Cothney Theresa Lasaracina

Student Researcher, University of Leeds
Tyler Carriaga

Lester B. Pearson Scholar, Architecture and Public Policy, University of Toronto

Hello! I'm Tyler Carriaga, a recipient of a full-ride merit scholarship at the University of Toronto, where I'm studying Architecture and Public Policy. I strive to continue evolving my personal and technical skills in my journey of learning how to help (quite literally) build greener, more resilient, and equitable communities.
Shoshana Daly

Student, Tufts University

Biochemistry Major on a premedical track Researcher in the Hengel Lab at Tufts Biology Research on DNA repair proteins Passionate about global and public health 
Amanda Flanagan

Student , Trinity College

Ajibola Bolanle

Investment Specialist , Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund

Ajibola's career journey has evolved from a management consultant role at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to becoming an infrastructure investment specialist at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). Her future aspirations are driven by her strong dedication to the development of infrastructure in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Ajibola has devoted her professional life to contributing to development and social impact projects in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the nation’s healthcare and infrastructure development. These experiences have equipped her with indispensable skills and expertise that fuel her commitment to advancing Nigeria's development. With a bachelor’s degree in economics, her long-term goal is to establish a Pan-African development finance institution focused on impact and infrastructure investments.
Holly Toombs

3rd year student reading Psychology and Linguistics, University of Oxford

Hi, I'm Holly! I'm really interested in Psychology, Linguistics, social action, and policy. I completed my Laidlaw research project last summer (2024), on UK policy around extra-curricular activities. This summer (2025), I completed my LiA in Mexico, designing a social media campaign for an NGO supporting survivors of gender-based violence. I'm currently completing an undergraduate research project on beliefs and knowledge in Semantics and Pragmatics. Next academic year, my Master's project will look at the spread of mental health misinformation on social media. Would love to chat more if you have any questions!
Hi! I'm a student in micro-engineering at EPFL, interested in nano-science. I love travelling, biking and film-making.
Isabel Iino

Student, Barnard College, Columbia University

Isabel Iino is an American Studies and Economic and Social History student at Barnard College, Columbia University. 
Neasa Nic Corcráin

Environmental Science and Engineering Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! My name is Neasa Nic Corcráin and I’m an Environmental Science and Engineering student at Trinity College Dublin. My research project is titled “Investigating the link between heavy metals in menstrual hygiene products and hormonal reproductive health" This research aims to explore how heavy metals commonly found in menstrual products,  like lead and arsenic, may impact hormonal health in the short term. I’ll be testing a range of products in collaboration with an analytical laboratory, running a survey to assess self-reported hormonal symptoms, and analysing the data to understand potential risks. I’m also interested in how aware consumers are of these risks and hope the project will help advocate for safer product formulations, clearer labelling, and stronger regulations. I look forward to meeting other members of the Laidlaw community, feel free to contact me!
Genevieve Olive Esguerra

Assistant Vice President, Security Bank Corporation

Risandi Kodagoda

Student, University of St Andrews

Hello! I am an incoming third year Mathematics student at the University of St Andrews, and my Laidlaw research project is geared at investigating the intersection between coloniality and mathematics and its impacts on students from the Global South. It is the product of my (rather polar) interests in English Literature and Mathematics!
Eliana Amoh

University Student, Cornell University

I am a junior at Cornell University majoring in Global Development with a concentration in social and economic development. My interest lies in education, employment, and migration. Within this interest, I have delved into the correlation between education, the workforce, and migration & mobility (especially the concept “brain drain” and "brain gain"). I am passionate about improving global access to social and economic opportunities that young people have to leverage their human capital. With experience serving as Diversity Ambassador for the Cornell Undergraduate Office and Research Assistant for Professor Ivory’s “African Futures Project,” I strive to understand youth holistically from primary and secondary insight. I aspire to work in law for a youth development and/or an international organization.
Florian Muennich

Undergraduate student, Durham University

Hetal Katewa

MBA student , IE Business School

Caitlin Prescott

Student, University of Cambridge

Hi, I’m Caitlin. I am a History & Politics student at the University of Cambridge; in particular, I love American History, local politics and modern politics of both the UK & US. I am from Liverpool and play cricket at university. This year, I am also helping run Feminist Society and History Society at my college. 
Sara Vaccino

Computer Science Student, EPFL

Hello! My name is Sara, and I'm a soon to be second-year computer science undergrad student at EPFL, in Switzerland. I am passionate about technology, and how it can be used to help communities. My research this summer is in system security, a branch of cybersecurity. I will expand, and improve the accuracy of, Magma, a benchmark for fuzzers - a software testing technique using randomized input (data) to reveal the faults in the program. This technique helps finding bugs (errors) that would not  have been reached using other popular tests. My goal is to find and implement Proof-of-Concepts - files that prove that a specific faulty part of the code can be reached and can trigger an error (a crash).  Besides coding, I enjoy all kinds of sports (currently (beach) volleyball and basketball), as well as reading. I also enjoy spending time in nature, be it on a hike or just in a park, or by a lake. I love traveling, discovering new places and cultures, and meeting new people. I am enjoy meeting new people and sharing perspectives, so please don't hesitate to contact me!
Yara Alhajji

Student , University of Leeds

Hello, my name is Yara Alhajji. I’m a 3rd year dental student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in public health, paediatric dentistry, and community outreach. As someone with lived experience as a Syrian refugee, I’m deeply passionate about equity in healthcare access and using my platform to give back to underrepresented communities. Over the past few years, I’ve actively participated in several outreach programmes including OpenWide, Raised in Yorkshire, and Reach for Expense, all aimed at improving dental awareness and education across diverse populations. I’ve proudly been part of OpenWide for three consecutive years initially as the Primary School Representative, then as President, and currently serving as the Outreach Representative. The society works to bridge the gap between dental professionals and the wider community, delivering workshops for people of all ages. Through the society I’ve initiated a collaboration with Raised in Yorkshire, a long term outreach and research initiative exploring public understanding of dental health and shaping how we engage communities more meaningfully. Outside of dentistry, I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and challenging myself through physical activities. My background and personal journey continue to fuel my drive to advocate for inclusive healthcare and make a positive impact through both clinical practice and community-led research. Feel free to reach out to me on here or through my email dn23ya@leeds.ac.uk or through my Instagram account! 
Sky Taylor

Undergraduate Aerospace Engineer, University of Leeds

I’m a first-year Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Leeds and a proud 2025 Laidlaw Scholar. I’m actively involved with the Leeds University Rocketry Association (LURA), where I work as a Recovery Engineer and Operations Coordinator. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about adventure and personal growth - I’m currently training for my solo skydiving licence, I practice kickboxing, and I’m always up for a thrill. I’m a people person who loves connecting with others, learning new things, and making the most of every opportunity. My research project is 'Development of High-fidelity Underwater Recording system for Capturing Coral Soundscape'.
Dr Corey Crossan

Research and Teaching Scholar, The Oxford Character Project

Qhakazile Mathebula

Senior Project Manager, City Power

Hi! My name is Sam (he/him) and I am from the UK. I am in my first year of studying Arts and Sciences BASc at UCL, majoring in Engineering and minoring in Cultures. My Laidlaw research focuses on understanding the emotional experiences of students in university education under different teaching methods and assessment formats. By providing a platform for students to authentically voice their opinions, I hope to make actionable recommendations through my project that will enhance the university learning experience and ultimately improve student satisfaction.  In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar, going on runs with friends, and visiting new places. I am very grateful to be part of the Laidlaw programme and I would love to connect with other scholars, so please feel free to get in touch!