Carys Williams (She/Her)

Medical Student, University of Cambridge
Hey, I’m Adam! I’m currently a medical student at HKU, and I've developed a bit of an obsession with vascular neurology - specifically how brain blood vessels dictate what happens during a stroke and how patients recover. For my Laidlaw project, I’m working with stem cells and assembloids to try and model these exact interactions. Outside of medicine, I like keeping my mind and body active. I’m big into the gym and basketball, and I genuinely enjoy diving into long-term investing and strategy-heavy video games. Ultimately, I’m just trying to build a career where I can combine hands-on clinical neurology with meaningful research. Feel free to reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn!
Charlie Matthew Davenport

Laidlaw Scholar, Durham University

Hi! My name's Charlie, I'm doing a research project on surrogate functions for solar panel optimisation on tall vertical facades. I'll be comparing optimisation methods between surrogate functions, particle swarm optimisation and genetic optimisation.  I'm studying Engineering, but when I'm not working I am a part of DU Solarcar (looking forward to the European Solar Challenge 2026!), as well as going to church and running in my free time. I'm always up for a game of chess or a chat about science. I'm also learning French and Spanish in my free time. Fun fact: I'm also enrolled on a Welsh language course at Prifysgol Bangor!
Rizlane Ouslimani

Student , University of Leeds

Hi everyone! I’m a first-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in biomedical engineering, particularly at the intersection of sustainability and healthcare. I’m also passionate about environmental and energy-related challenges, and I’m eager to explore how engineering and innovation can contribute to more sustainable systems. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow scholars through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, exchanging ideas, and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and ambitions. 😊
Rusen Ugursal

Medical Student, University of Cambridge

Yu Hong Aletta Pang

Medical Student, Imperial College London

Akshaya Nishanthan

Medical Student, University of St. Andrews

Baran Bahari

Bachelor student, EPFL

Jayden Tang

Student/Researcher , University of Toronto

Hi everyone, my name is Jayden! I'm entering my third-year at the University of Toronto, studying Environmental Health and Disease. My research and academic interests lie within digital health and emerging technologies, and this summer, I'll be researching AI implementation in healthcare.  I also love to read, talk about music, and go for drives! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! 
Iman Osman

Medical Student, Imperial College

Anastasia Gaynullina

Student, New York University

Erin Yoo

Student, Columbia University

Hi, I'm in the Columbia College Class of 2029, interested in exploring the intersections of neurobiology and storytelling, particularly the stories behind the science. My Laidlaw research project delves into the molecular and behavioral signatures of pain and stress in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in mice. 
Sofia Penttilä

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Toronto

Hi! My name is Sofia, and I am going into my third year at the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Neuroscience and Philosophy. I am originally from Helsinki, Finland, but I have moved around throughout my life, living in California and, most recently, Toronto, Canada.  My academic interests include neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells,  philosophy, and building healthier communities through translational research. I love rock climbing, cooking, trying different cuisines, reading, biking, and exploring new cities. 
Niyati Patel

Student, UCL, Co-founder and treasurer UCL Audiology Society, UCL

Hello, I'm Niyati! A first year BSc Audiology student at UCL interested in the advancing technology behind cochlear implants and hearing aids. My research explores how mental states affect movement and how, by understanding states such as Catatonia, we can treat mental disorders more effectively.
Charlene Kok

Student, Imperial College London

Victoria Ayodele

Undergraduate, Duke University Laidlaw Scholars Program

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.
Anna Grace Mohanty

Student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hi, everyone! I'm a second-year student at MIT majoring in bioengineering and women/gender studies. I am a pre-med student, passionate about women's healthcare and accessibility. I am currently doing a research project on related to early endometriosis lesion formation at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, UK.  Outside of the lab, I love fashion (even though I mainly wear sweatpants) and literature. I've been really into beading and embroidery this summer, and am currently reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I have loved getting to know the Laidlaw cohort at MIT and Cambridge University, so please reach out with any questions or to say hi! 
Isaac Macallan

Student, Durham Univeristy

Aiden Masiero

Student, Durham University

Sabaa Majid

Medical Student, University of St Andrews

Mia Strickland

Student, University of Cambridge