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'm a chemist in my final year of the MChem with Industrial Placement programme at the University of St Andrews. My research focused on improvements to a Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell (DSSC) process used in the St Andrews undergraduate laboratory. For a brief overview, see my poster, or for a deeper dive you can read my research essay. My six week project was with _makesense Colombia and Picacho con futuro in Medellín to create socially innovative solutions to the challenges of sustainability and circular economy, designing and delivering workshops to understand what these concepts meant to the people and then to explore ways in which their lives intersect with the natural world.
Academic Interests
I'm currently researching solid-state materials including hexagonal tungsten bronzes and their structure-property relationships under selective doping. Outside of my research project, I'm also taking courses in catalysis, asymmetric synthesis and macromolecular bonding interactions. In my degree, I've also studied some astronomy and astrophysics - there's nothing like a good night looking at the stars!
Personal Interests
Outside of academic life, you'll find me always up for a board game (I was Secretary of a board game society once). I'm learning guitar, doing my best to pick French back up after a few years and have always been a great fan of cooking delicious food!
I am a junior undergraduate student at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island studying Political Science and Social Analysis and Research intending to attend law school after graduation. I believe in the power of people and am dedicated to creating substantial change socially and systemically. I am interested in utilizing policy, law, journalism, and education to empower marginalized groups to create change and work toward a more equitable society.
Amy is the Programme Director of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme. She works with universities, NGO’s, government departments, businesses and charity partners to manage and develop programmes which further the Laidlaw Foundation’s purpose – to reduce poverty and inequality by investing in the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented and to develop a new generation of diverse and ethical leaders.
Prior to joining the Laidlaw Foundation, Amy spent 9 years leading the US-UK Fulbright Scholarship Programme, working with students, academics, professionals, and teachers across every discipline. She has gained 15+ years working within Higher Education and is passionate about cultural exchange and the benefits it can bring to impactful research and solving global challenges. Prior to this, she led faculty-led programmes hosting US students in the UK and managed a busy student services. She studied American Studies at Sheffield University and University of Pittsburgh.
Laidlaw Scholar Alumna at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, I'm often found at the piano🎹, mesmerized in a theatre🎭, or painting away the night with friends🎨. If our paths align in interests or work, why not connect? Ping me, and let's connect on LinkedIn.