Dr Paul Burgum (He/Him)

Career Development Fellow , Durham University
Axel Morgan

Student, Durham University

Hey! I am a current leadership & research scholar, focusing on homelessness and democracy. Before beginning my degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Durham University, I volunteered for homelessness organizations, working alongside public and private sector to tackle homelessness and health inequalities. Alongside this, I have worked in construction, and have maintained my interest via gardening at university, and my woodwork business KarhuKraft. I love all things sport (especially table tennis), nature, and history! Feel free to get in touch. 
Catherine Amburgey

Research Assistant, Purpose and Identity Process Lab

Hello! I am a Human Development major interested in translational research, specifically pertaining to educational settings and mentorship programs. As a Filipino-American, I am  passionate about focusing my research on my cultural identity and targeting gaps of knowledge within psychology in POC communities. My project involves the development of purpose workshops for educators and youth programs within Manila, Philippines. Would love to chat! 
Yordan Tsanov

Direct Marketing Client Services at EuroFinance, Durham University

Hello, Laidlaw community. I am a Durham University BA graduate in Anthropology and Archaeology. I was interested in understanding colonial imperialism in the post-socialist space. As an anthropologist I decided to research in particular Russian and Soviet practices of social governance of non-Russian people, therefore I explored ethnographically the various understandings of the ethnic identity of the contemporary Cossacks.
Reuben Morris-Dyer

Art History and Film Undergraduate, University of St Andrews

Hello! I'm Reuben, an Art History and Film student researching 'The Sonic Body: Technology, Embodiment, Gender' with the University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. I am also a student filmmaker and illustrator, and host 'The Theory of Everything Podcast' for StAR Radio.
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.
Charlie Bingham

Student , University of York

I am an Archaeology student at the University of York. My main areas of research interest are focused around using primatology to teach us about the origins of our own species and our behaviours. However, my Laidlaw research project is giving me the unique opportunity to explore another area of Archaeology, ancient plant DNA. My project, entitled, 'Historic Corn Smut: Using ancient DNA methods to understand the risk to UK agriculture', is allowing me to learn about ancient DNA methods during my undergraduate degree. This is something I would not normally get the opportunity to do until masters level. The project is an exciting insight into the evolution of a particular fungal pathogen and looking at the risk this evolutionary progress poses to farming in the UK. As well as being a busy student, I am also a mother of two children under five years of age. Combining these two things has taught me the importance of time management, prioritising and has made me even more determined to succeed.
Farida Augustine

Undergraduate Researcher , University of Leeds

Hello! I am a penultimate year French and Politics student at the University of Leeds with the drive and tenacity to effect positive change on a global scale. My research focuses on identifying West African resistance fighters in the Second World War. I have also developed a keen interest in the Francophone world, French philosophy and Post-colonial Feminist security studies.
Ellen Yang

Research Scholar, Durham University

An Education Studies students at Durham University. My research is based on the how digital literacies can affect the social wellbeing of the older generations. I am particularly interested in the education for the elderlies as I believe education can benefit all individuals, not just the younger generations.
Giammarco Di Gregorio

PhD Student (Neuroscience), Durham University

I’m a proud care-experienced Neuroscientist. My research focuses on how serotonin and psychedelics shape neuroplasticity in brain regions greatly affected by early-life adversity. In my experiments, I measure how well brain cells can talk to each other during natural serotonin release and following the administration of classic psychedelics (e.g., magic mushrooms). Care-experienced young people represent one of the largest untapped STEM talent pools in the UK. They have all the potential required to succeed and yet, they are still eight times less likely to enrol in university and choose a STEM subject. Care-experienced young people don’t lack talent, they lack the opportunities to unlock it. In my early 20s, I migrated to the UK in search of a brighter future, when I still couldn't speak the language. During my time in care, I struggled at school and didn’t do well academically. But the Foundation Programme at Durham University gave me the chance to catch up and build the confidence I needed. Four years later, I graduated at Durham as the top student in my cohort - with an average mark of over 80%. Only when potential meets opportunity talent can thrive. Driven by this belief, I founded WISHFULICIOUS to give children in care and care-experienced young people the opportunity to see that STEM isn’t just for “someone else” - it’s for them too. To start-up this initiative, I’ve baked and sold cookies, run a small online fundraising campaign, and am now part of the The CareLeaders Fellowship where I’m working to lay the foundation for delivering our first STEM programme. If you share this mission or simply want to help open doors for care-experienced people, I’d love to connect and hear from you!
Lorenzo Molinari (he/him)

Technology Consulting Associate, PwC UK

Hello everyone! My name is Lorenzo and I am currently a Technology Consulting Associate at PwC and I have previously completed a Biomedical Engineering degree at UCL. In my Laidlaw experience I specialised in Autism Research, from a psychological and engineering perspective, investigating perceptual load capacity and early diagnosis technique using novel medical imaging techniques. I am very passionate about innovative economics, education and technology - let's chat! :)
Chiara Maurino

student, Durham

I am passionate about literature and foreign languages. I love creative writing and hope to pursue a career in an artistic field. A lot of my research involved finding out about the horrific military dictatorships in Argentina and Uruguay towards the end of the 20th century. For this reason, I have become really interested in the notion of emotional trauma, how it can leave invisible scars on a population, and how it can haunt a nation. I'm also a huge fan of podcasts and hope to start my own one day! I'm in love with The Poetry Exchange podcast and the BBC Arts and Ideas!
Jon-Francis Forward

Student, Durham University

I am currently studying Geography BSc at Durham University, specialising in terrestrial morphological processes, in particular, the effect of land-use change on coastal erosion and its socioeconomic impacts. Have got a job lined in up in the environmental consulting sector, focused on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for large infrastructure projects such as High Speed 2 and the Heathrow Expansion.
Capone

Administrative Coordinator, Tufts University

Research and Academic Administration
Elif True

Researcher , University of York

Since 2015, I have been passionate about ending poverty in the UK. I began my journey as a campaigner against poverty in my local area with Poverty Ends Now, a young person lead group ran by Children North East. Since then, I have represented the UK in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and other positions of influence with poverty as my main focus point. My Laidlaw Scholarship research project is all about the relationship between language, meaning and poverty. By understanding and changing unhelpful public discourse about poverty, we can start to shift power.
Lucy Morris

Laidlaw Project Officer, Durham University

Nikol Chen

Design and Development Manager, Laidlaw Foundation

Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over five years, working to strengthen our global Scholar community and amplify the impact of our programmes. My work lives somewhere between design, education, and anthropology, usually with sticky notes involved. I studied Human Sciences as an undergrad and am currently doing a Master’s in Anthropology at UCL. Degrees I struggle to explain at parties. Born and raised in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Outside of work? Probably in the ceramics studio, wandering aimlessly with a podcast in my ears, attempting a handstand, or watching far too much TV. Big fan of nature and very small bugs.