Weetwood (Again!)

Jun 30, 2026

Student, University of Leeds

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I’ve just completed my second Weetwood Laidlaw Residential, and it was such a valuable experience.

Coming back for a second time gave me a real opportunity to reflect on how much has changed over the past year, both personally and professionally.

The residential challenged us to think deeply about leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, and how we can create meaningful impact in our work and communities. I particularly enjoyed reflecting on how leadership is not just about taking charge, but about empathy, adaptability, and continuous growth.

One of the best parts was reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new scholars, and learning from such an ambitious and inspiring group of people.

I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Laidlaw community and excited for what’s ahead.

#Laidlaw #LaidlawScholars #LeadershipDevelopment #Growth

Katie Ella McGowan (She/Her)

Student, University of Leeds

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.