A University of British Columbia student with a passion to improve healthcare for those who can least afford it is this year’s recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship for British Columbia.
The scholarship of nearly $150,000 will allow fourth-year student Aneil Jaswal to pursue dual masters degrees in global health science and global governance and diplomacy at Oxford University, starting October 2011.
Jaswal is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems’ Global Resource Systems (GRS) program, which offers interdisciplinary studies along with international placements and exchanges. He is focusing on global health issues in low-income countries, encompassing perspectives that include public health, economics, political science and history.
“We’re proud and delighted that one of our students has been named to this distinguished scholarship,” says Brian Sullivan, UBC Vice-President, Students. “Aneil is a stellar scholar and committed global citizen who exemplifies so much of what the UBC Place and Promise strategic plan aspires to.”
“I am very excited for what Oxford holds in store” says Jaswal, who had received a W. Garfield Weston Loran Award scholarship to study at UBC. “I’m interested in a holistic approach to health, so being able to attend another world-class institution and build on the breadth and diversity of my undergraduate education is more than I can ask for.”
Jaswal has conducted research on health systems with the World Health Organization in Geneva. As well, he worked with UBC researcher Richard Lester to investigate the use of cell phones in HIV treatment in Kenya. The findings show how simple messages of a text saying “how are you?” helped patients with the treatment process.
Jaswal is currently developing an online course for Health Sciences Online that explores the relationship between trade and health, addressing intellectual property rights, trade of health services and products as well as the socioeconomic impact of trade agreements.
As the national director of the youth-based advocacy campaign, Stand for the Dead, Jaswal has spent several years advocating for peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur.
Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Jaswal attended high school at Singapore’s United World College of South East Asia between 2005 and 2007. He has also spent time in Kenya and Switzerland and loves to travel whenever possible. Jaswal enjoys competitive basketball and running.
The Rhodes Scholarships, established in 1903, are designed to bring outstanding students from across the world to study at Oxford University, in the interests of promoting international understanding and public service. Each year, 11 Canadian students are selected from across the country to receive this honour.
The scholarships require a high level of literacy and scholastic achievement, success in sports, strong qualities of leadership and character, and evidence of public service. Past recipients include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Prime Minister John Turner, a UBC alumnus. Since 1916, 68 UBC students have been named Rhodes Scholars.