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).
Jennifer Waters

Student, Laidlaw Scholars

I am a third-year TSM student in Trinity College Dublin for History and Philosophy. My research project aims to establish a multitiered argument against the use of Future Dangerousness in American criminal court, especially in capital cases. I outline the concept of Future Dangerousness, its uses, and how its fundamental inconsistencies facilitate miscarriages of justice than continue into today.
Beverly Genockey

Zoology Student, Trinity College Dublin

I am an alumni of the undergraduate research and leadership programme (2020). I've got a degree in Zoology from Trinity College, Dublin and I'm currently studying for a Master of Public Administration (Urban Policy) at UCL. My research project aimed to determine the most abundant plant species in Dublin City and analyse their functional traits to make inferences about these species' suitability for use as nature-based solutions, which is a newly proposed concept for simultaneously regreening cities through the use of nature to combat socio-environmental and climate-related problems. Currently I'm working alongside other Laidlaw Scholars to develop a community kindergarten and evacuation centre in Dreketi Settlement, Fiji. We're always looking for ways to collaborate with other scholars and groups on this project so if you're interested – let's chat!