Many of you will have met @Hannah Watton at the Global Scholars Conferences so this is a rather retrospective introduction and formal welcome. You will have already discovered that she embodies the character traits and change maker values that we espouse. She is curious and collaborative; accountable and ambitious, not for her self but for what we can achieve together. She shows determination and drive. In short, she is a wonderful addition to the team, ready to turn her hand and considerable intelligence to anything that needs to be done to support and develop our community of Scholars. We are absolutely thrilled that has joined us and thought you might like to learn a little bit more about her. 

Can you tell us a bit about your experience as a Laidlaw Scholar at UCL? What were your research and Leadership in Action projects about?  

My experience as a Laidlaw Scholar was one of the most transformative and rewarding parts of my time at UCL. My research focused on developing collaborative and innovative new methods of digital publication in academia, utilising edited manuscripts of the Nobel Prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore. For my Leadership in Action project, I travelled to Medellin, Colombia with @makesense to lead a project encouraging community building in disadvantaged areas. This experience deepened my passion for fostering communities, and I’m delighted to continue this work with the Laidlaw Foundation as a Community Ambassador! 

What drew you to the Laidlaw Scholars programme?

I first learned about the Laidlaw Scholars programme from an older student at UCL, who was so enthusiastic about his experience that I was convinced to look further. Initially, I was drawn to the research component, which I saw as an invaluable opportunity to engage in high-level research at a young age. However, I soon realised that the leadership aspect offered an equally exciting chance to challenge and push myself. My time in Colombia was transformative; it encouraged me to evaluate my skills and the potential impact I can have, which was truly eye-opening. 

What excites you most about joining our team as the Community and Team Support Executive? 

I’m most excited about the opportunity to work directly with such a vibrant and inspiring community of students as the Community and Team Support Executive. I’m passionate about fostering collaboration and look forward to contributing to Laidlaw’s extraordinary global network. I love seeing all the varied, high-calibre research produced by scholars and learning about their transformative journeys during the Leadership in Action component. I’m eager to join such a dynamic community and contribute towards its growth! 

Can you share your vision for how you hope to contribute to the Laidlaw community in your new role? 

I’ve gained so many invaluable insights from my peers across different universities, as well as Laidlaw alumni and mentors. I am delighted about the opportunity to maintain and grow such a supportive network. The mentorship I received at Laidlaw profoundly impacted my journey, and I’m keen to contribute to the Laidlaw community through increasing these opportunities. I also envision implementing more initiatives facilitating connection between scholars globally, such as workshops or networking opportunities. Ultimately, my goal is to listen to the needs of our scholars and foster a community where each individual feels valued and inspired. 

If you could instantly master any new skill, what would it be? 

I would choose the ability to quickly learn languages! Despite being bilingual, I’ve never been the fastest at picking up additional languages. This skill would have been incredibly useful during my LIA in Colombia, where I enjoyed the challenge of learning Spanish. 

What’s something surprising about you that people wouldn’t guess initially? 

You might be surprised to learn that I’m a proud Brummie, having spent the majority of my life in Birmingham. You’d never guess from my accent! 

What’s your favourite way to unwind and relax when you’re not working? 

As an English Literature graduate, my favourite way to relax is through reading. Whether it’s a physical book or an audiobook, I love getting lost in a good story.