Alex was the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme from September 2021 - May 2024.  Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation Alex spent over a decade at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he most recently managed the university’s Laidlaw Scholars Programme. In addition, Alex taught leadership courses and guest-lectured internationally on the subjects of strategy and leadership. A bilingual speaker, dual national and keen traveller, Alex has lived, visited and worked in several countries around the world. During this time, he has had a unique opportunity to encounter and explore different cultures and working environments, experiencing first-hand what good leadership can achieve. His passion for this topic is driven by these experiences and a desire to challenge people to unlock their full leadership potential. Alex holds an MBA from the Open University and a Master of Research in Management from the University of St Andrews. He has also obtained Associate Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy. In his spare time, Alex is an avid skier and volunteers with a local guide dog organisation.

Hi, I'm Simona, a fourth year student at the University of St Andrews reading Art History and Film Studies. My areas of expertise involve history of art, film and fashion, costume design, fashion communication, brand image and web content creation. I am interested in the relation between art and fashion, which is also the topic of my final research titled "Giuseppe De Nittis, Painter of Modern Elegance". I love films, music, Italian literature, yoga, and everything food!

I'm a third-year student at St Andrews studying English! My research is into spoken word poetry and its connection to politics, particularly in Edinburgh (it's a bit niche but I love it). I am also part of the feminist society and a public face of Nightline. I love to meet new people and bake what is objectively too much shortbread at odd hours.

I am a fifth-year studying Theoretical Physics at the University of St Andrews. My research is about quantum thermodynamics, more specifically on how a two-level quantum dot behaves in a dissipative environment with memory. I am also the President of the Physics Society, where we aim to foster a strong community and host academic and careers focused events that help the students learn and network. I can usually be found knitting a scarf or two whilst enjoying a good cup of tea.

Laidlaw Scholar Researching "How people use their time during journeys?". In summer 2018 I conducted ethnographies in London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam on trains and in Leeds on buses. Summer 2019 I have created a survey and done 2 focus groups. I visited the Royal Geographical Society Conference at Cardiff University in 2018 and will attend the same event in London this year, presenting my poster. In addition to my Laidlaw Scholarship, I have recently completed the Q-Step quantitative training placement at Leeds City Council. This project focused on "redefining the city's boundary". I am an incoming Equality and Inclusion project assistant at the University of Leeds. I have previously had nearly 3 years experience as a Maths Tutor, during my studies. I have been an open day ambassador for the School of Geography. I have also worked as a kitchen assistant.