Thomas Brennan
Diocesan College, 2004
DPhil in Engineering Science
(Neural Networks Research Group)
Keble College
Currently studying at Oxford
I was born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa. I had a diverse school experience, finally matriculating from Diocesan College, Rondebosch. After lengthy deliberation I decided to follow Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cape Town.
At UCT I got thoroughly involved in student life. I spent four years at Smuts Hall Residence and represented the university for tennis and wine tasting, two of my favourite passtimes. I also enjoy surfing, hiking, sailing and rock climbing – all of which Cape Town has in abundance.
Being awarded the Rhodes Scholarship was the fulfilment of a long term dream. I decided to pursue a DPhil in Engineering Science and join the Neural Network Research Group under Prof Lionel Tarrassenko. And I also found a great home in Keble College.
It has been an interesting and challenging transition from a taught course to full-time research, where self discipline and time management rule supreme. It has allowed me to fulfil my other passions and experience the broader student life at Oxford; the number and extent of the experiences available are simply overwhelming.
To me Oxford is about self-development through learning, new experiences and conversations with different minds. Keble College is a large, international college with a diverse spectrum of students. I have enjoyed getting involved in both the college as well as the Rhodes communities.