Autism no Barrier for Physics Rhodes Scholar

Jamie Erak who started his university studies at just 14 years of age is Western Australia’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar, Curtin Uni’s second Rhodes Scholar in as many years.

The 18-year-old is now bound for Oxford University in 2026 and will join more than 100 scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies.

The physics honours student who works with Curtin’s Institute of Theoretical Physics is a strong advocate for students with autism in higher education.

Erak is living proof that the condition can be managed and sometimes leveraged into excellence given the right environment.

“During my time at school, I was often told that things weren't possible or that things wouldn't work out a certain way, but now I find myself being given a life-changing opportunity,” Erak said.

Erak was home-educated for a few years before he enrolled at Curtin and is now an advocate for autistic students in higher education.

“Autism is a different experience for each individual. In my case, I have very strong interests in certain subjects, but I also react strongly to sensory stimuli and struggle to express myself sometimes. If there are any autistic people who hear or read my story, I would say be proud of who you are,” Erak said.

The Rhodes Scholarships is one of the oldest, most competitive, and prestigious international fellowship awards in the world.

They recognise young people who combine academic excellence with exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges. Past recipients have included former world leaders such as Bob Hawke and Bill Clinton.

Each year, nine Rhodes Scholars from Australia are selected to study at Oxford, this includes a representative from each state and three ‘Australia at Large’ Scholars.

Erak said he was still absorbing the news but thrilled to be joining other Rhodes Scholars from around the world. He will head to Oxford in September next year.