Amanda Andersson

Marketing Assistant , The Laidlaw Foundation
Pui Yan Sham

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Major Richmond

Student, Duke University

Hello! I am Major Richmond, and I enjoy spending time with friends, playing tennis, and visiting the best theme parks in the country. I am a PROUD Blue Devil and a member of Duke University's Class of 2028! I intend to pursue a degree in Public Policy Analysis and explore Environmental Science and Spanish💙😈 In general, The United States is in an unprecedented state of division, specifically in the political realm. The US democratic system has turned into a battle arena full of uncertainty, hatred, and various bad decisions. For my life goal, I have sworn to put a halt to this crippling division and start to put compromise over stubbornness. The best current policy solutions arise when democrats, republicans, conservatives, liberals, and independents unite to create change TOGETHER, rather than separate. As an aspiring politician, I plan to end division for the country's benefit.
Ruby-Anne Birin

Programme Manager, University of Oxford

Pallavi Bhargava

Laidlaw Scholar, Duke University

Matilda Stephen

Student, University of Oxford

I am a first year student reading Human Sciences at St Catherine's College Oxford and am a Laidlaw research scholar in association with the SDG Impact Lab for 2025
Bruno Siniciali

Life Sciences Engineering Student, EPFL

Hi! I’m Bruno, an undergraduate in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL, and I am from in Hungary, France, and Italy (to simplify). I’m passionate about many things, from Classical Rome and Greece to mountain bike, psychology, neuroscience, medicine, physics, and engineering. I’m still exploring whether my path will lead more toward medicine or engineering, so if you have any thoughts or advice, I’d be very happy to hear from you!!
Joshua Tickner Bellau

Laidlaw Scholar | Undergraduate Student | French and Spanish Joint Honours, Trinity College Dublin

Rachel O'Kelly

Student of Philosophy and Religion , Trinity College Dublin

Hello, I’m Rachel and I am currently in Trinity College Dublin studying philosophy and religion. When I am not in college you will most likely find me on a basketball court. Playing, refereeing or coaching. I have been involved in sport for the majority of my life, from playing to coaching and refereeing in many different areas, including with the Special Olympics, Nationally and locally.  I am a qualified Healthcare Support Worker and have always had a passion for caring for the elderly in society. I have worked in nursing homes and enjoyed my time with the activities team! Off the court I love to hike and swim. I have walked along the Camino de Santiago over the past years, returning every year to walk more and volunteer in hostels along the way. Meeting incredible people from all over the world was an incredible time in my life learning not only about myself but other cultures as well.
Hanshika Neupane

Student, Tufts University

Liam Jones

Student, Durham University

Luka Konovalov

Student, St Andrews University

Houseen Shalabney

Student, EPFL- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Ayaan Shah

Biochemical Engineering Student, UCL

Hello! I’m Ayaan, a first-year MEng Biochemical Engineering student at University College London, driven by a curiosity for how science and engineering can be harnessed to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges — from climate change to food insecurity to ethical innovation in healthcare. As a Laidlaw Scholar, my research dives into the world of cultivated meat — a frontier that aims to redefine how we produce and consume animal protein. I’m exploring how plant-based scaffolds made from alginate and pectin can be engineered to support muscle cell alignment and tissue development, helping bring structured, slaughter-free meat closer to scalable reality. Under the supervision of Dr. Petra Hanga, I’ll be working with hydrogel fabrication, cell culture, and image analysis to optimise scaffold design — all with the goal of building more ethical, sustainable food systems. Outside the lab, I’m President of UCL’s Biotechnology & Synthetic Biology Society, where I lead initiatives connecting students to cutting-edge research, industry experts, and the growing bioeconomy. From launching our upcoming podcast to organising our first Synthetic Biology Conference, I love building platforms that help others engage with the science shaping our future. Service is a key part of who I am. Each week, I volunteer at the Charing Cross Food Bank, helping support vulnerable communities through hands-on food distribution. It’s a constant reminder of why science should serve society — not just through innovation, but through direct impact. When I’m not in a lab or planning the next event, you’ll probably find me out for a run, playing a few intense sets of badminton, or exploring hidden corners of London in search of underrated cafés and green spaces. I’m a lifelong Arsenal fan, which has taught me some of life’s most valuable lessons: character building through near-misses, resilience in the face of last-minute heartbreak, and grit while surrounded by friends who support literally any other club and never let me hear the end of it. I’m especially interested in the intersection of biotech, sustainability, and policy, and hope to one day contribute to a world where scientific innovation is deeply rooted in equity and access. If you’re working on something exciting in food tech, biotech, or community-driven science — or just want to chat about CRISPR or the Champions League — feel free to reach out: ayaan.a.shah@gmail.com. Always up for a good conversation.
Humna Murad

LaidLaw Scholar , LaidLaw

Daniela Garavito

Program coordinator, make_sense

Aimaan Mohd Ariff

Student , University of Leeds

Hi! I am Aimaan. I am Year 2 MEng Chemical Engineering in University of Leeds. During my leisure, I am listening to music, watching films and writing. My recent project is submitting poetry collection book called Naskhah Seorang Kera, in translation, Letter by Humbled for publication. I also have travelled to more than 10 countries across Europe within my first academic year in Leeds. I am keen to pursue PhD in circular economy aspects of pharmaceutical industry after graduation. I am also passionate in working in pharmaceutical industry applying my experience from university to actively participate in Research and Development (R&D) sector. I have been involving in variety of projects; academic and extra curricular activities since high school. Currently, I am School Representative in School of Chemical and Process Engineering (SCAPE) bridging communication gap between students and academic staff by collecting feedbacks, raising concerns, facilitating interdisciplinary discussion and hosting events. I am also former assistant secretary for Malaysian-government sponsored student society called JPA Scholars Association (JASA) that aims to mitigate circumstances experienced by JPA Scholars across UK and build collaboration among international connection to bridge perspective gap. I am also active organising committee of Malaysian Student Community Leeds (MSCL) where I am be able to expand my networking with Malaysian permanent residence and other Malaysian students in Leeds to get provide cultural space exactly the same as what happened in Malaysia!
Maria Eugenia Calvo Prieto

Undergraduate Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hello! I'm Eugenia, a second-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Sciences at The University of Hong Kong. I'm passionate about healthcare and biotechnology, particularly stem cells, cancer biology, genomics and neuroscience. I aspire to become a research scientist, designing experiments that lead to meaningful discoveries. I'm especially driven by the goal of promoting healthcare equity, and I hope my future work can contribute to solving global health challenges and improving access to effective treatments for all. So far, for my research project the first summer, I investigated how we could reprogram immunity to target the most common type of liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma. My project focused on a promising cancer treatment strategy known as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which enable immune cells to better recognise and eliminate cancer.  In my free time, you'll likely find me at a cafe with a friend or curled up with a good book (I especially enjoy historical fiction and mystery).  I love meeting new people and exchanging ideas, so please feel free to connect! :) Email: ecalvoprieto479@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-eugenia-calvo-prieto/
Rafia Julekha Authoy

Student , University of Leeds

Andrew Edginton

Reconstructing the History of Volcanic Forcing of Climate from Polar Ice Cores, University of St Andrews

I am a Fourth year Geology student at the University of St Andrews. Acquired knowledge of independent practical mapping, theoretical geophysical methods and petrological lab work. I am highly motivated to succeed, and my communication, leadership, and organisational skills have led me to become a trusted team member and be elected for multiple high-responsibility roles.  I am deeply passionate about environmental conservation and aspire to pursue a career in critical metals, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable green economy. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and cycling.
My name is Kimberly Gan, and I study Medical Innovation and Enterprise at UCL.  For my summer Laidlaw Scholarship research project, I explored the development of orodispersible films designed to improve the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in children. Based at the UCL School of Pharmacy and in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, my project combined hands on laboratory work with direct patient engagement.