Anqi Qu, a fourth-year student at the University of Chicago, has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Oxford next fall.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Qu is the 54th student at the University of Chicago to receive the honor — and the first of 2018. She is one of 11 Rhodes Scholars named this year for the Southern African constituency, which includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini.

“The Rhodes Scholarship is more than an achievement; it’s a responsibility and a commitment to contribute to a better world,” said Qu, who is majoring in economics with a minor in data science and statistics at UChicago. “I see it as both a privilege and a promise – a promise to use this opportunity to drive positive change and work to create a future where opportunity and equality are within everyone’s reach. This is a responsibility I accept wholeheartedly and I am excited to give it the effort it deserves.”

At Oxford, she plans to study innovative methods of applying artificial intelligence to economic research and policy, setting standards to prevent abuse. Qu said she is driven by her vision of a world where every person, regardless of birth luck, has a real opportunity to thrive.

“We are at a pivotal point in history where AI can democratize knowledge and drive unprecedented progress, but it can also drive inequality and entrench disadvantage,” Qu wrote in his Rhodes application. “As we work on this frontier, it is essential that we critically consider the social structures we are establishing for future generations. I see the development of fair AI as one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, and I am committed to ensuring that the result is a fairer society.”

“Anqi’s commitment to harnessing the power of machine learning to advance solutions to some of the most difficult challenges of our modern world is inspiring and exemplifies so many of the unique qualities that distinguish UChicago students,” said Melina Hale, the Dean of the College. . “We are so proud to have her recognized with this incredible honor.”

A “rigorous and enlightening” student experience.

Qu describes her academic journey at UChicago as both “rigorous and enlightening,” giving her the confidence to pursue graduate studies.

“Anqi is an exceptionally driven and determined student with a strong intellectual foundation in economics, statistics and computer science,” said Kotaro Yoshida, UChicago senior associate professor of instruction in the Department of Economics and the Kenneth C. Griffin College. “Her academic excellence, leadership and community-building efforts make her an outstanding candidate for the Rhodes Scholarship.”

Beyond the classroom, she sees her involvement in debate as a way to engage with diverse perspectives, helping to understand and connect with the experiences of others.

“What really set my UChicago experience apart is the approachability and warmth of my professors,” Qu said. “Their willingness to engage with students sparked my intellectual curiosity and deepened my passion for both the courses and research. I am grateful for teachers who invest time in guiding and inspiring students, helping shape the minds of the next generation.”

Qu expressed her gratitude to these professors, her family and friends, and the staff in the College’s Center for Research and Scholarship (CCRF) for their support and help in preparing for her Rhodes interview. Qu worked closely with the scholarship team at CCRFwhich guides candidates through rigorous application and interview preparation processes for nationally competitive awards such as the Rhodes Scholarship.