Hi! I'm Amanda, a third year Neuroscience student and Laidlaw alum from UCL. I'm Swedish-Persian and grew up in Sweden before moving to London for uni. These days, alongside my studies, I work for the Foundation as a Marketing Assistant.
For my first year research project, I worked on optimising alginate hydrogels for 3D astrocyte culture systems. In simpler terms, I was figuring out the best way to prepare a jelly-like scaffolds so that star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes could grow in three dimensions rather than flat on a dish. This matters because 3D environments mimic the brain more realistically, which could help researchers develop better treatments for neurological disorders!
For my Leadership-in-Action project, I co-created Beyond the Books, a resource designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds navigate the unwritten rules of university life, from internships and networking to professional opportunities that aren't always obvious if you're the first in your family to go to uni.
Always happy to connect, whether you want to chat about neuroscience, widening access, the Laidlaw experience, or just say hello! One of my favourite things about this community is getting to meet people from different universities and backgrounds, so please do reach out! š
Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over five years, working to strengthen our global Scholar community and amplify the impact of our programmes.
My work lives somewhere between design, education, and anthropology, usually with sticky notes involved. I studied Human Sciences as an undergrad and recently finished a Masterās in Anthropology, both at UCL.
I am your go-to person for questions regarding alumni engagement and the Laidlaw Scholars Advisory Board.
Born and raised in Kazakhstan š°šæ Outside of work? Probably in the ceramics studio or a yoga class. Big fan of nature and very small bugs.
Tyler Carriaga
Lester B. Pearson Scholar, Architecture and Public Policy, University of Toronto
Hello! I'm Tyler Carriaga, a recipient of a full-ride merit scholarship at the University of Toronto, where I'm pursuing a Masters in Geography. Drawing from my multidisciplinary and multicultural background as an American-born, Vietnam-raised Filipino, I approach questions of place, identity, and community with a global perspective. My Laidlaw projects include research on ethnic enclave development in Seattle and program development in an urban poor community in Metro Manila. As a writer, designer, and urban wanderer, I strive to continually evolve my personal and technical skills in the pursuit of co-creating healthier, more sustainable, and just communities.
Hello everyone! My name is Kira, and I am going into my second year of undergraduate studies double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Toronto. My research interests focus on climate politics and environmental ethics/governance, which complements my Laidlaw project on climate consciousness in undergraduate students. I enjoy spending time outdoors (when it's nice out) and participating in various extracurricular activities. I am very excited to be part of this 2024 cohort and look forward to seeing what we all accomplish!
Hello! My name is Alanna, I'm a Laidlaw Scholar Alumni (University of Toronto 2024 Cohort).
I graduated with a first class in my BSc (Hons) Psychology student from the University of Toronto and am an incoming DPhil (PhD) in Psychiatry Student.
I am a youth mental health advocate and the CEO and Founder of non-profit organization HOPE (Helping Our Planet Earth) and Board Member of registered charity Narrative 4.
My work at HOPE focuses on making mental health support accessible to youth internationally through mental health education, empathy and youth leadership empowerment. We are excitedly working on digital mental health tech - more on this soon!
I love connecting with others and hearing about what you're passionate about, so do reach out and chat anytime!
Hi there! Iām a third-year student at Trinity College, University of Toronto, studying International Relations and History. This summer, Iām researching how civil war and genocide shape political transitions, specifically, why some post-conflict societies move toward autocracy instead of democracy. I'm exploring contemporary and historical case studies to better understand these patterns and the role of international support. Always happy to connect, feel free to reach out!
The power of engineering to change the world using simple lines of code and circuit diagrams captivates me. Having invented Indiaās most economical 3D Printer, Iāve experienced firsthand its profound impact.
Namaste! Iām Vedant, born in Singapore and raised in the bustling city of Mumbai.
My journey started in 2020, when I needed a 3D printer for the rapid prototyping of projects but couldnāt afford one. Using recycled computer parts, a classmate and I managed to build one for under $100. Continuing my pursuit of frugal innovation, I developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser during the pandemic which I provided to local clinics and stores, despite supply chain shortages.
In a quest to spread the innovation culture, I began delivering technical guest lectures on āInnovating with Arduinoā at engineering colleges and high schools across India. I introduced them to my ā5-step prototyping mantraā, and used conversational psychology techniques to connect with students from diverse social backgrounds. From initially facing apprehension, to leaving the classrooms with thundering applause, the experience has been a rollercoaster. Forward to 2024, these lectures have become an awaited event at these colleges!
My work has been featured in 30+ newspapers, journals, and media including platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks with a combined global reach of 50M+.
Apart from engineering and tech, Iām an avid cyclist. My weekends usually consist of 100ā150 km of backcountry rides. In Mumbai, Iāve worked with the police and the Smart Commute Foundation to advocate for bike lanes, install parking stands, and conduct cyclothons which saw over 5000 participants.
Iām thrilled to join the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars ā and I canāt wait to connect, learn, and build alongside all of you! Warm Regards,
Vedant :) Instagram | LinkedIn
Hi! I'm at the University of Toronto pursuing a specialist in Human Geography with a focus in Planning and a minor in Spanish. More broadly, I'm an aspiring city builder devoted to learning about physical and social infrastructure, labour, the built environment, civic participation, and how these things can all come together.
Hi, I'm Natashia, it's nice to meet you! ą¬(ą©*ĖįµĖ)ą©* ą©ā”ā§āĖ
I'm an incoming third-year student at the University of Toronto double majoring in English and Psychology. As my majors might suggest, my passions lie in using literature as a means of moral and political education, and how literature might shape the development of children!
For my research summer, I'm investigating how Indonesian parents censor literature for their children. Through my research, I hope to discover the factors that go into such censorship, the psychological and developmental impacts of censorship, and how we can create a culturally-relevant recommendation for censorship of children's literature.
Outside of research and studying, I spend most of my time watching anime (current favorite is Frieren!), lifting weights, and reading cozy fantasy! ą«® ā¤ ā¤ ą¾ą½²į
If anyone wants to chat, collaborate, or ask any questions I may be able to answer, I would be more than happy to oblige! You can email me at natashia.septirymen@mail.utoronto.ca ā”
Hello! I'm Maia, an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, Victoria College. I'm majoring in Sociology with minors in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies.
My research brings together women-identified social media users into focus groups to investigate how young women understand social media's value, their consumption of it, and its impacts on them. Despite extensive literature on the negative impacts of social media, few studies have explored how women make sense of their scrolling, especially in their own words. In light of this, my research focuses on not only exploring how women experience their online time but also developing collaborative strategies for more positive engagement; it moves beyond documenting harm to support women in shaping more conscious digital practices.
Outside of research and academia, as of late I love to spend my free time crocheting, reading and writing, learning ASL, and developing my martial arts skills. If you'd like to know more about my research, collaborate, or just say hi, I'd love to connectāyou can reach me at maia.cassie@mail.utoronto.ca!
Shraddha Prasad
Associate Director, International Student Experience & Global Fluency, University of Toronto
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.
Hi, my name is Grace and I'm a second-year Sociology student. I was given the opportunity by the Laidlaw Foundation to conduct research on the student-led project: 'Thinking Inside the Box'.
In order to fully understand the project three other Laidlaw scholars (including myself) conducted interviews with the students, staff and stakeholders involved in the project.
My focus for the research project is on the pedagogic approach to 'Thinking Inside the Box' and how it allowed students to practice ownership and autonomy in designing their own authentic learning experiences and skills-development.
My LiA is with CraftHER by Swara and focuses on amplifying the voices of women artisans and avocating for change.
Hello :) My name is Ella, a second-year student at the University of Toronto!
My research looks at how Chinese slash fiction is used by women to reflect real-life struggles and promote feminist awareness. I focus on why this genreācentered on queer male relationshipsāis chosen to express female experiences, and how censorship and cultural factors in China influence that decision. In the past, I have researched how coming-of-age narratives are portrayed in Western slash fiction.
Outside of academia, I love to snowboard (in the winter) and ride my electric unicycle (in the summer). My favourite pastime is trying new foods and drinks while (sometimes) discussing how certain aspects of fanfiction reflect social justice issues.
My (more normal) hobbies include readingāanything except mysteriesāwith a focus on Asian North American stories, listening to pop and classical music, and playing badminton. I will be studying English and East Asian Studies over the next three years!
My name is Lianne and I am a rising fourth-year student at the University of Toronto! I am super passionate about public health and related advocacy initiatives, and hope to be a physician-policymaker. Outside of academics, I love playing music, reading, dancing, and traveling!
Hello hello, great to meet you! I like bugs, ctenophores, cephalopods, cetaceans, and environmental public health:) Also knitting when I have time!
Double major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Peace Conflict & Justice at the University of Toronto!
Hi! I'm Pranav, a third-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, originally from the New York City metropolitan areaādouble majoring in Economics, with a focus in Data Analytics, and Public Policy, while also pursuing a certificate in Business Fundamentals and minor in South Asian Studies.
My research interests are highly interdisciplinary, across socio-economic and tech policy, and the lawāwith a broad passion for global politics as well as focused interest in South Asian regional affairs and community-based impact.
I'm always happy to chat with others and love to learn from my peersāplease don't hesitate to reach out to me!