A gifted young student from Curtin University has been named Western Australia\u2019s 2026 Rhodes Scholar, earning one of the world\u2019s most prestigious academic honours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jamie Erak who started his university studies at just 14 years of age, is Curtin\u2019s second Rhodes Scholar in as many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 18-year-old is now bound for Oxford University in 2026 and will join more than 100 scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The physics honours student who works with Curtin\u2019s Institute of Theoretical Physics and is a strong advocate for students with autism in higher education, was announced the winner at Government House on Friday after a rigorous selection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rhodes Scholarships is one of the oldest, most competitive, and prestigious international fellowship awards in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They recognise young people who combine academic excellence with exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to tackling humanity\u2019s most pressing challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Past recipients have included former world leaders such as Bob Hawke and Bill Clinton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each year, nine Rhodes Scholars from Australia are selected to study at Oxford, this includes a representative from each state and three \u2018Australia at Large\u2019 Scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the University was incredibly proud of Mr Erak\u2019s achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJamie\u2019s success is a moment of real inspiration for both students and staff at Curtin,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHis selection as a Rhodes Scholar reflects his remarkable talent and determination and adds to his growing list of accolades, including receiving Curtin\u2019s Don Watts High Achiever Scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe wish him all the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter at Oxford.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Erak said he was still absorbing the news but thrilled to be joining other Rhodes Scholars from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDuring my time at school, I was often told that things weren’t possible or that things wouldn’t work out a certain way, but now I find myself being given a life-changing opportunity,\u201d Mr Erak said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Erak was home-educated for a few years before he enrolled at Curtin and is now an advocate for autistic students in higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAutism is a different experience for each individual. In my case, I have very strong interests in certain subjects, but I also react strongly to sensory stimuli and struggle to express myself sometimes. If there are any autistic people who hear or read my story, I would say be proud of who you are,\u201d Mr Erak said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Erak will head to Oxford in September next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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