Ali New

Student, Durham University
Peter Tarson

Student, University of Oxford

Hey ! I'm Arthur, a second year student at EPFL, currently studying physics. I love learning how things around me work, especially in physics and mathematics. I can't wait to meet lots of new people through the Laidlaw program ! I'm currently doing my internship at LASTRO, an astrophysics lab, and work on developping technologies (such as quantum computers and physics informed neural networks) to study the properties of dark matter. I love playing sports (running, hiking, tennis) and as a long time drummer, I also enjoy playing/listening to music. I am also open to any new experience, so feel free to reach out to me :)
Annie Squire

Student, University of Cambridge

Hello! My name is Annie, and I am a second year undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge, studying Geography.    My research project is titled ‘Scroll, Share, Speak: Examining Generational Engagement with Feminist Content on Social Media’. My project investigated the engagement patterns of self-identified women in the UK with feminist-related content on social media. The investigation examined how often different generations engage with digital feminist content, and the type of content and platforms they find most appealing. I explored how social media has influenced the way feminism is expressed and perceived, particularly in terms of its effectiveness in driving real-world change and shaping more inclusive forms of engagement.   In my spare time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, go on walks, and play netball.    If you’re interested in learning more about my research, or simply starting a conversation, I’d love to connect. 
Mila Bruce

Undergraduate student of Geography, University of Cambridge

Hi, I'm Mila. I'm an undergraduate geography student at the university of Cambridge. I'm mostly interested in physical geography particularly in hazard risk and the ways that multi-hazards intersect with vulnerability and the ways that this will be impacted by climate change in the future. My summer research project, is focused on the ways Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and in the UK experience and process the ongoing ecocide in Ukraine. 
Cassidy Plautz

BSc Natural Sciences, Durham University

I became a Laidlaw Scholar in 2025 during the first year of my BSc in Physics & Chemistry at @Durham University, with interest in researching interdisciplinary solutions to anthropogenic climate change and pollution. In my first summer, I developed biosourced polymers for use in laundry detergents, producing a compound with promising performance compared to industry standards. For my Leadership in Action project, I partnered with @Under the Wave Organisation to assist data monitoring at a sea cucumber farm and support sustainable livelihoods in Zanzibar.
Elisabeth Cooke

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student, Durham University

Hi! I'm Lizzie, a second-year Biological Sciences student at Durham University. Deeply passionate about advocating for and taking action to maintain environmental health and sustainability, I aim to contribute meaningfully to these efforts by expanding my understanding of such challenges and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a dedication to environmental conservation.   I have a particular interest in conservation strategies that focus on umbrella species, such as the macaw, where protecting one species can generate wider ecological benefits for entire ecosystems. This interest has been deepened through my current summer placement with the Macaw Recovery Network in Costa Rica, where I am contributing to species recovery and environmental education. My work includes practical conservation tasks at the breeding centre and reserve, supporting welfare and maintenance, developing resources for volunteers, and collaborating with staff and community members to strengthen outreach programs. Alongside this, I am documenting activities and recommendations to create a volunteer guide, ensuring future interns and volunteers can contribute effectively. These experiences are helping me explore how conservation initiatives can balance ecological impact with community engagement, while also testing and developing my leadership capacities and character. In my free time, I actively participate in environmental volunteer work and love to do anything creative, from painting to crocheting and reading. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly dog walking, and practising karate with my university club.
Pippa Lewin

Student, Durham University

Hello! I am a second year Sociology BA student at Durham University in Northern England. Located in London, I am an aspiring sociological researcher, with particular focus on education and curriculum studies. Outside of the wonderful world of Laidlaw, I am a Comment Editor on our University newspaper, Palatinate, a Course Representative in the SU, and full-time hobby artist. 
Arthur

Undergraduate Student, Durham University

I am a History student at Durham University, in my second year of the Laidlaw programme. My first year project research explored citizenship education in relation to social cohesion, and sporting provision supporting refugee and asylum seeker integration. Following the publication of my research report, I am now a member of the Academic Advisory Group to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Political and Media Literacy. I also now work within UK refugee sports provision trying to drive positive change in the sector, through starting my own initiative in Durham, and spotlighting and networking with projects nationwide, through an article series I edit for ConnectSport. This summer, I will be doing my LiA in St Lucia, producing a coaching framework working with  United Through Sport, to improve their delivery of sports teaching to local children from underprivileged backgrounds. 
Spencer Krenk

Student, Cornell University

I'm interested in learning everything about how the working class and common people of the world can work together to make their lives better. My main focus is developing skills to be an effective labor organizer and union leader.  I also have experience with policy research, legal advocacy, and statistics. 
Eve Townsley

Miss, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! I'm Eve and I'm studying Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures (with German and Turkish) at Trinity College Dublin. My research project focussed on the challenges facing Vergangenheitsbewältigung in modern Germany, including rising antisemitism, the 2015 migratory wave, subsequent refugee integration and developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict. I investigated how to tackle this issue in a way that appropriately condemns antisemitism and safeguards the wellbeing and integration of Germany's Muslim community. In addition, I considered wider questions surrounding migrant assimilation and national identity.  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, sea-swimming, hiking and reading. I also love to travel and am very interested in learning languages and connecting with people from across the world, so please feel free to reach out - I would love to chat about anything project (or otherwise) related!
Liam Jones

Student, Durham University

Hi! My name is Liam Jones and I am a Laidlaw Scholar from the 25/26 cohort. I am an undergraduate student reading Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University, St. Cuthbert's Society College. I study French, Arabic, and Persian too! I am interested in international affairs, peacekeeping, and linguistics.  During my first year, I completed a research project in French musicology throughout my 6-week research summer, which was thrilling and I managed to learn a lot about French linguistics, as well as the evolution of the French language, and music too - including competency using music software which I had never had the chance to do before. I am from Nairobi, Kenya, but I now live in Loughborough!
Claudia Chen Sun

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hii, I'm Claudia, a student at HKU.
Evie Kramer

2025 Laidlaw Scholar , Trinity College Dublin

Hi! My name is Evie, and I am a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar from Trinity College Dublin. I am originally from California, but have been living in Ireland full-time for 2 years pursuing a double major in History and Political Science.  For my research project, I’m exploring the emotional and psychological barriers that deter politically interested women from pursuing careers in public service in Ireland. By examining how male and female students respond emotionally to key aspects of political life—such as campaigning, election day, governance, and reelection—I hope to better understand gendered dynamics of political ambition and encourage more inclusive, emotionally aware framing of the political sphere.  I’m excited to connect with fellow scholars and members of the Laidlaw community! 
Mara Lewis

Student, Georgetown University

Hello! My name is Mara, and I'm a junior at Georgetown University studying Psychology with a minor in Education, Inquiry, and Justice. I'm passionate about understanding how support systems, community structures, and institutions shape outcomes, particularly for those involved in the criminal legal system. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, exploring vintage/thrift stores, and crafting! This summer, my research project examines cross-filed Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) filed in the District of Columbia. I hope my project will highlight the nuanced nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence (DV), while uncovering areas of the filing process that can be improved to increase access to justice in CPO hearings. Feel free to reach out and connect! Email: maralewis1017@gmail.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mara-lew
Nicole C. Oboko

Student, Laidlaw

Hey! I'm Nicole, an oncoming third-year law student at Durham. I have a wide legal and political interest, specifically land law and trusts! I was born in the States but spend most of my childhood in Schiedam, and I have a soft spot for languages and different cultures. 
Aayush S Mahajan

Student , Durham University

Alexia Kirwan-Jones

Student, Durham University

Hi! I'm Lexie, an undergraduate psychology student at Durham University. I'm an aspiring clinical psychologist, with a particular interest in eating disorders, body image, and neurodivergence.
Beth Cooley

Maths Student , Durham University

I am a Mathematics student at Durham University, and I am passionate about maths, music and the environment. My summer 1 research project was titled "Listening to mangroves: Using Autonomous Recording Units and Machine Learning tools to assess avian biodiversity in the mangroves of coastal Suriname", where I developed skills in Data Science, R (statistical programming language), and academic writing, and provided new information on the ecology of these critical ecosystems. I have graduated from the Arete fellowship in Effective Altruism, where I considered how my career can have the most positive impact on society (and concluded by using my maths skills in environmental research). Other current research interests include analysing the maths behind stochastic and serialist music, and ways to increase women's participation in maths higher education. I care strongly about equality and diversity, and am the first year representative on the EDI committee for maths at Durham. I am also a woodwind player (clarinet, saxophones, flute) and play music in a range of styles from orchestral to jazz to musical theatre. In my role as Treasurer of Durham Student Music, I support and advise the treasurers of our 40 groups, and facilitate collaborative projects and charity fundraising. I want to make sure that finances is never a barrier to participation in music, through central fundraising and running a series of grants for individuals and societies.
Laura Kraft

Mathematics and Computer Science Student, Durham University

Joaquin Escudero Legoas

Student, Durham University