We are excited to share that Chi Chi Zhao (2023) has been selected as the 2027 Rhodes Scholar-Elect for South Australia.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Science, Chi Chi plans to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where she will continue her research into developing more equitable and responsible artificial intelligence for healthcare.
Chi Chi is the fifth Tuckwell Scholar, and third Tuckwell from South Australia to receive the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, joining an outstanding group of Tuckwell alumni:
Max Kirkby (2019) received the 2023 Australia-at-Large Scholarship,
Madeleine McGregor (2016) received the 2022 Rhodes Scholarship for Tasmania,
Lachlan Arthur (2015) received the 2021 Rhodes Scholarship for South Australia and
Marcus Dahl (2014) received the 2020 Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship.
She also joins the many Tuckwell Scholars who have continued their academic journeys at Oxford, where she will be in excellent company.
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious postgraduate awards. Nine scholarships are awarded annually across Australia to exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding intellect, leadership and commitment to service. The first Australian Rhodes Scholars took up residence at Oxford in 1904, and since then hundreds of remarkable Australians have been awarded the scholarship.
Chi Chi has made a significant contribution to both the ANU and Tuckwell communities and is known for her intellectual curiosity, generosity and leadership.
In 2025, Chi Chi achieved a research milestone when her first, first-author paper was published through the ACM Web Conference (WWW 2025). She subsequently presented her work at the TIME 2025 Workshop. The paper, AI in Healthcare for Resource-Limited Settings: An Exploration and Ethical Evaluation, examines the opportunities and ethical challenges associated with implementing artificial intelligence in healthcare contexts with limited resources.
Her research achievements extend outside ANU. In Semester 2, 2024, Chi Chi was one of only ten students selected across Oceania to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program at the University of Melbourne.
In 2023 in her first year as a Tuckwell Scholar, she was awarded the ANU College of Science IG Ross Prize, for her outstanding academic performance. In the same year, Chi Chi represented Australia as one of only three students selected to attend the International Summer Science Institute (ISSI) at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. She has also undertaken research with the Clear Vision Group at the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research.
Beyond academics, Chi Chi has made a contribution to the broader university community. She has worked as a content writer and sub-editor for Woroni, the ANU student newspaper, and was selected by her peers to represent her cohort at the 2024 Tuckwell Scholarship Bell Ringing Ceremony, which was also the tenth-year celebration milestone for the program.
Many members of the Tuckwell community also know Chi Chi as a familiar and engaging presence at key Program events. She has often played the role of MC, helping to host events including the Parents Lunch and Commencement Dinner.
Congratulations, Chi Chi. The entire Tuckwell community is incredibly proud to be part of your journey. Your warmth, leadership and quiet confidence have made you a valued presence within Scholars House, and we look forward to seeing all that you achieve at Oxford.
