 |
 |
Aug. 30, 2010
USC senior cross country runner Zara Lukens is applying for four different postgraduate scholarships abroad to pursue her interest in water policy and management issues. Lukens, the co-captain on USC's cross country team, is in the process of applying for the Rhodes scholarship for study at Oxford University, the Marshall scholarship for study at a university in the United Kingdom, the Mitchell scholarship for study in Ireland and the Fulbright scholarship to do research in Uruguay.
Lukens maintains a 3.94 GPA at USC where she is majoring in International Relations and Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish.
For the Rhodes scholarship, she is applying to complete the MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management.
"I am very interested in water policy and management issues," said Lukens. "My main area of interest is the human rights implications of water policy; whether to define water as a human right or an economic good is a heated topic of international discussion right now. The outcome will affect millions of people who lack access to water and may have even less if it is distributed only to those who can afford to pay the price."
Oxford's MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management is an interdisciplinary program that explores a range of water issues from water science and technology to international water law and the socio-political nature of water. The aim of the program is to prepare students to become leaders in water policy.
"I have currently focused only on the international relations/law aspect of water politics and this program would give me the knowledge base and the tools to affect real change in the realm of water policy," added Lukens. "This program fits into my larger goal of practicing public service law, especially since my main interests are human rights, international and environmental law."
Her Fulbright research proposal also focuses on water issues. She says she wants to study the unique water system in Uruguay, a country that has a constitutional referendum banning water privatization.
|
|
 |
The Marshall scholarship is awarded to distinguished American students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences while studying at Britain's centers of academic excellence.
The Mitchell scholarship is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.
