Hannah Tonkin is Uni's 97th Rhodes Scholar

Thursday, 21 October 2004

In the space of 10 months, University of Adelaide law student Hannah Tonkin, has gone from being an intern at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, to becoming the University's 97th Rhodes Scholar.

And Ms Tonkin, who will receive her law degree in December, will leave for Oxford University next year where she will read for a M. Phil in International Relations.

"This has yet to sink in. It's been an incredible year and could not have ended on a higher note. To win a Rhodes Scholarship is an amazing honour and I am overwhelmed," she said.

"Through postgraduate study at Oxford, I hope to equip myself with the knowledge, qualifications and life experience necessary to continue my pursuit for social justice in the international arena," she said.

In 2001, Ms Tonkin received a B.Sc (in Jurisprudence) and this year will graduate with a LLB (Hons). She has also completed a year of study for a Diploma in Languages (majoring in French).

While at The Hague, Ms Tonkin worked in the Office of the Prosecutor and among her functions, she assisted in the preparation of examinations in chief and cross examinations; assisted in the proofing of witnesses and the preparation of opening addresses and undertaking general research on comparative and international criminal law issues.

In this role, she worked with University of Adelaide law graduate Michelle Jarvis, who is in the Appeals Section of the Office of the Prosecutor and serving as an Appeals Counsel.

Ms Tonkin is a product of Blackwood High and graduated in 1998 with a perfect score in Year 12. She has served as a volunteer in numerous capacities and participates in most sports, particularly netball.

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