I am a rising sophomore, pre-law student at Barnard College, Columbia University intending to major in History and minor in Philosophy . My academic interests are civil rights law, ethics, intellectual history, education policy, and disability studies. As a Laidlaw scholar I draw from my academic interests and personal experiences to conduct research on the use of restraint and seclusion in special education. I am eager to use my research experience and education in my future law career to further social equality.

Hi, everyone! I'm Martin. I'm a third-year student at Georgetown majoring in Biology (with a concentration in Molecular Bio), and I'm planning to minor in Japanese. My focus has always been on cancer biology; so many people I've known have been affected by it, and my life's goal is to contribute to a cure. I'm half-American, half-Bulgarian, the child of two diplomats; I speak English fluently, and intermediate Bulgarian, Japanese, and Spanish. I have a lot of different interests outside of science: basketball and baseball, chess, politics, music, and a whole other list that's way too long for this blurb. Here's a random fact about me which I think is kinda cool: I once saw the tallest manmade thing on Earth (the Burj Khalifa) and the tallest thing on Earth, period (Mt. Everest) from the window of the same flight! My research project for Laidlaw this summer is an application of the fields I've spent so much time studying- the focus is on cancer genetics, molecular biology, and laboratory technique. The goal of this project is to uncover information about a certain protein called SON, which is thought to be involved in the processes of gene splicing and transcription into RNA. Errors in these functions often result in cancer, so figuring out the roles and behaviors of proteins like SON could really help future endeavors like genetic libraries and drug discovery programs. I won't bog this down with an excessively detailed explanation of my method, but in brief, I'm using CRISPR technology to edit the SON gene and add DNA which encodes something called a protein tag. CRISPR can use a few different DNA repair techniques as a sort of "glue" to insert this protein tag; I'll be testing two of these techniques (NHEJ and MMEJ) to add depth to the experimental process. When the modified gene gets translated into SON protein, this tag gets produced as well. The tag can be lit up and investigated with a fluorescent microscope to determine where in the cell the SON protein localizes; it can also be targeted for degradation, allowing me to research the behaviors of cells with no SON protein and thus deduce its function through this knockout treatment. Which of these goals I can accomplish depends on the time and resources I have available, but I hope that summary sheds light on the problems I'm trying to tackle with this research project. In a word, I want to find out what SON does, and I'm going to use CRISPR-mediated protein tags to find out.

Hi! I'm a student in micro-engineering at EPFL, interested in nano-science. I love travelling, biking and film-making.

I am a junior at Georgetown University double-majoring in History and Linguistics.  For my research project, I am assisting Dr. Edna Bosire and Dr. Emily Mendenhall with their research into perceptions of aging in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

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! :)

Hello, I am a Laidlaw scholar at EPFL. I study Environmental sciences and engineering and I am passionate about sustainable development, high and low tech. I did an internship in the laboratory of soils mechanics during past summer. In my free time, I love doing all kind of sports like running and hiking. I also enjoy improv theatre, literature and cooking. I am always happy to meet new people so don't hesitate to write me! 

Hello! I’m a Philosophy student at Durham University, with academic interests in applied ethics, decision-making, and political philosophy. My broader aim is to use interdisciplinary research to drive measurable, socially meaningful change. My summer research explored barriers to public transport adoption, with a view toward long-term policy implementation. This project brings together behavioural science, psychology, urban planning, and design to contribute to more sustainable and inclusive transport policies. For my LiA, I will be travelling to Kerala for the central CraftHER project, where I will undertake four consulting projects with local female-led businesses and a research project. 

Hi! I'm Lizzie, a second-year Biological Sciences student at Durham University. Deeply passionate about advocating for and taking action to maintain environmental health and sustainability, I aim to contribute meaningfully to these efforts by expanding my understanding of such challenges and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a dedication to environmental conservation.   I have a particular interest in the nuanced, smaller-scale impacts of human activity on the environment, including the unintended genetic alterations that result from human intervention, a focus of the study I will be contributing to this summer, which is exploring the implications of large-scale assisted sowing for the UK’s native plant species within biodiversity management strategies. Specifically, my role in this ongoing study will involve conducting extensive data collection and literature reviews to identify native species most vulnerable to these interventions. In my free time, I actively participate in environmental volunteer work and love to do anything creative, from painting to crocheting and reading. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly dog walking, and practising karate with my university club.

Hi there! I’m a 1st year, soon-to-be 2nd year BSc Psychology student at Durham University. “Why does sad music make us feel better sometimes?” pretty much sums up my interest in music and psychology. On a deeper level, I will investigate how international students interact with music to make themselves feel better in different contexts. It is important to investigate cross-culturally as our world becomes more globalised. Moreover, I believe music can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, as it seems to have such a profound effect on everyone, regardless of where they’re from. Not only may music connect us all, but it can also connect us with ourselves. The National Health Service in the United Kingdom has been struggling with high demand for mental health services, thus resulting in long waiting lists and inaccessible help when people need it most. I hope to advocate for music as a non-invasive, accessible, and sustainable facilitator of emotional regulation, thereby reducing the overwhelming need for pharmacological treatment. Outside the Laidlaw Programme, I’m also a part of a youth Advisory Group for the ORIGIN project, which involves developing online cultural and art mental health interventions for underrepresented young people experiencing depression and anxiety. Please feel free to drop me a message if you’d like to participate or know more. ORIGIN is always looking for interested people! Ultimately, my involvement in research builds onto my future career aspirations; I aim to be a Clinical Psychologist while encouraging the integration of arts and culture into mental health interventions. I’m deeply interested in the interdisciplinary nature of music and psychology; however, I’m also excited to hear how other academic disciplines may interact and merge. Likewise, I enjoy multiple hobbies like playing the piano and ukulele, singing, cooking, crocheting, and reading. I think being a nerd about your interests is really cool, so if you’re like-minded, I’d love to chat with you!

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah and I’m the Marketing Manager at the Laidlaw Foundation. I was previously a UCL Laidlaw Scholar in the 2022 cohort, where I studied English Language and Literature. It’s a real privilege to now work with the community as part of the Foundation team. My role focuses on building and nurturing an engaged global Scholars network, creating events that strengthen connection, and shaping how we share the Foundation’s work and impact. In my spare time, I love cooking new dishes, reading, going to the theatre, and café hopping around London. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to chat! 

Swara partners with women led enterprises and artisan communities to create income opportunities through ethical fashion and community based tourism. CraftHER is a six week leadership journey in Kerala where scholars learn alongside makers, co create designs, and reflect on community and craft with cross cultural learning. Visit the LSN room for activity posts, resources and programme updates. . Visit the LSN room for activity posts, resources and programme updates https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/swara?

Terrah is a rising senior at Barnard College of Columbia University whose work focuses on educational equity, financial literacy, and college access. At 17, she founded Danalize, an initiative that helps students navigate financial aid offers, advocate for appeals, and build financial literacy skills. Through this work, she has supported more than 500,000 students worldwide. Terrah currently serves as Director of Financial Education at College for All, where she mentors students and develops resources reaching over 15,000 learners globally. She also contributes to the Academic Social Contract with Class Action, collaborating with students and legal professionals to advance equity in higher education. As Director of Operations for Connect on Campus, a nonprofit she helped found, she has supported fundraising and operational efforts that have helped students cover essential educational expenses. As a Laidlaw Scholar, Terrah researched the relationship between financial literacy and college access. Her work was selected as one of 25 projects across North America for publication through the 2025 Laidlaw Conference and Taylor & Francis. She has since presented her research at Harvard University and served as a student advocate on issues of economic opportunity and mobility at Barnard College faculty events. Her work has earned her a Truman Scholarship nomination, recognition as a Yale Launchpad Scholars finalist, and the Rising Star Leadership Award for her commitment to educational equity and student success.  In her free time, she enjoys café hopping, coloring, and playing Tomodachi Life. She can be contacted at: tdg2124@barnard.edu for any inquiries or requests for mentorship! :) 

Hi! I’m Alina, an undergraduate Biochemistry student with a strong passion for meaningful work that has a positive impact on the world. I’m particularly fascinated by health sciences, and my long-term goal is to contribute to making healthcare more accessible, equitable, and effective. I believe that starts with improving the quality of health information and ends with optimizing how healthcare is delivered, whether through advances in pharmaceutical research or innovations in point-of-care solutions. To explore this mission, I’ve chosen to pursue an interdisciplinary research project within the School of Medicine, despite my degree being based in the School of Biology. My research focuses on direct-to-consumer health screening tests offered to generally well individuals in the UK. These tests (for instance at-home genetic screenings) are becoming increasingly popular for promoting autonomy in personal health management. However, they also pose risks, including misinformation, false positives, and overdiagnosis. My project aims to contribute to the growing field of evidence-based diagnostics by advocating a shift from early diagnosis to optimal diagnosis, ensuring diagnosis is not only early but is also clinically useful. Outside of my academic life, I’m very active and love exploring new hobbies. I love exploring new sports, hence I’ve recently taken up Judo and Olympic Weightlifting. I also enjoy cycling, especially through the scenic Scottish countryside, which I explore regularly by bike (the perks of not owning a car!). I also have a creative side: I enjoy embroidery, as well as listening to and producing electronic music, and I’m currently learning how to DJ. Additionally, I’m involved with the Entrepreneurship Centre at the University of St Andrews, where I help foster an entrepreneurial spirit within our student community. I’m a versatile and curious person who thrives on meeting new people and discovering new ideas. I’m always excited by opportunities that combine creativity, innovation, and impact.

Hello! My name is Sara, and I'm a soon to be second-year computer science undergrad student at EPFL, in Switzerland. I am passionate about technology, and how it can be used to help communities. My research this past summer was in system security, a branch of cybersecurity. I expanded and improved the accuracy of Magma, a benchmark for fuzzers - a software testing technique using randomized input (data) to reveal the faults in the program. This technique helps finding bugs (errors) that would not  have been reached using other popular tests. My goal is to find and implement Proof-of-Concepts - files that prove that a specific faulty part of the code can be reached and can trigger an error (a crash).  This summer, I will be joining HOOP Perù in Arequipa, Peru, to be an assistant teacher in their coding classes. These classes introduce tools common in many work places today in an accessible way to teenagers. This will also be a great opportunity to share my passion for computer science with others, as well as to put what I have learned this past year to use. Besides coding, I enjoy all kinds of sports (currently (beach) volleyball and basketball), as well as reading. I also enjoy spending time in nature, be it on a hike or just in a park, or by a lake. I love traveling, discovering new places and cultures, and meeting new people. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing perspectives, so please don't hesitate to contact me!

Victoria Ayodele is a Duke University undergraduate pursuing a self-designed “Neurological Development and Nutrition” curriculum, integrating neuroscience, biochemistry, pharmacology, and global health from Atlanta, Georgia. Her interdisciplinary work investigates how societal nutrition consumption and health disparities contribute to neurological impairment and influence the future of healthcare systems. As a Laidlaw Scholar and aspiring physician-leader, she is dedicated to advancing neurological health equity in international communities. A passionate advocate for community-based health solutions, Victoria led public health initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa through Leadership Initiatives in partnership with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Georgetown University, collaborating with health professionals and Bauchi State officials to directly combat nutritional anemia and marasmus internationally. Her efforts include developing culturally sensitive workshops and clinical diagnostic kits for first-time mothers over two years. Victoria collaborates with community leaders in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, and Germany. As Executive Director of the Duke Research Scholars Program, she researches how nutritional access and pharmacokinetics affect fetal development, cognitive growth, and immune health. Her work includes conference presentations at Brown University, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. In her local communities, she assists North Carolina and Georgia patients as a medical and dietary assistant, addressing conditions such as Type II diabetes, obesity, and preeclampsia. In her free time, Victoria enjoys playing sports, reading novels, and meeting new people. She is excited to participate more in the Laidlaw Scholars Program and meet students from around the world. If anyone would like to strike up a conversation with Victoria, her email is vta2@duke.edu.

Hello, I am Maisie! I am a fourth-year Classics student at Oxford. I like to spend my time (when I don't have work due) cooking and baking cakes for my family or making collages out of old magazines. 

Hey hey! :) I'm Tamar, a Financial Economics student at the University of St Andrews, based in historic and picturesque Scotland. I am originally from Georgia (the country!), heading into my 3rd year of undergraduate study. This summer marks my first as a Laidlaw Scholar, and I am incredibly excited to be undertaking my research project: “Beyond Words: Women, Equality and the Early Esperanto Language Community.” Through historical artefacts, I will be exploring how the early Esperanto movement (1900s–1920s) created inclusive spaces for women, challenging the gender norms of its era. Given that gender inequality remains a pressing issue today, it is fascinating to explore how earlier generations managed to confront these challenges, despite arguably more rigid societal constraints. You might be surprised by my choice of a socio-historic topic — after all, I study finance and economics. But I have always been fascinated by interdisciplinary thinking. My curiosity often leads me to explore humanities subjects at length, and I take every chance I get to expand my horizons beyond my degree. What's more, this project gives me the perfect excuse to pick up another language! Language learning is one of my greatest passions (although I must confess I dabble more than I master), and I am always on the lookout for compelling study materials. Outside of academics, I adore capturing the beauty of my surroundings, travelling and planning future trips, reading, watching great cinema, and unwinding with music — I even brought my national instrument, the Panduri, to St Andrews all the way from Georgia and strum it as much as I can to keep a little piece of home with me.  If any of this sparks your interest —  whether you got curious about my research, want to exchange language-learning tips, or just chat about shared interests, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out here or connect with me on LinkedIn. Look forward to connecting with you! :)

Hi! I'm Alexa -- nice to e-meet you. I am a current fourth year student at Tufts University studying Biopsychology. In my first summer, I conducted a preliminary data analysis on chimpanzee behavior. After taking a pause last summer to complete classes for my major, I am excited to be back with the program. I love chatting about anything and everything, from the history of ice ages to the evolution of art! I'm super inspired by everyone's projects and thoughtful insight, and I look forward to connecting!