Anna is a filmmaker and writer, with experience in communications and marketing. In the future Anna plans to continue producing documentary media (using video, photography, audio and text) to address topics that are absent from mainstream discourse. She loves rowing, cycling, and hanging out with her dog Hercules. Mentor: Alan Rusbridger - Former editor-in-chief of The Guardian

Caroline is a Blavatnik Family Foundation Scholar, studying for a MSt in Jewish Studies. Her particular interest lies in the intersection of moral and positive psychology and modern Jewish thought. She is beginning to explore whether aspects of Jewish thought and ritual may cultivate particular traits associated with long term success and well-being, such as grit, resilience, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence. Originally from New York, Caroline was previously a Fellow at the Schusterman Foundation in D.C., and participated in a social entrepreneurship fellowship in Israel. She also spent two years working at the private equity firm, Blackstone. Mentor: Alain de Botton - Philosopher, author, founder of the School of Life.

David is studying for a Masters in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Before coming to Oxford David trained as a lawyer and worked as a political advisor in Australia under the Gillard and Rudd governments. David has also spent time working for the Democrats in New York and on anti-death penalty law in Texas. Mentor: Jonathan Powell - British Diplomat and Chief of Staff under Tony Blair.

Having completed a Masters of Public Policy, Diana is now beginning a DPhil in socio-legal studies. Before coming to Oxford Diana worked for the Colombian government and for NGOs researching and managing responses to issues of justice, human rights and democracy in Colombia. Mentor: Lord Alderdice - Senior Northern Ireland Politician.

Emily is in the third year of her DPhil in English Literature, focusing on the relationship between literature and knowledge. She is especially interested in how literature influences the approaches to living, and is involved in a research group that tries to assess that empirically. Before postgraduate study Emily lived in Lebanon where she worked as a journalist. Mentor: Rowan Williams - Former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Evan is in the first year of a DPhil in International Development focusing on refugee self-reliance. She has been working with urban refugees in Kampala, Uganda, for over five years, as co-founder and co-director of a grassroots non-profit organisation run with refugees. The organisation offers livelihoods training and other activities. Evan has a particular interest in the challenges of leadership in situations which involve working with those from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Mentor: Scilla Ellworthy - Peace builder, Nobel Prize nominee.

Before beginning the MBA programme as a Rhodes scholar, Heerden worked for a short time in wealth management in South Africa. A keen swimmer Heerden has gained world rankings and an Olympic appearance for his native South Africa. He has also travelled widely managing to visit 31 countries so far. Mentor: Ken Costa - Former Chariman of Lazard International.

Jingwen is studying for a Masters in Public Policy having gained her BA at Beijing Foreign Studies University. During her first degree Jingwen spent time as a visiting scholar at Columbia. Jingwen has gained a range of experience in research and intern roles, spending one summer in Geneva working for the UN on a climate change project. Mentor: Rosemary Foot - Former Professor of International Relations, Oxford.

Juan is currently half way through his DPhil studies in public policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. His research is in natural resource revenue management. Juan joined the School of Government having worked for two years in Colombia’s extractive sector, mainly in legal and corporate affairs. Prior to this he worked for a year and half as an adviser to the Colombian Minister of Justice, and for five years as lawyer associate at a leading law firm. When he returns to Colombia Juan hopes to become an effective leader who contributes to the objectives of reducing poverty and inequality gaps. He also loves dark chocolate, running, playing football, and meeting new people.

Quratulain is studying for a Masters in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. She is one of the first women Pakistan Airforce Officers, having served for eight years before joining the Civil Services of Pakistan. She has worked in service delivery in conflict ridden areas, in infrastructure and in human development, law and order. She is very passionate about empowering women and the preservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of Pakistan. She loves exploring new places and trying new foods.

Shea is a DPhil student working on 'nudge' interventions in public health. As a recipient of a Marshall Scholarship, Shea moved to the UK to pursue further social sciences research having completed his undergraduate degree at Georgetown in 2013. In recent years he has worked in research roles at the Department for Health and Imperial College London. Mentor: Andrew Dilnot - Chair of the UK Statistics Authority

Vinton was born in Hong Kong, but has lived in the UK for most of his life. After completing his core training as a medical doctor, Vinton spent his time as a registrar specialising in oncology. Vinton now works as a Clinical Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Radiation Oncology where he is completing his DPhil. Outside of work Vinton enjoys fencing and martial arts. Mentor: Tim Maughan - Professor of Clinical Oncology, Oxford.

Zahra is studying for a Masters in Public Policy. Before beginning her studies at Oxford Zahra spent time working on campaigns for the National Union of Students, studying community reconciliation and working on NGO projects in Bangladesh and Malta. She hopes to continue to contribute to work on community cohesion, minority engagement and conflict mitigation. Mentor: Margaret Beckett - Britain's first female Foreign Secretary.

Alice came to Oxford from New Zealand in 2014 as a Rhodes Scholar. She is currently working towards an MSc in Economics for Development and plans to study for a Master of Public Policy degree in 2015. Born in Beijing but raised in Auckland Alice has previously worked as a judge’s clerk at the Supreme Court of New Zealand and also as a research assistant for the Centre of Applied Research in Economics, focusing on child abuse and health economics. She is fascinated by the question of what makes communities flourish, and so hopes to combine her interest in community well-being with work on education and social welfare policy in the future. Alice is a classical and jazz trained pianist and once an aspiring conductor and composer. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative is the British economist and peer in the House of Lords, Professor Alison Wolf.

Alissa de Carbonnel read for a Master of Public Policy at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, focusing on security, international development, and uses of open data for public sector reform. She is an experienced journalist, beginning her career in Moscow, where she spent seven years writing about Kremlin politics. Her reporting on the Ukraine crisis, the Islamist insurgency in Russia’s North Caucasus, the Georgia war, and other flash points shapes her interest in security, governance, and human rights. In London, she worked with Integrity Research and Consultancy, which delivers expert development services in conflict-affected and fragile environments. She holds a B.A. in Government from Cornell University and speaks French, Spanish, and Russian. Alissa was mentored as part of the Global Leadership Initiative by Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Former Government Minister and Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.

Arun came to Oxford in 2011 to study for a DPhil in Materials and will soon return to India to take up a role in Industry. His research has focused on nanomaterials which have potential in transparent flexible displays, as catalysts for hydrogen production and also been employed as spacecraft lubricant as they possess the lowest friction coefficient. Arun’s interest in science is combined with a desire to further society more widely through his work and future career. He is consummately personable and enjoys long discussions with friends, especially if good food is involved. 2015 is a significant year for Arun. He hopes to complete his DPhil in July, begin work in September, and get married in between. As part of the Global Leadership Initiative, Arun has been mentored by Professor Mike Clifford, Associate Professor of Engineering at Nottingham University.

Aurora came to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar having graduated from Harvard with a degree in Classics. She is currently pursuing an MPhil in Theology, having a particular interest in the ways in which theology can address questions of practical ethics. Aurora is a committed member of Oxford’s Catholic community and is currently compiling her reflections on student life into a book for high school students. She enjoys running and playing squash and is keen to pursue a career in business.

Ayushama is studying for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy. Her particular research interest is the relationship between transnational justice and development. Ayushma was born and raised in Nepal before heading to Thailand’s Thammasat University to study International Relations and Politics. She loves meeting people from different parts of the world and exploring new places and cultures. Exploring different culinary cultures is a particular passion.

Benedict studied for an Oxford MPhil in political theory before going on to his doctorate. His work focuses on the challenge of encouraging dialogue between diverse religious and civic-secular traditions. Before coming to Oxford he studied history at the University of Melbourne, during which time he worked as a volunteer co-ordinator with the Melbourne Somali community. He has also spent time as a policy researcher in Brussels and the Balkans, researching forced migration routes to the EU. This involved interviewing forced migrants and government officials throughout the region, with a particular focus on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Croatia. He has spent two extended periods living and working in Russia and has written for various publications on Russian culture, literature and politics. His Global Leadership Initiative mentor is Jon Cruddas MP.

Daniel is studying towards an MBA at the Saïd Business School. Before coming to Oxford, he spent the last few years working for the consulting firm McKinsey & Company. His role focused on advising banks and Private Equity Funds in Europe, the US and South East Asia. Before that, he worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the Global Investment Banking Divsion and as an executive assistant to the German CEO. He studied Business and Economics in Germany and Hungary and holds a Master of Law degree. Daniel is actively involved in the Global Shapers community and is co-founder of the start-up conference 'NextB2B Forum'. He is an avid musician, enjoys classical concerts, and has a growing interest in psychology and neuroscience. Daniel has been mentored as part of the Global Leadership Initiative by Dr Ken Barnes, Associate Director of Oxford’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Initiative.

David Wong De-Wei read for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy at the Oxford Department for International Development. His research focused on the secret diplomacy between US and Iran. Before going to Oxford, David studied political science at the National University of Singapore concentrating on the role of culture and religion in democratisation, and spent some time at a public relations firm. David is currently working in the Singapore public service, handling trade and export promotion of Singapore's infrastructure industry. He was mentored as part of the Global Leadership Initiative by former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, Jonathan Aitken.

Laura-Marie is in the final stages of her DPhil in economic geography at Oxford’s Smith School for Enterprise and the Environment. Her research focuses on financial reform in China, with an emphasis on capital market development. As a Clarendon Scholar, she received her MPhil in Political Economy from the University of Oxford and holds degrees in International Relations from the University of Manchester and Sciences Po Paris. Born in the former German Democratic Republic, Laura-Marie served as a policy analyst at the EU Commission and previously at the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe. Outside of work, Laura-Marie is a columnist for the Huffington Post and the Bergruen Institute on Governance, a keen runner and an active member of the Oxford University Chorus. Her Global Leadership Initiative Mentor is Rob Gifford of The Economist.

Melissa read for an Oxford MSc in Computer Science before going on to study for an MBA at the Saïd Business School. She is passionate about using technology and entrepreneurship to improve access to basic needs like water, energy, and healthcare as evidenced by her MSc thesis project—an online medical consultation platform for low resource areas, which is now being piloted in South Africa. While completing a BSc in Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech, Melissa designed and piloted a water infrastructure system for post-disaster situations with the Red Cross in Chile. She has also worked as an engineer and business consultant in Latin America and Africa, developing a unique understanding of technology and infrastructure in emerging & developing markets. Her Global Leadership Initiative mentor is Mark Graham, lead on technology for development at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Penny holds degrees in economics and science and is undertaking a DPhil under the supervision of Professor Cameron Hepburn and Professor Doyne Farmer. She is interested in agent-based modelling, technological evolution, economic growth and sustainable development. Penny's research at Oxford is supported by the Institute of New Economic Thinking and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. Prior to joining INET, Penny worked as an economist in Australia, where she predominantly focused on issues relating to energy, resources and climate change. She was mentored as part of the Global Leadership Initiative by British economist and Warden of Nuffield College, Sir Andrew Dilnot.

Vuyane is a South African medical doctor and Rhodes Scholar, currently reading a DPhil at Oxford University. His focuses on mechanisms behind the cardiovascular system dysfunction during normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. He is the founder of the MH Foundation, an educational non-profit organization he founded with other young professionals in South Africa. The MH Foundation offers scholarships to 10 learners from poor backgrounds through a program of educational support, mentoring, personal and career development, and social responsibility. He has been awarded several honors, including the Ackerman Family Foundation Award for outstanding leadership, and the South African Medical Association Young Leaders Award. Vuyane is named amongst the Johannesburg-based Mail & Guardian newspaper’s Top 200 Young South Africans. Vuyane’s Global Leadership Initiative mentor was Ken Barnes, Associate Director of Oxford’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Initiative.

Yuge is in the final year of a DPhil at Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute, where her research explores energy and low-carbon technologies. Her particular focus is on the environmental policies of India and China and global energy governance. Over the course of her DPhil, Yuge has been a guest researcher with the Brookings Institution in Washington DC and Beijing (2011-2012), a Global Governance 2022 fellow (gg2022.net), an Avantha International Fellow 2013 with Aspen Institute (India), and a research associate with the Institute of Economic Growth and The Energy and Resource Institute in Delhi. Before Oxford, she was a special consultant to the Overseas Research and Development Centre of Panasonic in Japan. Before that, she spent one year as a graduate student at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. This experience led to the publication of Grow Up in India (Beijing, 2013), a book introducing contemporary India through the lens of a Chinese student. Yuge is also the co-founder of the Juxtapose Project, a research initiative focusing on contemporary India and China. Yuge has a two-year-old daughter, Boyang, and somehow still finds time to enjoy reading, film and time with friends. Her mentor as part of the Global Leadership Initiative has been Professor Ian Goldin, Director of the Oxford Martin School.