The power of engineering to change the world using simple lines of code and circuit diagrams captivates me. Having invented India’s most economical 3D Printer, I’ve experienced firsthand its profound impact. Namaste! I’m Vedant, born in Singapore and raised in the bustling city of Mumbai. My journey started in 2020, when I needed a 3D printer for the rapid prototyping of projects but couldn’t afford one. Using recycled computer parts, a classmate and I managed to build one for under $100. Continuing my pursuit of frugal innovation, I developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser during the pandemic which I provided to local clinics and stores, despite supply chain shortages. In a quest to spread the innovation culture, I began delivering technical guest lectures on ‘Innovating with Arduino’ at engineering colleges and high schools across India. I introduced them to my ‘5-step prototyping mantra’, and used conversational psychology techniques to connect with students from diverse social backgrounds. From initially facing apprehension, to leaving the classrooms with thundering applause, the experience has been a rollercoaster. Forward to 2024, these lectures have become an awaited event at these colleges! My work has been featured in 30+ newspapers, journals, and media including platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks with a combined global reach of 50M+. Apart from engineering and tech, I’m an avid cyclist. My weekends usually consist of 100–150 km of backcountry rides. In Mumbai, I’ve worked with the police and the Smart Commute Foundation to advocate for bike lanes, install parking stands, and conduct cyclothons which saw over 5000 participants. I’m thrilled to join the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars — and I can’t wait to connect, learn, and build alongside all of you! Warm Regards, Vedant :) Instagram | LinkedIn

I am Sampada Wagle, a mathematics major from Tufts University, all the way from Nepal. My interests span in topology and quantum information science. However, as I have lived throughout these years, I feel a strong sense of civic responsibility of mine, no matter what I choose to study, to understand the political landscape of my country and the whole world in general. I believe that to not care about politics is a privilege--a privilege only few enjoy, thus, I envision to use my knowledge in Math to aid different ways of how youth view politics and quantize qualitative data to best represent political leanings, ideologies and other metrics.  Coming from Kathmandu, a place where political unrest and daily turmoil and riots emerged with a little to no streamlined understanding and advocacy from youth, I want to use the platform I have to freely examine and communicate policies and history from a mathematical standpoint--something I deeply adore! Outside of academic life, I enjoy reading Camus, wandering through scenic routes with a cup of coffee, and writing existential literature that reflects my ongoing attempts to understand solitude, identity, meaning and human existence. If you'd like to explore this side of me, feel free to visit my blog: Oblivion!  I love and adore many little things that wouldn't be possible to list here, but I deeply value connections and conversations where I can know about different stories, experiences and lives of people, expanding what humanity means to me, and learning something new about the world and myself every day!

Hi all! My name is Rachel, and I am a junior in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. I am majoring in International Politics with a concentration in Security Studies. I am also pursuing a minor in Justice and Peace Studies and a certificate in Diplomatic Studies. Originally, I am from Michigan, and in my free time I enjoy painting, swimming, and reading.  This summer my faculty mentored project is titled Geopolitical Analysis for Maps of the Modern World, and I have conducted my research under the supervision of Mark Giordano, who is a Professor of Geography and the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at Georgetown. The project focuses on Central Asia, and the ways in which the region is increasingly becoming a center of international politics and trade. It explores this phenomenon by investigating increasing foreign interest in the region through mapping. Ultimately, this project seeks to understand the causes, signs, and impacts of increasing foreign influence in Central Asia.

Hey! My name is Toye Adebayo, and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University majoring in Computer Science. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am working with Professor Laura Gee in the Department of Economics on a research project exploring how measurement methods impact perceived disparities in labor market outcomes. I'm especially interested in how research can be used to drive more equitable systems and decision-making. I’m excited to be part of the Laidlaw community and to learn from others' research and leadership journeys!

Hello! I am a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar from the University of Leeds, currently studying Biomedical Science. My research explores the role of alpha-synuclein charge in synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release using mass spectrometry approch. As a naturally curious and interdisciplinary thinker, I’m passionate about learning from diverse perspectives and connecting with others who are driven by purpose, innovation, and leadership—whatever their field may be. I’d love to connect, collaborate, and grow together as part of this dynamic global network.

I'm an undergraduate student in electrical engineering at EPFL. Formerly a student in biomedical engineering, having switched after my first year, I am passionate about the intersections of engineering, life sciences, and computer science. 

Hi, I'm Angel, a first-year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at UCL. My current Laidlaw research project explores the use of fire in modern Chinese history with a particular focus on the burning of the old Summer Palace and the military use of fire during the 1911 Revolution. This project brings together my passion for Chinese history and literature with an analytical approach to understanding how these events have been interpreted by later generations and in secondary scholarship. Outside of research, I’m a rock music enthusiast and electric guitarist — and I’m always on the hunt for great restaurants. Feel free to reach out at angelchanln@hotmail.com. I always enjoy a good conversation!

Hi, I’m Florrie, an undergraduate Neuroscience student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 Cohort of Laidlaw Scholars. I’m from a seaside town in Essex and my hobbies include playing volleyball, cooking and socialising with friends.  Academically I’m interested in biological research into disease prevention and management with my part-time job working in a pharmacy I see many different conditions and hand out many different medications daily - so I take great interest in understanding these drugs. This summer I will be pursuing this interest through research into cardiovascular disease.  I’m so excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community and would love to connect! My email is qmwv8834@leeds.ac.uk 

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/