Kite surfing poet and science student from UWA named Rhodes Scholar

An agricultural science and English student from The University of Western Australia, who loves hockey, poetry and kite surfing, has been named this year’s Rhodes Scholar for WA.

Riley Faulds, 23, said he was stunned by the announcement which means he will be able to study at Oxford University next year.

“It’s surreal but exciting at the same time,” Riley said.

The Palmyra resident is currently undertaking Honours in Creative Writing at UWA and said he was passionate about raising awareness of the climate crisis through his writing.

“The climate crisis is terrifying but I’m also excited by the solutions,” he said.

He plans to study a Masters in World Literatures at Oxford followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in English.

Rhodes Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, as well as talents including creative or sporting abilities, traits such as courage and kindness and strength of character.

His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson, Governor of Western Australia, announced the Rhodes Scholar today at a ceremony at Government House.

“Rhodes Scholarships are for young leaders of outstanding intellect and character who go beyond what is required, to make a real difference to the people around them and the world they live in,” Governor Dawson said.

“All seven of the final candidates are outstanding young people who will go on to continue as exceptional young leaders in our community and further afield.

“This has been a very difficult selection process for all the right reasons, given the worthiness of each and every one of the finalists.”

Riley becomes the 108th UWA student to be chosen as a Rhodes Scholar. Others include Dr Marina Hughes (née Barbour), paediatric cardiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London; Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth, at 42 the youngest judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2004; and physician scientist Professor Fiona Pixley, head of Pharmacology and Toxicology at UWA.

UWA student and Rhodes Scholar finalist, Abbey Mardon, will be put forward for one of three Rhodes Scholar at Large places in Australia.