A STUDENT from Bendigo has won the prestigious Victorian Rhodes scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.
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Alexander Eastwood, 24, grew up in Eaglehawk and White Hills and went to Catholic College Bendigo, where he graduated as dux in 2008. He was Bendigo Young Citizen of the Year in 2010.
Mr Eastwood has recently completed a bachelor of science majoring in neuroscience at the University of Melbourne and spent a year at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health researching communication impairments in autism.
Mr Eastwood said he hadn't always had his sights on the Rhodes scholarship but that it was mentioned to him by his mentors at university.
"Only this year it really dawned on me that I'm eligible and maybe I should do it," he said.
"It's an honour to receive this prestigious scholarship and I hope my return on this investment is a lifelong contribution to the Australian community."
The Rhodes Trust will pay for Mr Eastwood to complete a four-year neuroscience program including a masters and PhD.
He plans to further his research in autism.
"I've had a couple of family members who have had autism so it's been very rewarding to be able to better understand it and be able to further science's understanding of it," he said.
He said his research had involved deciphering "mouse language" and that he found mice sang to each other in the ultrasound range.
"It's a secret language," he said.
Science was always an interest for Mr Eastwood as he was growing up in Bendigo, though he excelled in all areas.
"Both primary and secondary school teachers were extremely supportive and encouraging," he said.
"Growing up in Bendigo gave me a very different perspective on life before living in the city."
Mr Eastwood stayed in Bendigo after he completed year 12 to work at Catholic College as a staff trainee before starting his studies in Melbourne.
He will commence the scholarship in September next year.