Ciao! I'm Leonardo, a Laidlaw Scholar passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating meaningful change in this world. I come from Italy, and at 17, I took an uncomfortable step by moving alone to the UK to pursue my studies, determined to gain access to an English university, networks, and growth opportunities. My research title is: "Using Points of Interest Data to Understand Retail Change in Great Britain, 2015 – 2025", which deeply connects with my entrepreneurial objectives. Through Laidlaw, I'm excited to expand my leadership capabilities, refine essential entrepreneurial skills and find new people within this amazing network! I'm passionate about engaging with Laidlaw's diverse global community, exchanging perspectives, and fostering long-lasting connections. I look forward to contributing my experiences, collaborating with fellow scholars, and continuously growing as both a leader and an individual. Please feel free to connect; I’m genuinely excited to share ideas, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions together! Leonardo Linkedin  leonardogareri05@gmail.com

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!

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! 

Hello! I am Harry, a first-year student at the University of Leeds, UK. I am currently studying a joint-honours undergraduate degree in Law with Hispanic Law. For my first summer of research, I will be delving into a project titled 'Education for Sustainable Development: Scoping Animal Welfare Legislation and Policy across North Africa and the Gulf'. This project will aim to take a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach as I research into complex problems that have both legal, ethical, and biological levels to it. I am looking forward to expanding my range of knowledge and my networking across studies. Originally from Sussex, I moved to Leeds for university, though have family in Liverpool for a set of familiar faces nearby. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, having played piano for nearly ten years. I particularly enjoy any pop music and anything by ABBA. I have struggled to continue playing whilst being at university, so if anyone has any tips then please get in touch, even if it is just your comfort piece to play! I also enjoy going out with my friends, long hikes in the countryside, and doing my best attempt at cooking. Academically, my love for law and politics began at A Level. My law teacher at sixth form was the key to purusing this as a career; I would not be here today if it weren't for the impact he had on my life. I have participated in subject activities, including the final of the senior mooting competition through my university's Law Society. Even though I didn't win, I enjoyed the chance to participate in competition against peers whilst being judged by solicitors at a law firm in London. I am hoping the coming years of university bring similar chances. I am looking forward to seeing the opportunities and chances the Laidlaw Scholarship affords me. If anyone would like to stay in touch and discuss experiences of university, the Scholarship, or anything in between, feel free to email me at lnsz4031@leeds.ac.uk.

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 

Hi, I’m Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar. My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, I’m researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust — a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics. Outside of academia, I’m passionate about women’s rights, youth leadership, and community impact. I’ve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. I’m also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights. I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do. Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure — I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface. I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share those goals.

Hi! I'm passionate about using the elegant and sometimes insane theories in physics and using them to contribute to healthcare. Currently I'm looking at a career treating cancer by using targeted ionizing radiation to skilfully shrink tumours. I'm fascinated at how physics can be used to harness the beautiful complexity of nature to transform lives. I sincerely hope I have a long career of contributing to this effort in any way I can, from being a clinical scientist to conducting own my research to helping other researchers receive patents for their work. The title of my Laidlaw research project is 'Evaluating Current Methods for Enhancing Clinical Computer Tomography Imaging Using Contrast Agents'. This beautifully ties my expertise with improving patient outcomes and innovation within healthcare. Another aspect of my journey so far has been navigating pursuing higher education in physics as a Muslim woman. Although challenging at times, I've learnt of ways to overcome my fear of failure and imposter syndrome, and I would love to help others to do the same. Whether I create a small group or kickstart a network, I'm not too sure, but if you've ever been in the same position please reach out! Who knows where it could lead us and who else we could help :) As for my hobbies and interests, that list is extensive and everchanging, but my current fixation is gardening. Nothing can quite describe the joy you feel after seeing a tiny dot you nurtured for 3 months turn into prolific blooms. If anyone would like to collaborate or just say hi then please do! 

Hi! I’m Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort, currently completing a year abroad at the University of Montreal.   My research project topic this summer was titled ‘Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region’. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which allowed me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility of poetry in Leeds. I’m originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15 and then to the UK at 19, so I’ve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. Currently on a year abroad in Canada, I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories. Outside of uni, you’ll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next trip—I’ve been to 34 countries so far and don’t plan on slowing down!

I'm Phoebe and I’m a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar. I am a first year student of French and Italian at the University of Leeds. This summer I will be working on the research project 'Mapping Colonial Subjects in the French Resistance' supervised by Professor Nina Wardleworth.

Hi, I'm Megan and I study BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Leeds within the School of Biomedical Sciences. In my degree programme studies, I have a keen interest in biomechanics, as well as physiology and motor control. My research project title is "Investigating the perspectives of staff, students and industry partners on a novel method of teaching undergraduate students transferable skills".  Outside of my studies, I play rugby for the Leeds University Union Women's Rugby Union Football Club, where I am the kit secretary for the 24/25 season and a player on the 1st XV.

Welcome!! You can call me either Cothney or Theresa. Currently, back at University of Leeds for my 4th year! Came back from my experience abroad as a student at the 'Université de Lille' in France. I am navigating the intriguing nuances of researching in England, France, Italy and Zambia. During my first summer research experience, I have been concentrating on 'Mapping colonial subjects from the French Resistance' with a crosscultural experience between France and the UK..  For my LIA, I have partnered with a school venture to teach in Lusaka, Zambia...ask me more if you would like to.

Hi! I'm a first year student Law student at the University of Leeds and I am part of the 2024 Laidlaw Scholars cohort. My research topic is "Mapping the Networks of South-South Indigenous Solidarity and Advocacy". 

Hi! My name is Francesca and I am entering my third and final year at the University of Leeds studying Geography (BSc).  My research project focused on understanding students' expectations of sustainability in their curriculum and experience at the University. The research gained a well rounded perspective of sustainability practices in academic settings and how student voice can be an effective tool for engaging in sustainability further and creating beneficial change.  My LiA is with the make_sense organisation in Medellín, Colombia and focuses on Peace and Social Resilience within Picacho, an area in the city.   I look forward to connecting with many like-minded individuals who are eager to make significant change and adapt the needs of humanity in this climate crisis. 

Hi, I'm Sebastian, I'm a creative professional with experience in the communications field. I recently completed my leadership-in-action project in Medellín, Colombia, focused on supporting local non-profits with innovative funding and communication strategies. My Laidlaw research delved into the topic of mental health and communication strategies for older adult populations. I am passionate about community engagement and sustainable solutions, collaborating with diverse teams to drive impactful results. I am now onto my placement year at the University of Leeds, while also continuing my social volunteer work with local organisations such as @sasha_uol and @rainbowjunktion. I'm also always more than happy for a chat but the best results are reaching out on LinkedIn ⭐