Our speaker this week was Ethan Newnham whom we helped sponsor to Oxford University to study for his Master’s Degree in Neuroscience.
Ethan previously spoke to the club last year, just prior to leaving for the UK, when he explained some of the basic science involved in neuroscience and the sorts of experimental work he had done at Melbourne University, which he expected to continue.
His opening remark set the tone for his presentation – “I’ve just had the best year of my life!!” He then proceeded to present many photos and videos of his year’s activities, successfully avoiding mention of its technical and scientific content.
The Oxford academic year runs from October to June of the following year. It has 3 semesters – Michaelmas, Hillary and Trinity. Since June this year he has been finalizing the presentation of his research thesis and enjoying his break.
Ethan is an ambitious scholar, (like most scientists) and says that throughout the year his constant focus was to complete the Master’s course with distinction, in order to qualify to study for a PhD, or in UK/Oxford terms, his DPhil in Neuroscience. This single focus determined the academic aspects of his work. However, there were plenty of other activities and experiences that led to a balanced life, which he told us about. These included:
His Arrival at Oxford, and entry to Brasenose College. This was an answer to his prayers! The old college buildings are beautiful and accordingly were used for significant parts of the “Harry Potter” series of films and for “Downton Abbey.”
Trampolining – Several years ago Ethan was a diving champion. Practice for this sport involved trampolining to help train body control. At Oxford he found that Trampolining was a competitive sport amongst the English universities, so he took it up. This resulted in his winning the intervarsity competition and receiving an “Oxford Blue” in that sport!
Pooh Sticks – Ethan’s social group entered this competition, which arises from the “Winnie the Pooh” books where the game is described. Teams collect and throw sticks into a river and are “raced” as they float downstream. The team with the most winning sticks gets the prize!
DPhil Scholarship – As mentioned, as the year progressed, Ethan’s main concern was to achieve an agreement for a scholarship to obtain his DPhil next year. After reviewing the opportunities available from several universities that might offer a suitable course, he approached Oxford which said they could offer a scholarship, but it would extend only to board and lodging, plus university fees, with no personal cash benefit. Subsequently he visited Cambridge University, inspected the faculty and discussed its course. There, he was offered a full scholarship including cash. Although pleased with this offer, he really wanted to continue at Oxford. So he approached Oxford and told them he would be leaving for Cambridge if they couldn’t match Cambridge’s offer! They did with some improvements! – so he has accepted that offer.
Best Fresher – A “Fresher” is a first-year student. With success in the social area, trampolining, his studies and thesis, Ethan was announced “Fresher of the Year.” Congratulations!
Rotary Contacts – Ethan expressed how grateful he is for the care and attention his Host Club, (RC of Haddenham & District), provided him. He had frequent visits to member’s homes for dinner, weekend meals, and outings. These were very helpful and valuable to him, for which he is most thankful.
Friendship – Not unexpectedly, Ethan says he has made a number of good friends within his academic circle, the Host Rotarians and others. Also not unexpectedly, a young American Law student has become a “special” friend (!). She is now back holidaying at home in California, but as Ethan’s supervisor has agreed to send Ethan to the World Conference of Neuroscience, in California, before commencement of the new academic year, he will have the chance to catch up with her before they go on to Oxford.
Finally, it is very gratifying to have provided a Rotary Scholarship to Ethan. He is an excellent ambassador for Rotary and its scholarship programs.
For interest, donors contributing to his Global Grant Scholarship were:
DDF (District Designated Funds) – 2023-24 Districts D9790, D9810 & D9820,
Club Contributors – RCs of Forest Hill, Moorabbin, Oakleigh-Clayton-Huntingdale, Manningham City, and
The Rotary Foundation
