Anqi Qu, a fourth-year College student at the University of Chicago, has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in economics at the University of Oxford next fall.
A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Qu is the 54th student from the University of Chicago to receive the honor—and the first since 2018. She is one of 11 Rhodes Scholars named this year for the Southern African constituency, which includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini.
“The Rhodes Scholarship is more than an achievement; it’s a responsibility and a commitment to contributing to a better world,” said Qu, who is majoring in economics with a specialization in data science and statistics at UChicago. “I see it as both a privilege and a promise—a promise to use this opportunity to drive positive change and to work towards creating a future where opportunity and equality are within reach for everyone. This is a responsibility I accept wholeheartedly, and I am excited to put in the effort it deserves.”
At Oxford, she plans to study innovative methods of applying AI to economic research and policy, establishing standards to prevent abuse. Qu said she is driven by her vision of a world in which each person, regardless of their luck of birth, has a genuine opportunity to thrive.
“We are at a pivotal point in history where AI can democratize knowledge and spur unprecedented progress, but it can also drive inequality and entrench disadvantages,” Qu wrote in her Rhodes application. “As we work on this frontier, it’s essential to consider critically the social structures we are establishing for future generations. I see the development of equitable AI as one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, and I’m committed to ensuring that the outcome is a more just society.”
"Anqi's commitment to harnessing the power of machine learning to advance solutions to some of the most intractable challenges of our modern world is inspiring and exemplifies so many of the unique qualities that distinguish students here at UChicago," said Melina Hale, dean of the College. “We are so proud to have her recognized with this incredible honor.”
A ‘rigorous and enlightening’ student experience
Qu describes her academic journey at UChicago as both “rigorous and enlightening,” giving her the confidence to pursue graduate study.
“Anqi is an exceptionally driven and determined student with a strong intellectual foundation in economics, statistics and computer science,” said Kotaro Yoshida, a UChicago associate senior instructional professor in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and the College. “Her academic excellence, leadership and community-building efforts make her an outstanding candidate for the Rhodes Scholarship.”
Beyond the classroom, she credits her involvement in debate as a way to engage with diverse perspectives, helping understand and connect with the experiences of others.
“What has truly set my UChicago experience apart is the accessibility and warmth of my professors,” said Qu. “Their willingness to engage with students has sparked my intellectual curiosity and deepened my passion for both coursework and research. I am grateful to the professors who invest time in mentoring and inspiring students, helping shape the minds of the next generation.”
Qu expressed her gratitude to these professors, her family and friends, as well as staff in the College Center for Research and Fellowships (CCRF) for their support and help preparing for her Rhodes interview. Qu worked closely with the fellowships team at CCRF, which guides candidates through rigorous application processes and interview preparation for nationally competitive awards like the Rhodes Scholarship.
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
