Bridget Smart has become the University of Adelaide’s 113th Rhodes Scholar-Elect. She has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.
“Throughout my career I have aspired to contribute to humanity’s ability to understand and resolve the complex challenges we see around us,” said Ms Smart.
“My aim is to design better mathematical models and effectively communicate my work with decision-makers. I want to work as a leader to strengthen communities, and elevate and share the work of others.”
During her university studies, Ms Smart has been a New Colombo Plan Singapore Fellow. She has communicated her work to policy and decision makers as a contributor to the Youth National Security Strategy, NetThing 2021. She has also been a driving force in the Women in STEM and Mathematics communities.
Ms Smart will continue to extend both her technical knowledge and connection with policy makers while studying a DPhil at the University of Oxford. She will collaborate with world-class researchers to develop complex network models, and ensure her research has real-world impact by improving the ability to understand and tackle complex problems.
“ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY, I EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS TO BRIDGET, WHO IS CONTINUING A PROUD TRADITION OF UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE RHODES SCHOLARS. BRIDGET HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED A REMARKABLE AMOUNT AT THIS STAGE OF HER CAREER. I AM CONFIDENT HER TIME AS A RHODES SCHOLAR WILL BE JUST AS SUCCESSFUL, AND SHE WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.”
–University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj AC.
University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj AC said: “On behalf of the University community, I extend my congratulations to Bridget, who is continuing a proud tradition of University of Adelaide Rhodes Scholars.”
“Bridget has already achieved a remarkable amount at this stage of her career. I am confident her time as a Rhodes Scholar will be just as successful, and she will make a significant impact.”
Ms Smart is currently writing her thesis for her Master of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Her thesis focuses on building a better understanding of online social networks, and the mechanisms behind malicious behaviour including fake news and misinformation.
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international graduate scholarship programme, awarded on the basis of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. The Rhodes Scholarships support students who demonstrate strong propensity to emerge as ‘leaders for the world’s future’.
Nearly 8,000 Rhodes Scholars have gone on to serve at the forefront of government, education, the arts, NGOs, commerce, research, journalism, and other sectors. They include well known advocates for social justice and individuals who have advanced the frontiers of science and medicine.
Rhodes alumni include Nobel, PEN/Faulkner, and Pulitzer Prize winners, heads of state, university presidents and vice chancellors, high court judges, leaders of major organisations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Oxfam, and much more.
