Dan-Thi Nguyen (She/Her)

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.

Dear Laidlaw community, My name is Esteban Germann, and I am thrilled to be part of the Laidlaw Scholars Network as a 2023 Laidlaw Scholar EPFL. I'm currently on an exciting journey as an architecture student at EPFL/ETHZ. My focus is on how the built environment affects humans and the way we live. Exploring this constantly evolving field, with its endless interdisciplinary connections, motivates me to create better living spaces for everyone! During my research summer, I had the opportunity to carry out a research project in Professor Andersen's LIPID laboratory (EPFL). I worked on the development and use of high dynamic range images, exploring the complex world of light and its implications for human perception and visual comfort. For my Leadership-in-Action project, I partnered with Stanford University and the Chinatown Community Development Center to investigate the impact of sustainable renovations on the well-being of low-income tenants in San Francisco’s Chinatown. My focus the effects of thermal renovations on residents' health and financial security. This experience provided invaluable insights into how architectural interventions affect human well-being. My Laidlaw journey is an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life! I met wonderful people along the way. It was through sharing with others that I truly learned. Feel free to reach out, I'd love to connect! All the best ;) Esteban Germann EPFL | Laidlaw Scholar | Class of 2023

Pianist and learning enthusiast. Tremendously interested in Robotics and its various applications.

On weekdays, I'm a microengineering student fascinated by 3D bioprinting of living tissue, wearable devices, electronic skin,  soft robotics and neural interfaces.  On weekends, I'm a House and Freestyle Hip-Hop dancer.

Hello! I've directed the Laidlaw Scholars Program at Brown University since 2023. I care deeply about lifting up the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and engaged scholars to create a more just and equitable world. My PhD is in U.S. History and Gender Studies with a focus on families, childhood and youth. Send me a message if you'd like to connect! My Clifton Strengths are: Achiever, Relator, Strategic, Learner, Individualization 

Hello :)  My name is Alixe Kirbihler and I am a 2023 Laidlaw scholar. I am currently a third-year Life Sciences engineering bachelor student at EPFL & an exchange student at KTH in Stockholm. I am really interested in neurosciences, the biomedical field and, more generally, anything related to engineering.  Confirmed enthusiast of any outdoors activities, I am willing to discuss with you about any subjects, should it be STEM or climbing-hiking-skiing-diving related ;)  My research during 2023’s summer focused on characterising a novel D.Melanogaster mutant that perturbs synapse arborisation. It took place in Professor McCabe’s laboratory (for more information: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/mccabelab/research/).  My leadership in action last summer consisted of developing and implementing projects aimed at supporting emerging local cooperatives, women’s entrepreneurial initiatives, educational excellence, and improving the employability and mental health of young people. I am really glad to be part of this community that gathers such inspiring and dedicated scholars and can’t wait to meet you !

I’m Cris, an engineer and builder. I started with Arduinos in high school and went on to study Microengineering at EPFL. At ETH Zurich, I’m now doing a master’s in Robotics, focusing on AI, Computer Vision and Reinforcement Learning. I co-founded Carebotics to help caregivers spend less time on admin and more time with people. I care about building tech that’s useful, simple, and human.

Joel was the Laidlaw Programme Coordinator for Trinity (2018 - 2024). In this role he managed leadership development activities, student coaching, programme design, and the day-to-day support of the Laidlaw Scholars. He is currently the Equality Officer for Trinity, and works to promote equity, belonging, and non-discrimination for Trinity staff, students, and the wider Trinity community, in all areas of university life and with particular regard to the protected grounds in equality legislation. He has previously worked in a range of higher education development roles including student services and global engagement. In 2026 he is a supervisor for a Laidlaw Scholar research project entitled 'A Class Education: How does Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic status in 2026?'. He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBTIQ+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence and creating social good by championing an accessible, diverse higher education environment. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, and further qualifications in Learning, Development and Coaching (CIPD), EDI Policy and People; Teaching, Learning and Assessment for Academic Practice (TCD), and as a Certified Student Affairs Educator (HECSAC).

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.