Rice University senior Jae Kim ’25 has been awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, one of just 32 American recipients — and the sole representative from a Texas university — chosen to study at the University of Oxford in England next fall. Rice’s 13th Rhodes Scholar and first since 2015, Kim is pursuing a major in integrative biology with a minor in environmental studies and also serves as the Rice Student Association president. Passionate about addressing climate change, he has aspirations to influence policy to develop solutions that safeguard both the planet and human health.
This year, 16 independent committees across the U.S. selected the Rhodes Scholars in a highly competitive process. Nearly 3,000 students applied, with 865 endorsed by 243 colleges and universities. From these, 238 finalists were interviewed nationwide, with each district interviewing at least 14 candidates.
"I was both surprised and moved," Kim said. "This honor is incredibly humbling and affirms the hard work I’ve put in throughout my time at Rice. Receiving this scholarship is a significant step toward building a career where I can make a meaningful impact on a critical issue."
Starting in October 2025, Kim will spend two years at Oxford pursuing dual Master of Science degrees — one in environmental change and management and the other in evidence-based social intervention and policy evaluation. He ultimately plans to attend medical school, aspiring to become a physician advocate who shapes environmental policy.
"Climate change is the defining issue of our time as it threatens the future of life itself on Earth,” he said. “During my time at Rice, I realized I want to dedicate my career to advocating for the people, animals and ecosystems most impacted — advancing the health of our societies and the health of our planet hand in hand."
Kim, who was born in Korea and grew up in New York City, attributes his success in earning this prestigious scholarship to the opportunities he had at Rice. In 2023, he interned at the Harris County Office of Sustainability through the Leadership Rice Mentorship Experience program administered by the Center for Civic Leadership. Kim contributed to the county's climate justice plan, emissions reduction goals and urban heat mitigation strategies. This summer, with support from Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, he undertook a research internship at the Urban Institute, a leading Washington, D.C., think tank. There, he worked with the climate and communities team on climate resilience, green infrastructure and federal climate legislation.
Kim is the founder of Hermes Free Telehealth , a nonprofit that provides free telehealth services to victims of natural disasters. As a member of the Rice Conservation Club, Kim has volunteered extensively with the Mission: Wolf sanctuary and Memorial Hermann Hospice. He also plays the flute both orchestrally and individually.
“On behalf of the entire Rice University community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jae Kim on being named a Rhodes Scholar — an extraordinary achievement and a testament to his dedication, intellect and leadership,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. "Jae exemplifies the spirit of excellence and commitment to societal impact that we strive to nurture in all our students. His passion for addressing climate change and his vision for a healthier, more sustainable world inspire us all."
Established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarships are supported by the Second Century Founders, John McCall MacBain O.C., The Atlantic Philanthropies and other generous benefactors. Applicants are selected primarily for their academic excellence, which serves as a fundamental but initial criterion.
“A Rhodes Scholar should also have great ambition for social impact, and an uncommon ability to work with others to achieve one’s goals. They should be committed to make a strong difference for good in the world, be concerned for the welfare of others and be acutely conscious of inequities,” said Ramona Doyle, American secretary of the Rhodes Trust.
The Rhodes Scholars chosen from the U.S. will join an international group of scholars chosen from 25 other jurisdictions (more than 70 countries) around the world. The Rhodes Trust covers all college and university fees, provides a stipend for living expenses during term time and vacations, and includes transportation to and from England. The average scholarship is valued at approximately $75,000 per year.
Kim expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rice’s Center for Civic Leadership for guiding him through the application process. He also thanked his Brown College classmates for their unwavering support throughout his journey, including during his tenure as president of that residential college. As the current Student Association president, he presides over Senate meetings and collaborates with a variety of administrative offices and student leaders to improve the Rice experience.
"The leadership experiences I’ve gained at Rice really helped set me apart from other candidates," Kim said. "Rice taught me how to build community and collaborate with others to drive meaningful change. That foundation in leadership played a key role in my success with this scholarship."