Rucha Benare (she/her)

Biomedical engineering research student, Trinity College Dublin

I am interested in the fields of mechanobiology, biohybrid prosthetics, biophysics, Jungian psychology, and philosophy. Recently in association with Laidlaw; In Cornell University (N.Y, U.S.A.) I worked on curating an art book on biomechanics for charity to raise awareness in this field of science. And in Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), we worked on developing a microphysiological model of the osteocytic network in the bone that can be used to better understand the (patho)physiology of bone using Direct Laser Writing technology using MLO-Y4 cell culture.  On the side; In ETH Zürich (Switzerland), I was working on understanding bio-hybrid muscle actuators using C2C12 cell culture by amassing literature review, designing biobot unit, and conducting biocompatibility tests along with growing and differentiating muscle cells for further electrical stimulation. At DogPatch Labs's Patch (Dublin, Ireland) I was experimenting with creating a start-up company to help amputees get affordable prosthetics.  On the (other) side; I like to dance, write, and read anything I get my hands on; be it music, poetry, or even shampoo bottles. Please feel free to contact me here or on LinkedIn for any discussions regarding the aforementioned topics!
Kyle Ginsberg

Student, Trinity College Dublin

I am a fourth year Sociology and English Literature student at Trinity College Dublin. My research involves the digital LGBTQ+ community during the initial COVID-19 quarantine and mental health resources. I also have a charity zine series called 'Sick and Tired' that focus on the queer experience during COVID-19.
Claudia Friel

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! My name is Claudia, and I’m an undergraduate philosophy student at TCD. My Laidlaw research project regards the public’s reaction to the Covid-19 related lockdown measures, with a view to providing some insight into the current socio-political zeitgeist. I’ll be doing this with the help of the work of political theorist & philosopher Hannah Arendt.
Joe Linogao

Software Engineer, LegitFit

Hello! My name is Joe Linogao (he/him), and I am currently a Software Engineer at Akara Robotics and Engineering with Management graduate from Trinity College Dublin. I became a Laidlaw Scholar for TCD on April 2021 with my research proposal, "Automated Procedure for the Microbial Analysis of Contact Plates." I'll be honest, I just copied and pasted my LSAB bio because I'm lazy to switch the paragraph to first person lol "Joe is an Engineering with Management graduate from Trinity College Dublin, a Software Engineer at LegitFit and an active board member for the LSAB. His journey from mechanical engineering to full-stack software development highlights his adaptability and passion for technology, with his key interests being the startup and Software-as-a-Service space. Joe's love for creating simple solutions and fun experiences, video games and music drives his innovative approach. His past experiences include research with the Laidlaw Foundation and working as a computer vision engineer at the leading robotics startup from Trinity, Akara Robotics. An ambitious and fast learner, Joe also enjoys Dungeons and Dragons and has a strong presence in content creation, including music and digital media."
Daniel Faas

Professor in Sociology, Trinity College Dublin

Michael Officer

Programme Manager, Cuan Beo Environmental CLG

Hello, my name is Michael. I'm the programme manager of an environmental NGO in the West of Ireland called Cuan Beo. My Laidlaw research investigated factors contributing to the transmission of avian influenza to farmed poultry. And I completed my Leadership in Action project with Think Pacific on the Environment & Sustainability programme in Rarabasaga, Fiji. I'm delighted to remain a part of the Laidlaw community and am as excited as ever to get to know many of you! My current research interests are in marine restoration, and community and political engagement.
Isabella Stein

Pharmacy Student, Trinity College

Hi, I'm Isabella Stein and I am a pharmacy student at Trinity College. I am so excited to be part of the Laidlaw Scholars Network and am really looking forward to connecting with other members! Some of my current interests lie in pharmacy, drug development and the "greening" of the pharmaceutical industry. My research focuses on the development more effective, more efficient and more sustainable medicines through ionic liquid formulation approaches.
Sinead Cummins

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! My name is Sinead, I'm a third year medical student at Trinity College Dublin. My research investigates the innate and adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. I am passionate about all things healthcare-related, in particular immunology and infectious disease! 
Shane Coleman Macken

Laidlaw Scholar @ Trinity College Dublin, School of English, Trinity College Dublin

I am a third year English Literature and History student in Trinity College Dublin. My research under the Laidlaw Programme focuses on Tony Kushner's 1991 play Angels in America, and its role in deconstructing the homogenous queer identity. During my first summer, I will carried out close textual analysis of the play, consulted criticism of Kushner's work, and applied leading queer literary theorists' work to Angels in America. In Summer 2021, I will be working with the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival to produce an anthology of plays by Irish based queer playwrights as well as online productions during Dublin Pride. (he/him)
Lile Donohue

Laidlaw Scholar, Trinity College Dublin

I am in my final year studying PPES (Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology) specialising in Politics and Sociology.
Ellen McGrady Hogan

Student , Trinity College Dublin

I am a final year student, studying Molecular Medicine in Trinity College Dublin.
Jack Doherty

Student, Trinity College Dublin

My project concerns applications of abstract algebra to musical analysis, particularly musical set theory, and transformational theory. I am particularly interested in how these apply to post-tonal music.
Sinéad McAteer

Student Midwife , Trinity College Dublin

I am a 3rd year Midwifery student at Trinity College Dublin. For my research project, I am investigating women's views on the need for birth reflection clinics/services for women who have experienced a traumatic event during childbirth within the Irish maternity services.
Anurag Nasa

Medical Student, Trinity College Dublin

Project title: An investigation of the efferent pathways of the amygdala in Major Depressive Disorder using high resolution, multimodal MRI
Jin Zhe Ang

Medical Student, Trinity College Dublin

Joel McKeever

Equality Officer (Laidlaw Programme Coordinator 2018-2024), Trinity College Dublin

Joel was the Laidlaw Programme Coordinator for Trinity (2018 - 2024). In this role he managed leadership development activities, student coaching, programme design, and the day-to-day support of the Laidlaw Scholars. He is currently the Equality Officer for Trinity, and works to promote equity, belonging, and non-discrimination for Trinity staff, students, and the wider Trinity community, in all areas of university life and with particular regard to the protected grounds in equality legislation. He has previously worked in a range of higher education development roles including student services and global engagement. In 2026 he is a supervisor for a Laidlaw Scholar research project entitled 'A Class Education: How does Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic status in 2026?'. He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBTIQ+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence and creating social good by championing an accessible, diverse higher education environment. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, and further qualifications in Learning, Development and Coaching (CIPD), EDI Policy and People; Teaching, Learning and Assessment for Academic Practice (TCD), and as a Certified Student Affairs Educator (HECSAC).
Capone

Administrative Coordinator, Tufts University

Research and Academic Administration
Lewys Jones

Ussher Assistant Professor in Ultramicroscopy, Trinity College Dublin

Camilla Persello

Student, Trinity College Dublin