I am a Critical Realist researcher in the Sociology of Education, developing a theory of Positive Organisational Culture. My research explores how organisational environments shape people's experiences, opportunities, and sense of belonging, with an initial focus on the transition to secondary schooling and wider implications for organisations beyond education.

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. 

Hello! I am Juliet Scott, an undergraduate BA History student at the University of Leeds, UK. Currently studying a wide range of historical topics ranging from Medieval religion and culture to Global Decolonization in the 20th century! In which I have developed my writing skills and knowledge for the world around us. My first-year research project is ‘Re-creating the People and Communities of Medieval Wakefield’ in which I am researching about the lives of people in the Wakefield Manorial Court Rolls, taking creative liberties on how these people lived to bring them to life and introduce the public to what life was like in medieval Wakefield and the surrounding suburbs. As I was born in Dewsbury and have a Wakefield postcode my project resonates with me a lot with brining research to life and tailoring it towards public consumption. As a Leeds local I enjoy volunteering at the Royal Armouries Museum and WOSM, as well as appreciating Emley Moor Mast’s beauty as a prominent landmark of West Yorkshire (I highly recommend taking a trip outside of Leeds to see the telly tower!) I am also learning Dutch in my spare time, I would love to practice with someone if anyone is able to help me! Academically I am interested in Medieval Daily life, mostly based on looking at objects with 13th century ivory and the recurrent religious themes and the ‘castle of love’ motif as well as modern history of empires, specifically the British Empire (and its economy) and global decolonization with its impact on 20th century politics! Please contact me! I love a good natter and connecting with people! My email is julietscott17@hotmail.com and my linkedin is my name!

Hey friends! I’m Angela Chen, a third-year Public Policy, Psychology, & Digital Intelligence student at Duke University. I'm passionate about leveraging digital policy and journalism to democratize access to information. This past summer, as a Laidlaw Scholar for Research & Leadership and with Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy, I researched AI Policy, Music Streaming, & Cultural Labor in the EU & UK, culminating in presentations at the Oxford Rothermere American Institute, the Laidlaw Scholars Global Conference, and a forthcoming publication on Taylor & Francis. Previously, at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, the world's leading think tank in science & technology policy, I investigated the use of AI in election information dissemination for minority language voters in the US. Having grown up in both Hong Kong and Canada, I also strongly believe in the importance of collaboration across geographical borders & cultures, and would love to chat—both about global information access and general cultural experiences! At Duke, I also help shape campus culture to maximize equity and inclusivity, particularly through Student Government—I believe that educational environments are key to fostering civic and civil discourse. Reach out here, on LinkedIn, or via email! I'm deeply grateful to be part of our inspiring Laidlaw Scholars community, and I can't wait to bond with as many of y'all as I can :)

Hello!  I am Lottie Knee, a Philosophy and Politics undergraduate student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.  Building on my background in normative ethics, international development, and foreign policy, this summer I investigated Academic Freedom and Censorship in Biodiversity Conservation. My research explores how political pressures, freedom of speech, and censorship influence conservation work, engaging with real incidents where knowledge and debate have been constrained. This project challenges me to enter a new area of study while strengthening the critical and ethical frameworks developed in my degree.  Outside of academia, I love to travel. I took a gap year before attending university where I solo travelled Australia, Indonesia and The Philippines. This was a fantastic opportunity for adventure, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.  I am always open to connect with others within the Laidlaw community! 

Hi there! My name is Jack, and I have just completed my first year studying Global Health and Development at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health. Besides, I am also pursuing a double major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. My research project aims to analyse the effects of thermal cycles on mechanical properties of 3D-printed dental aligners incorporating long optical glass fibres.  Beyond academics, I love traveling, hitting the gym, and spending time with friends. I am also passionate about gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteer work, which helps me explore the world beyond the classroom. Feel free to reach out, whether you are interested in my research, collaboration, or just a good conversation about life!

Hey! It's so nice to connect with you. I'm a Business Management with Marketing Student at the University of Leeds and in the 2025/2026 Laidlaw Scholar Network. My research project is 'Exploring Student Perceptions and Experiences of Experiential Learning at the University of Leeds', and I'm so excited to be a part of this programme! I'm extremely passionate about leadership, creative problem-solving and driving impact through everything I do. Alongside my studies, I'm a highly productive individual who balances multiple part-time jobs such as being a Marketing Executive, Podcast Director for Women in Leadership Society and a Social Sciences Student Ambassador. I also love creating content around personal growth, student life and career development and utilise my platform (on TikTok and Youtube) to connect, inspire and share value. As an extrovert, I love spreading positivity both in person and online and look forward to getting to know you!

Hello! I'm an undergraduate philosophy student at the university of Cambridge, with a particular interest in the philosophy of science and logic. For my research project, I investigated the history of the notion of privacy. I really enjoyed this venture outside my usual academic comfort zone! I'm also a huge music fan with an eclectic taste (always happy for a chat about anything from Mahler to Cannonball Adderley!), occasionally running from one rehearsal to the next.  Please get in touch if you'd like to say hi!

Hi! I'm Humna, a third-year Geology student at Imperial College London. I'm originally from Pakistan and moved to London for university. After three years exploring everything from volcanoes to critical minerals, I'm now starting my master's, specialising in Mining Engineering and Design. For my first-year research project, I looked at whether we could store large amounts of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers beneath the North Sea. It brought together geology, sustainability, policy, economics, and infrastructure planning to explore one big question: how can we safely lock away the carbon we've already emitted? As we work towards net zero, reducing emissions is only part of the solution—we also need ways to deal with the CO₂ that's already in the atmosphere. This summer, I'll be heading to the Pilbara region of Western Australia for my Leadership-in-Action project, where I'll be working with Indigenous communities and researchers at ANU's Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials. I'll be diving into Native Title and UNDRIP, helping facilitate community workshops, and co-producing a short documentary to support research that's genuinely informed by First Nations voices as demand for critical minerals continues to grow. It's a mix of mining, policy, storytelling, and spending a lot of time listening (which is probably the most important part). Outside of geology, I'm always up for conversations about climate, science communication, widening participation, the Laidlaw experience—or anything you're passionate about. One of my favourite things about this community is getting to meet people with completely different interests and backgrounds, so if you'd like to chat, collaborate, or just say hello, I'd love to hear from you!

Hi, my name is Sophie! I'm a second year Bsc Geography undergraduate at Durham University. My research project this summer is a pilot study investigating the effect of e-cigarette and cigarette exposure on prenatal development, focussing on upper facial movement. I hope to obtain an understanding of the potential implications to healthcare policymaking regarding maternal use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. I am driven to take action to improve the lives of others, and therefore motivated to understand the impact of maternal actions on the lives of the younger generations and actions that can prevent negative impacts.  I really enjoy spending time outdoors, either walking or running. I also love to travel and explore new places! My favourite way to spend time with friends is to visit a café and have a good catch up over a coffee!