Two UVic Students Named 2004 Rhodes Scholars

Two UVic students have been awarded 2004 Rhodes Scholarships. Jorga Zabojova, 21, is this year’s Rhodes Scholar for British Columbia and UVic graduate student JanaLee Cherneski, 24, is one of three 2004 Rhodes Scholars from the Prairie region. The scholarships, which cover all travel and study expenses at Oxford University for two years, are valued at well over $100,000.

“UVic is extremely proud of these young women who embody all the qualities sought in a Rhodes scholar,” says UVic President Dr. David Turpin. “This is the fourth consecutive year that UVic students have earned a Rhodes Scholarship. That’s a remarkable achievement that reflects the outstanding students of the University of Victoria.”

Zabojova is currently an honours student in biology, with a minor in psychology, who plans to pursue graduate studies in neuromuscular and neurological diseases at Oxford. A rower and gymnast, who coaches both sports, she has received numerous academic awards. One of her references states that her work is “intellectually mature, articulate, very well researched and original.” Zabojova also was a regular volunteer at a Victoria group home for people with developmental disabilities.

“She is an extremely bright student who is mature beyond her years,” says biologist Dr. Robert Burke, who supervises Zabojova in his lab. “This couldn’t have happened to a better student. This scholarship will be life-changing for her.”

Zabojova is currently investigating the origin of a group of embryonic cells called neural crest cells which develop into most of the peripheral nervous system. Burke is so impressed by the quality of the data Zabojova is collecting that he’ll seek to have it published—an unusual step for undergraduate research.

Cherneski is a master’s student in English and contemporary social and political thought. She says she’s interested in pursuing the study of civil disobedience at Oxford.

“She is extremely creative and committed to the work she is doing,” says English professor Dr. Ed Berry. “JanaLee is not content with established ideas and points of view. She’s always pushing things to the next level. She’s a perfectionist who’s always improving her work and who displays a strong social and political commitment to everything she does.”

Only 11 Rhodes scholarships are awarded in Canada each year. Past Rhodes Scholars include Prime Minister John Turner, Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, U.S. President Bill Clinton and Joseph B. Clearihue, a member of the first class at Victoria College in 1903 and UVic’s first Chancellor. The Scholarship requires a high level of literacy and scholastic achievement, success in sports, strong qualities of leadership and character and evidence of public service.

-- 30 --