Applications for the Rhodes Scholarship 2026 are open! Click here to learn more.

Applications for the Rhodes Scholarship 2026 are open! Click here to learn more.

Open

Calvin Runnels

Election Year: 2018

Election Constituency: United States of America

Scholar Status: Scholar Alum

Rhodes Identifier: Georgia & Balliol 2018

Calvin Runnels

Biography

Calvin Runnels, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a senior at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is pursuing a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Calvin's research investigates the primitive protein and RNA folding structures fossilized in the ribosome, which may provide insight into the origins of life. A passionate educator, Calvin is dedicated to "helping others find the joy and satisfaction in learning as I have." At Georgia Tech, Calvin has been recognized as among the highest rated Teaching Assistants for his work in undergraduate mathematics. An effective activist, Calvin has helped to organize a rally in solidarity with the immigrant community and has led efforts to increase the number of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. Calvin was also appointed by the President of Georgia Tech to co-chair the university's LGBTQIA Action Committee. Calvin is a transgender male. He follows Pema McLaughlin, the first self-acknowledged transgender American Rhodes Scholar (elected in 2016).