Engineering student, violinist and author named as Dalhousie’s 91st Rhodes Scholar

Dalhousie University’s Nayani Jensen has one more thing to add to her litany of accomplishments — she’s one of 95 students from around the world to have the prestigious opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

Already a published author, violinist and playwright, Jensen is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering.

She is currently working on a senior design project that will see her construct a man-powered vegetation shredder. It will be used in urban gardens to improve composting efficiency.

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“Engineers are doing a lot of really versatile things,” said Jensen in a press release. “I think people think of engineering as being very narrow, forcing you to do one thing. But that’s not really the case. You can definitely do a lot while you’re doing it — it never has to be just math, or just physics, or just art for that matter. I think when you’re in university, there’s the possibility of doing everything you want to do.”

This year, Jensen is one of only 11 students from across Canada to be named a Rhodes Scholar.

Rhodes Scholars are chosen based on academic success, integrity of character, passion for community and their field, and leadership ability with the award being valued in the range of $100,000.

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“Nayani is an exceptional student academically, but also exemplifies the best qualities of a professional engineer,” said Darrel Doman, Dalhousie’s department head of mechanical engineering.

“To have one of our students achieve such a rarefied award fills us with pride. We are certain Nayani will go to accomplish great things throughout her career.”

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Jensen says that she plans to study the English language and English literature at Oxford with the goal of developing her own writing.