Really lovely to be back at the 2026 Laidlaw Welcome Event and reflect on how much I’ve grown over the past year. The programme has pushed me outside my comfort zone, developed my research skills, and given me so many valuable experiences and friendships along the way.
It was also amazing to hear the incredible presentations from my cohort and the cohort above, and see the impact of everyone’s research and leadership projects.
A huge thank you to Matt and Beccy for organising such a great event and for all the support and hard work that makes the Laidlaw experience so special.
Good luck to the next cohort for your Summer of Research. Make the most of every opportunity, it will go quicker than you think!
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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