Hi everyone! My name is Beatrice Wharton-Hood and I am a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering student from Trinity College Dublin. I am from Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Dublin for university. I am super excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community and look forward to connecting with all of you! My research project this summer delves into the world of nanomaterials and how they can be used to enhance and improve perovskite solar cells. This project aims to identify which nanomaterial is the champion in enhancing the cell's efficiency, stability and durability, as well as how it can help the cell be manufactured on a larger scale. Furthermore, the environmental and economic impacts of the material's inclusion will be analysed and discussed. Apart from having a keen interest in sustainability and engineering, I am an avid sports fan, particularly tennis and field hockey! 

I’m Théo, a Life Sciences Engineering (similar to bioengineering) student at EPFL in Switzerland, with a background as a former Chemistry Lab Technician from the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg. I’m especially interested in computational biology and biomedical engineering, where I can apply my passion for science and technology to improve human health. My focus is on understanding complex biological systems and developing new solutions through computational methods. Outside of studies, I’m an endurance sports enthusiast; cycling, running, and lake swimming keep me active. I also enjoy learning languages (fluent in French and English, basic German) and exploring everything from biology to philosophy and art. I’m looking forward to opportunities where I can combine my scientific background and curiosity to contribute to impactful projects.

Second-year Natural Sciences undergraduate at Durham University studying Chemistry and Physics. Interested in materials science, aerospace, and sustainable development

I’m a Year 1 MBBS student at the University of Hong Kong, deeply passionate about making a positive impact through both medicine and community service. I strive to give my best in everything I do, whether in my academic journey or in serving others. With a strong foundation in public speaking and debate, I’ve been fortunate to receive several awards that reflect my love for clear and empathetic communication. Beyond academics, I’m currently the project leader of the We Children Care Team at HKUMed. Our team is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among secondary school students and equipping them with essential mental health first aid knowledge. This role has been a meaningful way for me to empower young people and advocate for mental well-being in the community. Social service has always been close to my heart. I’ve volunteered in hospitals, participated in flag selling, visited elderly individuals living alone, and contributed to various charity fundraising efforts. I find joy and purpose in building connections and giving back, whether through small gestures or larger initiatives. In secondary school, I served as the head of both the Peer Counsellor Team and the Student Ambassador Team, where I developed leadership skills and a sense of responsibility toward those around me. These experiences strengthened my belief in the power of youth to lead change with compassion and courage. Outside of service and studies, I’m an animal lover who shares my home with a cat, a hamster, and a parrot. I also cherish time in nature—whether it's a quiet walk near home or a breezy day at the beach. These moments remind me of the beauty and harmony we can find in the world, and why it's worth protecting and improving. I aspire to become a safe, competent, and compassionate surgeon, someone who heals not just with hands but with heart. Guided by the motto “Life influences life,” I’m committed to spreading kindness and uplifting others in every way I can. With boundless enthusiasm and a sense of duty, I aim to help build a better, healthier world—for individuals, communities, and generations to come. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I hope to grow as a leader and change-maker, using both knowledge and empathy to serve with purpose and integrity.

Hi, I’m Caitlin. I am a History & Politics student at the University of Cambridge; in particular, I love American History, local politics and modern politics of both the UK & US. I am from Liverpool and play cricket at university. This year, I am also helping run Feminist Society and History Society at my college. 

Hello! I'm Melissa (she/her), a second-year undergraduate student at Durham University studying BSc Natural Sciences. I am passionate about multi-disciplinary learning, and my range of degree modules across the departments of Biology, Geography, Anthropology and Psychology allow me to explore my interests across both the sciences and social sciences. I love all things human, and am especially interested in the fields of human biology, equitable healthcare, and public health.  Last summer, I thoroughly enjoyed commencing my journey as a Laidlaw Scholar with my research project focussing on the development of vision in human fetuses, including focussing on how maternal mental health impacts upon this.  In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, bake, go for walks, and play with my cocker spaniel! I am also passionate about volunteering, various sports, reading, and music! Feel free to get in touch! 

Hello! My name is Annie, and I am a second year undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge, studying Geography.    My research project is titled ‘Scroll, Share, Speak: Examining Generational Engagement with Feminist Content on Social Media’. My project investigated the engagement patterns of self-identified women in the UK with feminist-related content on social media. The investigation examined how often different generations engage with digital feminist content, and the type of content and platforms they find most appealing. I explored how social media has influenced the way feminism is expressed and perceived, particularly in terms of its effectiveness in driving real-world change and shaping more inclusive forms of engagement.   In my spare time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, go on walks, and play netball.    If you’re interested in learning more about my research, or simply starting a conversation, I’d love to connect. 

Hi! My name is Ronaish and I'm an international student at UofT from the UAE. I'm hoping to specialize in Neuroscience with a minor in Philosophy - alongisde, I also harbor a great interest in public health! As part of the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme, I am conducting a scoping review and expert consultation on the current state and future directions for palliative care in Pakistan. This is an incredibly interdisciplinary topic as it concerns and draws insights from epidemiology, sociology and public health - I'm excited to take it on this summer and hope to share my progress on this network! Besides research, my hobbies include parliamentary debate, trying new cuisines, occasionally binging shows and traveling! Feel free to reach out at ronaish.arshad@mail.utoronto.ca for a chat or if you have any questions about my research!

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!