I am Andrew Hamilton, I have a keen interest in both methods of quantative statistical analysis through R and also through the discipline of comparative politics, in looking at electoral turnout and civic participation in the UK. My work has included being a co author on a experiential case study on pedagogic practice into how methods of statistical analysis through R, can be made accessible for students with visual impairments. Millican, A., Toth, F., & Hamilton, A. (2025, December 4). Seeing differently: Making R accessible for visually impaired students through collaborative learning design. National Centre for Research Methods. https://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/id/eprint/5006/  Further I am an award winning disability rights activist and have a particular interest in disability rights and digital accessibility, work has included lobbied politicians, co-authored a UN report, delivered oral evidence to the UN CRPD committee’s inquiry into the UK government and most recently being invited to give a witness statement to the Covid 19 national enquiry alongside advising an Northern Irish MLA on a disability private members bill. Through my 4+ years experience of campaigning, I have developed a passion for media, as a tool to spread awareness. I am also passionate about ensuring young people have a voice in matters that affect them. Lastly I am an active participant in Durham University’s venture scene, having founded an award winning public affairs startup, Just Include, which aims to ensure that everyone has a voice within politics.

Hey! My name is Martha and I'm a first-year Psychology student studying at Durham University.  My research project examines how children in care engage with STEM subjects, exploring the barriers and opportunities that shape their educational experiences and long-term outcomes in this field. As previous research has shown that young people who are raised in care are eight times less likely to enrol in University and pursue STEM subjects, I believe that this gap demands immediate attention and targeted interventions so that there is equal access to STEM education for all young people, regardless of their background. I am really looking forward to starting this research as it is a subject that I care a great deal about. Growing up in a fostering family, working in HAF summer camps and completing work experience in Liverpool schools in challenging areas have all given me a clear and early understanding of the care sytem which has deepened my determination to address the inequlities that these young people face. 

Hi! My name is Yanna, and I’m a first-year Psychology student at Durham University.  My research project (supervised by Professor Zanna Clay) explores how empathy emerges and matures in young children across cultures. I feel that today, empathy is more important than ever. In an increasingly digital world, social connections are changing and the erosion of deep passions, interests, and morals are leading to more individualistic societies. Understanding how empathy develops could help us to nurture its growth and contribute to more cohesive and compassionate communities.  Additionally, I hope to highlight the importance of recognising both the similarities and differences in psychological development across cultures. By doing so, I aim to promote greater inclusivity within the scientific community and support the development of culturally sensitive approaches to research and practice.

Hi! My name is Imogen, and I am currently a first-year studying Psychology at Durham University. I am passionate about understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying everyday behaviour, which is why my research project is focussing on empathy development in children. My experience working with children from range of backgrounds as a volunteer tutor and a lifeguard have emphasised my interest in human behaviour, and the study of psychology constantly questions the classic nature vs nurture debate, as I intend to do. A key skill for leaders in empathy, so my hope is that my research can support understanding into neurodiversity and other conditions that cause empathy to develop in different ways, so that these people can have the best opportunities to succeed!

Hiya! I'm Thea, and I'm a first-year studying Classics at Durham University. Although Classics is a study of antiquity, I believe strongly in the real-world value of the skills and perspective it teaches. Because of this, I'm super excited to be a part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort with my research on the importance of ancient Greek language and culture in the education system. I'm greatly interested in governance and public policy, so I'd love to see my project have a real influence on the presence of Classical education in a wider range of young people's lives. Outside of academia, my hobbies include reading, film and video games, and I enjoy being active through going to the gym, yoga, and skiing!

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 ⭐

I am the leadership developer for the University of Leeds. I am passionate about learning and ways in which we can all bring more of our true selves to work. I am keen to open dialogues about how leadership can be both effective and human in the 21st Century. My influences include a quote I learnt whilst studying to be a teacher at university "there is no liberating influence than the knowledge that things have not always been as they are and need not remain so." (Simon. B.) So, you can see that as leaders of the future Laidlaw Scholars can bring about positive and lasting change - and how great that is! My qualifications include: BEd Hons,, MSc, CIPD Dip, ILM L5 Coaching & Mentoring, PG Cert Counselling, FHEA. I am accredited to run Quintax personality profile, PPA, TMSDI Team Profile, EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence.

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. 

Kristin began the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Scholars program at Cornell University and was responsible for undergraduate engagement in the Einaudi Center for International Studies. She now provides remote support for Global Cornell. A Cornell alumna, Kristin majored in international agriculture and rural development then worked in agriculture and community development with an NGO in Kenya for six years. Her graduate work focused on community leadership development. Kristin enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family (and 3 dogs).