Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership Retreat in Selside, as part of the University of Leeds Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme.
Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the retreat was a challenging yet rewarding experience. From caving - where, after going the wrong way, we had to calmly retrace our route by crawling back through tight, muddy passages - to building structures in unfamiliar teams, each activity was rooted in experiential learning - designed to stretch our leadership capacities and test our resilience in real time.
I was consistently encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, learning to confront discomfort and uncertainty with reflection and intention. These experiences prompted deep thinking about how I respond under pressure, how I collaborate with others, and what kind of leader I aspire to be.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation, the Leeds team, and my fellow scholars for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring space. I return to my research with a stronger sense of self, renewed focus, and genuine excitement for the challenges ahead.
Hi, I’m Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, I’m researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust — a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics.
Outside of academia, I’m passionate about women’s rights, youth leadership, and community impact. I’ve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. I’m also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights.
I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do.
Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure — I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface.
I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share those goals.
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