Hi, here is Renie:) I am an undergraduate student at HKU majoring in Sociology. I have keen interests in Latin America studies, urban studies, film studies, and community construction. As a queer feminist, I also practice sociology in a everyday sense, weaving love and the tenderest corner in a creative way - treating daily life as sociological act and photography as spatial documentation. For my Laidlaw research, I will work on a project named Telling Operatic Stories: Race, ethics, and authenticity at the University of Leeds. Given the breadth of the interdisciplinary nature of opera studies, this research will include, while not limited to musicology, performance studies, and sociology, in a way of exploring decolonization, ethics, and representation. 

Hello everyone! This is Sarah. I graduated from The University of Hong Kong in 2025 July and start my professional journey in actuarial science based in Hong Kong. The laidlaw scholar experience in Mexico is a very valuable opportunity for me to meet new friends from different cultural background and really learn to contribute to the world. I do appreciate connecting with people. Please PM me if you want to have a new friend in Hong Kong!

My name is Alessia and I am going into my 3rd Year of Psychology at the University of York. I am currently researching action perception and how autism can impact it. In my free time, I like to delve deeper into the human-computer interaction and the future of AI, as well as topics in marketing and global competitiveness.

I study Physics and Chemistry, and undertook research in synthetic and analytical inorganic chemistry. The aim of my project was to optimise the carbon dioxide adsorption behaviour (by optimising pore structure changes, gating effects and pore sizes) of merlinoite (zeolite) molecular sieves, for use in carbon capture in industry. This included development of reliable synthetic routes for merlinoites and developing an analytical model for their kinetic adsorption behaviour. The work will hopefully lead to further work, producing practical results which can be implemented to make gas purification in industrial processes, natural gas upgrading and waste processing more environmentally friendly. My Leadership in Action programme involved working with Grupo PROMESA on the circular economy by working on their "Recilcando x un Techo" recycling scheme in Mexico City, partnered with Make Sense Americas. My future research interests lie at the interface between physics and chemistry, particularly in solid state chemistry and in developing and using novel analytical techniques. I am interested in materials engineering, particularly within the energy sector, for example in carbon capture, nuclear fusion energy, and renewables. I also have a recent interest in patent law. Outside of studying and research, I have keen interests in writing fiction, amateur rocketry/aeronautics, cookery and philosophy. I play tennis, football and chess.

I am an MMath Mathematics student at the University of St Andrews, focusing on Applied Maths and Statistics. I have long been passionate about Mathematics, History, and Languages, studying Russian alongside my Mathematics degree. I also care strongly about education, dedicating much of my time to tutoring different levels of Mathematics to various children and teens of different ages. Through Laidlaw, I have recognised that my key strengths of confidence, communication, and curiosity can be applied to leadership and that there is no archetypal leader. 

Hello! I am a Human Development major interested in translational research, specifically pertaining to educational settings and mentorship programs. As a Filipino-American, I am  passionate about focusing my research on my cultural identity and targeting gaps of knowledge within psychology in POC communities. My project involves the development of purpose workshops for educators and youth programs within Manila, Philippines. Would love to chat! 

I am an impassioned student deeply engaged in the multifaceted realm of social and political science. At the heart of my academic pursuits lies an ardent exploration of critical theory, where scholars like Foucault, Fanon, Mbembe, Tyler and Rodney build transformative insights. My scholarly interests are wide-ranging, encompassing a nuanced understanding of anti-colonialism and its enduring impact on global dynamics. The urgency of global issues fuels my exploration of global apartheid and necropolitics, where I scrutinise the intersections of power, race, and sovereignty in our interconnected world. My current extracurricular focuses are drug policy and refugee rights, through an intersectional lens with issues of race, class, and disability being considered. In the realm of disability studies, my focus extends to unravelling societal constructs that perpetuate ableism, pushing the boundaries of inclusivity and accessibility in my research. Simultaneously, I delve into the intricate dynamics of capital, exploring economic disparities and the role of capitalism in shaping global power structures. When envisioning my future, I aspire to be the head researcher at a non-governmental organisation (NGO), where I can translate my academic passion into impactful initiatives, contributing meaningfully to social justice causes and transformative change. 

Hello! My name is Ellesha, I am studying Natural Sciences specialising in Chemistry at the University of York, pursuing an MChem. With a background in Biology and Environment, I am very interested in organic chemistry with medicinal applications, and chemistry with applications in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable living. I believe the purpose of scientific research is to improve lives and that science is of paramount importance in achieving a sustainable, equal future. My research project studies the effects of enhanced mineral weathering on leachate pH and metal concentrations, soil microbial activity, and plant growth, as a potential geoengineering method utilised to mitigate the effects of climate change. I am very happy to connect with people with similar interests and to respond to any questions!

Hi! I'm Irene.  I'm studying chemistry at the Uni of York. I'm really interested in environmental chemistry and atmospheric sciences (and anything that involves the sea!) .  In my free time I do triathlon and Waterpolo.

Hi, currently, I am working with Timothy Smith Network as an instructor in Boston, MA. My research was about the relation between sport entertainment industry on adults’ (sport fans) engagement in physical activity. I am majoring in accounting and minoring in finance at the University of Hong Kong. Please reach out if you want to discuss.

I am a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and the lead for the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme at The University of York.  Prior to joining the University of York, my career was in policing focusing on selection and assessment, leadership development, organisation change and culture, and diversity, equality and inclusion.  I completed my BSc Psychology course at The University of Manchester and went straight on to complete my MSc Occupational Psychology course at Northumbria University. I then completed the Qualification in Occupational Psychology (QOccPsych) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) to become a chartered Occupational Psychologist. 

I am a 2021 Laidlaw Scholar from the University of York, focusing my research on the question:  How was the U.K. Labour Party changed their discourse and proposed to challenge domestic poverty and inequality since 2010? I have been involved in Politics at a local, grassroots level, including community campaigning, and previously worked for Rachel Reeves MP in her constituency office. As a Politics student, I am interested in all things political and anything related to International Relations, with particular interest on the European Union, Women in Politics and International Development. 

Hello! I am Pritika and am a second-year Medical Engineering student at the University of York. my research proposal is on how to develop a prosthetic that can grow with a child, so the child will not need to replace the prosthetic often. Furthermore, looking into the use of AI so the prosthetic can learn and develop alongside the side.

I'm a third year History student at the University of York, with an interest in archives and public history. Improving the accessibility of history is of great importance to me, both in terms of access to resources and the historical narrative. I've had experience in archives ranging from the Cambridge Arts Theatre, dating from 1934, to St Peter's School, York, which dates back to 627 AD. Whilst at the Arts Theatre I also received accredited training from the Oral History Society, which I have since been able to apply to other oral history community projects.

Hi, I'm Thomas (or Tom)  I'm a Third-Year medical student studying at Hull York Medical School (HYMS). So far, the course has been great and I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people. My research project focuses around an area of biology I have found super interesting since joining medical school - the blood and the immune system! As well as my studies, I am a Choral Singer for Hull Minster where I sing a whole range of music, as well as performing with other various music groups in the Yorkshire Area. I am also the Regional Student Volunteering Officer for the North East.  In terms of the future, my plans aren't completely set in stone yet - I'm open to many new experiences before I make that decision. If you have any questions for me, I would love for you to get in contact :)