I’m a proud care-experienced Neuroscientist. My research focuses on how serotonin and psychedelics shape neuroplasticity in brain regions greatly affected by early-life adversity. In my experiments, I measure how well brain cells can talk to each other during natural serotonin release and following the administration of classic psychedelics (e.g., magic mushrooms). Care-experienced young people represent one of the largest untapped STEM talent pools in the UK. They have all the potential required to succeed and yet, they are still eight times less likely to enrol in university and choose a STEM subject. Care-experienced young people don’t lack talent, they lack the opportunities to unlock it. In my early 20s, I migrated to the UK in search of a brighter future, when I still couldn't speak the language. During my time in care, I struggled at school and didn’t do well academically. But the Foundation Programme at Durham University gave me the chance to catch up and build the confidence I needed. Four years later, I graduated at Durham as the top student in my cohort - with an average mark of over 80%. Only when potential meets opportunity talent can thrive. Driven by this belief, I founded WISHFULICIOUS to give children in care and care-experienced young people the opportunity to see that STEM isn’t just for “someone else” - it’s for them too. To start-up this initiative, I’ve baked and sold cookies, run a small online fundraising campaign, and am now part of the The CareLeaders Fellowship where I’m working to lay the foundation for delivering our first STEM programme. If you share this mission or simply want to help open doors for care-experienced people, I’d love to connect and hear from you!

Associate Director, International Student Experience and Global Fluency at the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto. Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Program Development, Leadership, Crisis Management, Public Speaking, and Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) focused in Higher Education Administration from Boston University.

I am from Bangalore, India. I'm very passionate about trash and more importantly, how to manage it effectively! My random skills include composting, Sudoku, and interior design.

I am a Lester B Pearson Scholar entering my second year at the University of Toronto as a history and economics double major. My Laidlaw project surrounds "Housing First" programs in cities across the world, including cities in Canada, the United States, and Finland. Through this project, I hope to discover what factors are most essential for successfully housing chronically homeless persons. Beyond this project, I am involved in the University of Toronto Moot Team, I write for two student papers, and I have a passion for documentary filmmaking.

I'm a third year student in Political Science and English literature student at the University of Toronto. I'm interested in international development economics, political media, and journalism.

I carry a very keen interest in understanding both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in health and life sciences. Specifically, I am fascinated by the fields of human psychology and health sciences. My Laidlaw Scholars research project focuses on whether mindfulness meditation and relaxation response meditation display synergistic effects on decreasing stress perception, when combined into one practice. My motivation towards pursuing research in my areas of interest is partially fueled by my future aspiration to work in research, as a professor. I hope to continue building my research experience, while exploring a variety of psychology-related and health sciences-related research opportunities.

Hi! I'm currently a journalism and Environmental Chemistry student at the University of Toronto. I like to read, dance, and do yoga. I am also a MAJOR Foodie and cook all the time. My favorite classes this semester has been Intro to Journalism, Mandarin, and Stats! I also talk about social journalism and live-stream in my free time.

Hi!  My name is William, and I'm studying at the University of Toronto.  For my research, I'm looking into the security ramifications of climate change, and the role the U.S. military can play in galvanizing the American public into action.  I love playing tennis, running, and reading.

I am an aspiring physician-scientist at the University of Toronto. I am interested in using big data to solve some of the intractable problems I see in health care delivery in developing countries. I hope to combine my love for people, numbers, and scientific research to affect change in my native, Zimbabwe. As a researcher, I have conducted research for the University of Toronto's various administrative departments, Brandon University, and the Martin Pain Lab. I have also undertaken numerous independent research projects that were made possible through the generosity of the University of Toronto and the Laidlaw Foundation. Many of my research interests are multidisciplinary; economics, social science and STEM. While I have a keen interest in laboratory research, I am also interested in research that takes a person focused approach.

Hello! I'm Emma, a 2017 Undergraduate Leadership & Research Programme alumna and one of the Founding Co-Presidents of the Laidlaw Alumni Society. My 2017 Undergraduate Research project focused on UK legislation which requires certain organisations to publish an annual statement about the efforts they are making to stop modern slavery in their supply chains. In particular, I looked at whether this legislation was really making a difference in the fight against modern slavery in supply chains. At the time, I concluded that the legislation was largely ineffective - however, you'll be pleased to know that, just a few years later, topics such as modern slavery in supply chains have risen much further up the corporate agenda (for various reasons largely unrelated to the UK legislation). These days, I work as a lawyer. For the first few years of my career, I advised corporate clients on ESG disputes and regulation (including matters relating to modern slavery statements!). I am about to start a new, exciting chapter of my legal career, working to develop two nuclear projects which will help the UK to achieve net zero by 2050 and ensure that its energy supply is secure.