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UWA’s latest Rhodes Scholar will be studying laser physics at Oxford University in 2010. H owever, outside the laboratory, he’ll be aiming to help change young people’s lives.

Dustin Stuart says he’s had the best experiences of his life teaching children and teenagers and wants them to discover and share his passion for science.

After completing a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science Program ) in physics and chemistry, and undertaking Honours in physics, Dustin plans to study for his PhD in laser physics at Oxford University.

“My project will involve laser-cooling atoms to a fraction of a degree above absolute zero, and using them as a quantum computer,” Dustin says.

With high distinctions and a swag of academic prizes, the 21-year-old is aiming to be a university researcher, having already discovered that education has the power to change lives.

“That’s why I want to teach,” says Dustin. “I believe education truly has the power to change people’s lives for the better. In addition, fundamental research in physics has that potential too – to have a real effect on people’s lives.”

Teaching English in India as a volunteer, running a science holiday program for primary school children, and coaching teenagers competing in science Olympiads have all fuelled his passion for teaching.

“I hope one day to start a science extension program to give kids the opportunity to discover science in the same way that has been so life-changing for me,” he says.

While at high school at Wesley College, Dustin was selected to compete in the International Chemistry Olympiads competition involving some 60 countries and has returned each year to lecture at the Australian Chemistry Olympiads summer school in Melbourne.

He joins other prominent UWA graduate Rhodes Scholars such as former Premier Geoff Gallop, former Federal Attorneys-General Peter Durack and Daryl Williams, former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke and former Opposition Leader Kim Beazley.