Conversations with his teachers helped set Heath Dimsey on the path to becoming an applied mathematician and the 2026 Tasmanian Rhodes Schoar.
As part of the scholarship, Heath is heading to Oxford University in the UK to study mathematical biology and mathematical ecology. This is the mathematics behind how people do conservation work. His aim is to help prevent certain species from extinction.
Heath attended Lauderdale Primary School, Clarence High School, and Rosny College and has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Tasmania. He was inspired by his parents and teachers to pursue mathematics and hasn鈥檛 looked back.
鈥淚t was thanks to the guidance of my teachers and parents that I discovered how much I really loved maths and science.
鈥淢y mum made maths feel like a fun game, and my dad, who鈥檚 an electrician, showed me how important maths is in real life.
鈥淐onversations with teachers encouraged me to think about maths as a career, and that changed everything for me. If I hadn鈥檛 been at college that day, I might never have found the path I鈥檓 on now.
Heath is an , sharing his story to help promote the importance of regular school attendance. Being at school provides students with the best opportunity to grow and thrive.
鈥淓ducation lays the foundations for success. Anything is possible 鈥� you just have to be there to make the most of the moments,鈥� Heath said.
Visit for tips and resources to support school attendance.