Hello! I'm Fraser, a first-year biochemistry student at the University of Leeds. My main passion is biochemistry, but my interests extend across science and philosophy. I am ever-curious and love to learn and debate with my friends. The research project I will be embarking on this summer is titled: "Reimagining Electrophysiology Teaching for Neuroscience Undergraduates through a Design-Thinking Approach." I chose this project because I understand the importance of proper education in understanding and advancing science. The ineffectual education of complex scientific themes, like the brain, leads to misconceptions among the scientific community and the wider public. This can inhibit the advancements of science and impair related practices, such as the care of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I love playing sports. My favourites include rugby, football and tennis, but I am always eager to try something new. I also enjoy listening to music, doing resistance training at the gym, playing my bass guitar, and being in nature. Feel free to drop me a message or email me at zrwh2552@leeds.ac.uk to discuss research, university, or just to say hi. :)

Hi! I'm passionate about using the elegant and sometimes insane theories in physics and using them to contribute to healthcare. Currently I'm looking at a career treating cancer by using targeted ionizing radiation to skilfully shrink tumours. I'm fascinated at how physics can be used to harness the beautiful complexity of nature to transform lives. I sincerely hope I have a long career of contributing to this effort in any way I can, from being a clinical scientist to conducting own my research to helping other researchers receive patents for their work. The title of my Laidlaw research project is 'Evaluating Current Methods for Enhancing Clinical Computer Tomography Imaging Using Contrast Agents'. This beautifully ties my expertise with improving patient outcomes and innovation within healthcare. Another aspect of my journey so far has been navigating pursuing higher education in physics as a Muslim woman. Although challenging at times, I've learnt of ways to overcome my fear of failure and imposter syndrome, and I would love to help others to do the same. Whether I create a small group or kickstart a network, I'm not too sure, but if you've ever been in the same position please reach out! Who knows where it could lead us and who else we could help :) As for my hobbies and interests, that list is extensive and everchanging, but my current fixation is gardening. Nothing can quite describe the joy you feel after seeing a tiny dot you nurtured for 3 months turn into prolific blooms. If anyone would like to collaborate or just say hi then please do! 

Hello!  I am Lottie Knee, a Philosophy and Politics undergraduate student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.  Building on my background in normative ethics, international development, and foreign policy, this summer I investigated Academic Freedom and Censorship in Biodiversity Conservation. My research explores how political pressures, freedom of speech, and censorship influence conservation work, engaging with real incidents where knowledge and debate have been constrained. This project challenges me to enter a new area of study while strengthening the critical and ethical frameworks developed in my degree.  Outside of academia, I love to travel. I took a gap year before attending university where I solo travelled Australia, Indonesia and The Philippines. This was a fantastic opportunity for adventure, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.  I am always open to connect with others within the Laidlaw community! 

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.

Hi! I’m Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort, currently completing a year abroad at the University of Montreal.   My research project topic this summer was titled ‘Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region’. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which allowed me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility of poetry in Leeds. I’m originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15 and then to the UK at 19, so I’ve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. Currently on a year abroad in Canada, I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories. Outside of uni, you’ll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next trip—I’ve been to 34 countries so far and don’t plan on slowing down!

Hello, my name is Yara Alhajji. I’m a 3rd year dental student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in public health, paediatric dentistry, and community outreach. As someone with lived experience as a Syrian refugee, I’m deeply passionate about equity in healthcare access and using my platform to give back to underrepresented communities. Over the past few years, I’ve actively participated in several outreach programmes including OpenWide, Raised in Yorkshire, and Reach for Expense, all aimed at improving dental awareness and education across diverse populations. I’ve proudly been part of OpenWide for three consecutive years initially as the Primary School Representative, then as President, and currently serving as the Outreach Representative. The society works to bridge the gap between dental professionals and the wider community, delivering workshops for people of all ages. Through the society I’ve initiated a collaboration with Raised in Yorkshire, a long term outreach and research initiative exploring public understanding of dental health and shaping how we engage communities more meaningfully. Outside of dentistry, I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and challenging myself through physical activities. My background and personal journey continue to fuel my drive to advocate for inclusive healthcare and make a positive impact through both clinical practice and community-led research. Feel free to reach out to me on here or through my email dn23ya@leeds.ac.uk or through my Instagram account! 

I am a 2nd year student at the University of Leeds studying Politics and Parliamentary Studies and have just completed my first summer research project looking into what the new Labour government can learn from other centre-left governments in its fight against climate change, a key global issue of our time combining two of my biggest passions!

I'm Phoebe and I’m a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar. I am a first year student of French and Italian at the University of Leeds. This summer I will be working on the research project 'Mapping Colonial Subjects in the French Resistance' supervised by Professor Nina Wardleworth.

Hi, I'm Megan and I study BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Leeds within the School of Biomedical Sciences. In my degree programme studies, I have a keen interest in biomechanics, as well as physiology and motor control. My research project title is "Investigating the perspectives of staff, students and industry partners on a novel method of teaching undergraduate students transferable skills".  Outside of my studies, I play rugby for the Leeds University Union Women's Rugby Union Football Club, where I am the kit secretary for the 24/25 season and a player on the 1st XV.

Welcome!! You can call me either Cothney or Theresa. Currently, back at University of Leeds for my 4th year! Came back from my experience abroad as a student at the 'Université de Lille' in France. I am navigating the intriguing nuances of researching in England, France, Italy and Zambia. During my first summer research experience, I have been concentrating on 'Mapping colonial subjects from the French Resistance' with a crosscultural experience between France and the UK..  For my LIA, I have partnered with a school venture to teach in Lusaka, Zambia...ask me more if you would like to.