When Stephen Daley takes up his Australia at Large Rhodes Scholarship next year, he will shift from being a roving country vet to scientific researcher on a large Oxford University project working to develop improved methods for organ transplantation in humans.
Mr Daley, originally from Millaa Millaa in north Queensland, has practised as a large-animal vet since his graduation from The University of Queensland last year and is currently working at Beaudesert in the south-east of the state.
It was during his final year of university study, while at Cornell University in New York State, USA, on a research scholarship for three months, that Mr Daley knew he wanted to ultimately pursue a research career.
"I have an intellectual interest in research - I find it fascinating and rewarding - and it is also challenging to be involved with work that has the potential to make a difference in people`s lives," Mr Daley said.
The research project he will be involved with at Oxford is looking at the immune system and aims to develop ways to overcome transplant rejection, which currently necessitates the need for immuno-suppressive drugs.
Before he takes up the three-year Rhodes Scholarship in October next year Mr Daley will continue working as an equine vet at Beaudesert, which is currently in the midst of the foaling season.
He says this practical work experience is valuable because it provides a sound understanding of whole-animal physiology.
"The veterinary science degree itself is very broad-based and it gives students a good all-round scientific background as an entry point for research."
The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship provides for board, meals and a living allowance for three years, during which time Mr Daley will complete his research doctorate.
He is not the only University of Queensland graduate to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship this year. Ingrid Barnsley, who completed first class honours in government at UQ last year, also won one of three Australia at Large Rhodes Scholarships.
The 23-year-old, who studied arts/law at the University of New South Wales before moving to UQ for her honours year, has spent the last twelve months studying international law at Georgetown University Law School, Washington as part of her law degree.
She will also study at the prestigious Oxford University, where she plans to complete a Masters in Philosophy (International Relations).
"I hope to look at the interplay between politics and law in the international arena, building upon an area of research that I began to look at in my honours thesis at UQ," she said.
"Eventually I hope to enter the field of foreign policy and international relations and am particularly interested in issues pertaining to human rights, environmental protection and international dispute resolution."
Last month UQ medical student Chris Layton won the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship while the other Australia at Large Rhodes Scholarship was yesterday awarded to Fraser Thompson from Victoria.
Media contact: For further information, contact Brad Turner at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2659, email: b.turner@mailbox.uq.edu.au)
