A Bond University law and arts alumnus, Kate Mitchell, has received a prestigious Sir John Monash Scholarship from Her Excellency, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce, AV CVO, at a ceremony in Sydney earlier this month.
The scholarship will enable Kate to study a Doctor of Philosophy in Law at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
She attended Bond University from 2005 to 2009 where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with the University Medal and a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours and the University Medal.
In 2012 she spent some time working at the Attorney-General’s Department as part of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Internship Scheme, where she worked developing legal structures for Pacific Island nations.
Kate is currently completing the MPhil in Law at Oxford, which will form the foundation for the DPhil with the support of the Sir John Monash Scholarship.
Her study will address how governments can balance the promotion of international investment and human rights protection.
The Sir John Monash Scholarships are country’s most prestigious post graduate scholarships and they are awarded to outstanding Australians graduating from Australian Universities to enable them to complete further studies abroad at the world’s best universities, appropriate to their field of study.
Over the last 10 years, 83 Sir John Monash Scholars have benefited from the Scholarships, and Kate says she feels honoured to be part of this growing network.
"It is a great privilege to be part of the community of Sir John Monash Scholars who share a commitment to using their studies and research expertise to make a positive contribution to Australia and its region," Kate said.
"I hope to use the opportunity to continue my studies at Oxford to explore international legal issues surrounding the role of government in balancing human rights promotion with international investment and trade."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Brailsford congratulated Kate on achieving the esteemed scholarship.
"We are very proud of Kate's academic accomplishments, her passion for knowledge and her commitment to furthering her education," he said.
"The Sir John Monash Scholarship will open up many doors for Kate, who has an extraordinary future ahead of her, and we wish her every success in her future endeavours. We are pleased that Bond has provided part of the foundation for her success."
On completion of the DPhil at Oxford, Kate intends to return to Australia and practice as a lawyer, with a focus on public and international law.