Hello, I'm Eoin O'Connor, currently studying Biological and Biomedical Science at Trinity College Dublin.  My research focuses on investigating the role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. I am particularly interested in understanding how inflammation outside the brain can exacerbate inflammatory and damaging events within the brain, ultimately leading to accelerated dementia. Outside of college, I enjoy reading and music. I play piano and guitar and have recently started performing at open mics. Some of my favourite bands include the Stone Roses and Fontaines D.C. Sport also plays a significant role in my life.

Hi there! My name is Tea Stapar and I'm a third year Biological and Biomedical Sciences student in Trinity College Dublin, specialising in Biochemistry. My research project is based on studying metabolomics of a chemotherapy drug called HAMLET/Alpha 1 using NMR spectroscopy. I'll be investigating whether this chemotherapeutic could be used to treat human osteosarcoma. Looking forwards to the experience and connecting with new people!

I am a Neuroscience student at Trinity College Dublin with a strong intrest in all things science.  My research project looks at the neurotoxicity of nanoplastics.  In my spare time I love to go sailing and hiking. 

Dear Laidlaw community, My name is Esteban Germann, and I am thrilled to be part of the Laidlaw Scholars Network as a 2023 Laidlaw Scholar EPFL. I'm currently on an exciting journey as an architecture student at EPFL/ETHZ. My focus is on how the built environment affects humans and the way we live. Exploring this constantly evolving field, with its endless interdisciplinary connections, motivates me to create better living spaces for everyone! During my research summer, I had the opportunity to carry out a research project in Professor Andersen's LIPID laboratory (EPFL). I worked on the development and use of high dynamic range images, exploring the complex world of light and its implications for human perception and visual comfort. For my Leadership-in-Action project, I partnered with Stanford University and the Chinatown Community Development Center to investigate the impact of sustainable renovations on the well-being of low-income tenants in San Francisco’s Chinatown. My focus the effects of thermal renovations on residents' health and financial security. This experience provided invaluable insights into how architectural interventions affect human well-being. My Laidlaw journey is an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life! I met wonderful people along the way. It was through sharing with others that I truly learned. Feel free to reach out, I'd love to connect! All the best ;) Esteban Germann EPFL | Laidlaw Scholar | Class of 2023

I am responsible for international partnerships in education at EPFL and work on the Leadership Program and Leadership in Action components within the EPFL Laidlaw Programme. Before joining EPFL, I worked for 15 years in international development and have thus a particular interest in the LiA part of the Laidlaw programme.

On weekdays, I'm a microengineering student fascinated by 3D bioprinting of living tissue, wearable devices, electronic skin,  soft robotics and neural interfaces.  On weekends, I'm a House and Freestyle Hip-Hop dancer.

EPFL is Europe’s most cosmopolitan technical university. It welcomes students, professors and collaborators of more than 120 nationalities. EPFL has both a Swiss and international vocation and focuses on three missions: teaching, research and innovation. EPFL collaborates with an important network of partners, including other universities and colleges, secondary schools and gymnasiums, industry and the economy, political circles and the general public, with the aim of having a real impact on society.

Dan-Thi is an enthusiastic professional with +8 years of work experience in strategic marketing, business development and communication within the higher education industry. She currently works at EPFL as a Project Manager for the School enhanced learning programs (incl. the Laidlaw program). Dan-Thi likes all aspects related to her position but what she especially loves is interacting with students and helping them grow personally and professionally. Dan-Thi has lived in fast-paced environments in Asia (Hong Kong, Japan) and she is now based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She enjoys travelling and always looks for discovering new cultures. She can speak French, English and Vietnamese. You can talk with her about anything regarding food, sport and travel. She is a really bad swimmer and has absolutely no green thumb! :)

Pianist and learning enthusiast. Tremendously interested in Robotics and its various applications.

Hi! My name is Ainav Rabinowitz, and I’m a rising Junior at Cornell University. I’m planning to double-major in Government and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and minor in Near Eastern Studies and Public Policy. My research project investigates the militarization of law enforcement in the Middle East, analyzing the way in which civilian police forces have become more militarized and the way militaries have taken on law enforcement responsibilities. My research will more specifically focus on the consequences of militarization on human rights over the past two decades, offering a broad overview of the Middle East as well as a closer analysis of 2-3 countries across the political spectrum. I will be working with Professor Flores-Macías, who focuses on the consequences of militarization in Latin America. Feel free to reach out! Some other facts about me: I love anything art-related (I primarily create digital illustration and acrylic paintings), and also always love sharing my favorite books:)

I am interested in the fields of mechanobiology, biohybrid prosthetics, biophysics, Jungian psychology, and philosophy. Recently in association with Laidlaw; In Cornell University (N.Y, U.S.A.) I worked on curating an art book on biomechanics for charity to raise awareness in this field of science. And in Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), we worked on developing a microphysiological model of the osteocytic network in the bone that can be used to better understand the (patho)physiology of bone using Direct Laser Writing technology using MLO-Y4 cell culture.  On the side; In ETH Zürich (Switzerland), I was working on understanding bio-hybrid muscle actuators using C2C12 cell culture by amassing literature review, designing biobot unit, and conducting biocompatibility tests along with growing and differentiating muscle cells for further electrical stimulation. At DogPatch Labs's Patch (Dublin, Ireland) I was experimenting with creating a start-up company to help amputees get affordable prosthetics.  On the (other) side; I like to dance, write, and read anything I get my hands on; be it music, poetry, or even shampoo bottles. Please feel free to contact me here or on LinkedIn for any discussions regarding the aforementioned topics!

Hi! I'm an undergraduate scholar from the University of Toronto and am interested in inclusion and mental health. With my research project, I hope to explore how we improve mental health support and treatments to make them more accessible and inclusive of Canadian Muslims. Beyond my research interests, I enjoy connecting with people and learning from people's diverse backgrounds and unique experiences. I'm a keen listener and love learning new things!

Hello all! I did my Laidlaw Programme at Durham University between 2019-2021. My research project focused on evaluating the immigration and asylum system of the EU through a case study of the 2015 immigration crisis. Following the completion of my undergraduate LLB degree I moved to London to pursue my postgraduate LLM study at Queen Mary University of London.

Alex was the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme from September 2021 - May 2024.  Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation Alex spent over a decade at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he most recently managed the university’s Laidlaw Scholars Programme. In addition, Alex taught leadership courses and guest-lectured internationally on the subjects of strategy and leadership. A bilingual speaker, dual national and keen traveller, Alex has lived, visited and worked in several countries around the world. During this time, he has had a unique opportunity to encounter and explore different cultures and working environments, experiencing first-hand what good leadership can achieve. His passion for this topic is driven by these experiences and a desire to challenge people to unlock their full leadership potential. Alex holds an MBA from the Open University and a Master of Research in Management from the University of St Andrews. He has also obtained Associate Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy. In his spare time, Alex is an avid skier and volunteers with a local guide dog organisation.