HPU Student Named Rhodes Scholar Finalist

HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 1, 2024 – High Point University student Robin Stempel, a senior from Bermuda who is majoring in biochemistry, was recently named a Rhodes Scholar finalist.

Rhodes Scholarships are highly prestigious, post-graduate scholarships that allow academically strong students to attend Oxford University for their degrees. They are considered the world’s oldest international fellowship awards.

Stempel said she was honored to be among a select group of students from across the U.S. who were chosen as Rhodes Scholar finalists. Rhodes Scholars are selected based on their academic achievements, high character, strong leadership potential and commitment to others and to the common good.

“The whole process was very enlightening, and it made me confident in the research experiences I’ve gained from High Point University,” said Stempel. “This experience has allowed me to make valuable connections that will allow me to be successful in my graduate studies as well as for my future career.”

Stempel plans to pursue a doctorate in biotechnology in the United Kingdom when she graduates from HPU in May 2024.

“Her selection as a finalist speaks to her academic preparedness to compete for the oldest international academic scholarships in the world,” said Dr. Heather Miller, associate professor of chemistry. “Robin is an extraordinary student in the Chemistry Department. I am so proud of her dedication to her coursework and her initiative in preparing for the Rhodes application and interview process. She has demonstrated to me that she has the critical thinking and laboratory skills to make her very competitive for top-ranked Ph.D. programs. I am excited to see where her hard work will bring her.”