Hello! I recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology Research from the University of Toronto. I’m passionate about youth mental health and how humour can be used to support resilience after adversity. My Summer 1 research project explored the relationship between childhood adversity, aggression, and self-regulation — deepening my understanding of the psychological impacts of early trauma. In Summer 2, I led a Leadership-in-Action project at SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Town, where I designed and facilitated a comedy-based mental health program for teens. That experience led me to found HaHaHelps — an organization that uses improv comedy to support youth mental health through accessible, community-led workshops. I'm currently piloting the full program in South Africa, with plans to expand to more communities globally. Please feel free to connect :) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/younessrobert-tahiri Email: youness@hahahelps.org

I am a Lester B Pearson Scholar going into my second year at University of Toronto and am planning to major in International Relations and Environmental Studies. My Laidlaw research centers on bison restoration efforts in the North American west, exploring the approaches various actors take to restoration in Alberta and Montana. I hope this can shed light on the landscape for current bison restoration efforts and issues that might arise in wildlife restoration. This past year I have enjoyed participating in Mock Trial, Moot Court, and the UofT History Society, and I look forward to learn and growing this summer with the Laidlaw Programme. 

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.

The University of Toronto joined the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Program in 2018 with the first group of scholars beginning their research in 2019. Funded by Lord Laidlaw and driven by his passion for student development, the scholarship at the University of Toronto aims to help students develop key skills as they aspire to be leaders in their field.

I am going into my second year studying physics and mathematics. I’m interested in the Arctic’s changing climate as well as environmental solutions. My current project is about mapping the trajectory of sea ice in the Last Ice Area. Feel free to reach out - I am always happy to chat!

My name is Abhay, and I'm in my 2nd year at the University of Toronto. I'm doing a double major in Global Health and Peace, Conflict & Justice with a minor in Indigenous Studies. My research topic relates to climate change and mental health. I'm hoping to study the impacts of climate change on the mental health of youth climate activists across Canada and then do the Leadership in Action track next summer to put some of the findings from this research into action! Beyond Laidlaw, I'm a huge hockey fan (and player) and also love playing the piano [if you want to check out my piano page]!  I host a podcast called Different Boat, Same Storm (that's all about kindling empathy during the pandemic) and run a nonprofit - Break The Divide - that's all about creating personal connections and fostering empathy.

Daniel is a Lester B. Pearson and Laidlaw Scholar at the University of Toronto's Trinity College, where he is pursuing a specialist in International Relations with minors in Economics and Political Science. Daniel's experience, skill set, and interests lie at the intersection of multilateralism and human rights. He has interned at the foundations of two Nobel Laureates (Gabo Foundation & Compaz Foundation), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Colombia and, most recently, the Organization of American States (OAS). He has also served in multiple volunteer positions at the Canadian International Council, the Victoria Foundation, UWC Colombia, and CISV International. His studies, internships, and volunteer positions have led him to visit 23 countries. Daniel is an avid traveler and an amateur photographer.

Hello there! My name is Aly, and I am a British undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, currently doing an International Affairs Specialist, with a Minor in Sustainability. My research project is → Linking Political orientation and Environmentalism: An analysis of changing environmental attitudes and subsequent party support in Canada. In my project, I aim to analyze the changing link between environmental attitudes and party support/political orientation in Canada, using Canadian Election Studies data from 2015 and 2019, and comparing my results with results from a previous study which carried out similar analysis on data from the 2004 and 2006 elections. I also hope to inform my analysis with a discussion of provincial differences in these links, hoping to shine a light on possible avenues towards improving engagement with voters for provincial elections which may help Canada in its terrible track record on improving its environment.