Kristen DSouza

Student Researcher, Cornell University

Hi! I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying industrial and labor relations and pursuing a minor in inequality studies. My research focuses on intercultural communication in the workplace, analyzing the communication styles of first-generation Indian-American business professionals. I've always been interested in capturing people's stories, and hope to translate that to an informed research report on today's multicultural business landscape.  In my free time, I enjoy reading books (anything Toni Morrison or James Baldwin!) and trying in vain to accomplish a sub-20-second finish in the New York Times mini crossword. 
Shilvaan Patel

Student, Cornell University

I am a freshman from San Mateo, CA studying Policy Analysis and Management in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell interested in using economics and public policy to identify and implement policies that can increase economic opportunity for the underserved.
Scott Siegel

Student, Cornell University

Medha Bulumulla

Student, Cornell University

I grew up in Upstate New York, near Albany, NY, and spent my freshmen year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m studying Information Sciences with a concentration in Data Science I hope to help make sustainable changes in the world through data analysis and research. In my free time, I enjoy painting, crocheting, and making clothing.
Maiko Sein

Student, Cornell University

Hello! I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University. My home is Brooklyn, New York. I am interested in using architecture to tell stories and about people and place.
Lia Sokol

Student, Cornell University

Hi! My name is Lia, and I am in my final year at Cornell University. I'm majoring in Government and pursuing an independent major that combines politics, international studies, and sociology. My first-year Laidlaw project was focused on researching Russian political parties in the lead-up to the country's 2021 parliamentary elections. During my second summer, I traveled to Choma, Zambia through the Laidlaw centralized project with Columbia University.
Elena Chatrchyan

Student, Cornell University

My name is Elena Chatrchyan (she/her) and I am an incoming third year student, studying International Agriculture and Rural Development at Cornell University. My concentration at school is in Economics and Development and I am also minoring in Business. My research is about current soil health initiatives in Armenia, what farmers know about soil health and what do they do to manage and actively improve soil health. Ultimately, with this research I am going to be developing a soil health roadmap for Armenia. I chose this research topic because I find soils really interesting and have been actively working with soils for the past year. Healthy soil is going to be the key to not only adapt to climate change but help us mitigate it as well, making soils extremely important to study.  I am from Ithaca, New York in the United States. When I'm not studying/working, I like to ski in the winter and swim in the summer! I also love all types of music. When I have a lot of extra time, I like baking and cooking. Ask me about anything I've said above. Like most people, I love talking about my hobbies, studies and work. That being said, I'd love to connect with any other Scholars! I love learning about other peoples hobbies, and work, especially those belonging to my fellow scholars!
Desai Wang

Student, Cornell University

I am a second-year student in the Bachelor of Architecture program at Cornell University. I am passionate about design and exploring how the built environment can positively impact people and cities. Through the Laidlaw program, I hope to research how the street characteristics affect people’s travel mode choice and collaborate with communities to create more walkable streets. In my free time, I enjoy running and hiking. I also love exploring new places and learning new languages!
Mira Kudva Driskell (she/they)

Student, Cornell University

Hello! My name is Mira—I'm a student at Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences studying International Agriculture and Rural Development, with minors in Latin American Studies and Urban and Regional Studies. In the past, my research focuses have included ecology in the Nilgiris biosphere, plant pathology, indigenous citizenship regimes, landscape design, the politics of resource extraction, with other areas of interest including indigenous ways of knowing, anti-racist citizen science, and climate justice. Through Laidlaw, I hope to investigate on the conflicts and interactions between grassroots organizers and political parties in Spain, with a particular focus on populist discourse at the national level and Participatory Action Research (PAR) at the communal level. In my free time, I enjoy farming, hiking, and cooking with friends (over Zoom for the time being!).  
Krinal Thakkar

Cornell University Undergraduate student , Cornell University

Dana Oshiro

Student, Cornell University

My name is Dana Oshiro, and I am a freshman at Cornell University.  I am majoring in Neurobiology & Behavior. I also plan on pursuing an MD degree after college. Last summer, I researched the Economic Costs of Domestic Violence. I am grateful to have continued along that topic this summer in Vietnam where I developed interventions to combat adverse childhood events.
Sarina Zhou

Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University

Hi, everyone! My name is Sarina Zhou, a Class of 2024 student at Cornell University! I am major in Economics and minor in Law and Society. The aim of my research is to implement the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Barbados, bridge the gap in understanding between legislators and their constituents, and improve the lives of those in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. I always seek opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge in various subject areas, particularly in the fields of law and business. I hope to pursue a career in immigration or corporate law in the future. Also, fun fact: I am an artist specializing in acrylic landscape painting and graphite portrait drawing! Please don't hesitate to connect with me! :)
Matthew Fackrell

Laidlaw Undergraduate Research Scholar, Durham University

Anthropology and Sociology Undergraduate; from Bristol, UK. I am completing a research project on narrative transmission and reproduction, looking at how oral accounts of geological events are passed down accurately over generations. By understanding how narratives are constructed I am keen to explore interdisciplinary approaches, particularly between Anthropology, Linguistics, Computer-Human Interaction, and Cognition. Other interests include literature, art and photography, architecture, astronomy, and outdoor pursuits.
Andrew Talone

Laidlaw Scholar, Cornell University

Hello! My name is Andrew Talone. I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am a first-year student in the College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University, planning to double major in Government and Economics and minor in Arabic. My academic and research interests include (but are in no way limited to) human rights, international and U.S. politics, political theory, macroeconomic policy, and foreign languages. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I plan to research the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in Barbados. Feel free to reach out if we share interests or you would like to connect!
Kristin Ramsay

Former Laidlaw Scholars Program Manager, Cornell University

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).
Ethan Goldman

Scholar, Cornell University

I am from South Orange, New Jersey and I am currently studying Computer Science and Linguistics at Cornell University. I’ve always been fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of technology and my goal is to find ways to connect technology with other fields to affect positive change. I’m incredibly excited to implement this technological approach in my research project, where I’ll be using data to analyze local effects of maquiladoras and international policies. Outside of academics, I’m an Arts and Sciences Ambassador and Peer Advisor, a member of the Cornell Blockchain club, and an avid rock climber.