Hi! I'm Lexie, an undergraduate psychology student at Durham University. I'm an aspiring clinical psychologist, with a particular interest in eating disorders, body image, and neurodivergence.

Hi all! My name is Rachel, and I am a junior in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. I am majoring in International Politics with a concentration in Security Studies. I am also pursuing a minor in Justice and Peace Studies and a certificate in Diplomatic Studies. Originally, I am from Michigan, and in my free time I enjoy painting, swimming, and reading.  This summer my faculty mentored project is titled Geopolitical Analysis for Maps of the Modern World, and I have conducted my research under the supervision of Mark Giordano, who is a Professor of Geography and the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at Georgetown. The project focuses on Central Asia, and the ways in which the region is increasingly becoming a center of international politics and trade. It explores this phenomenon by investigating increasing foreign interest in the region through mapping. Ultimately, this project seeks to understand the causes, signs, and impacts of increasing foreign influence in Central Asia.

Hi! I’m Alina, an undergraduate Biochemistry student with a strong passion for meaningful work that has a positive impact on the world. I’m particularly fascinated by health sciences, and my long-term goal is to contribute to making healthcare more accessible, equitable, and effective. I believe that starts with improving the quality of health information and ends with optimizing how healthcare is delivered, whether through advances in pharmaceutical research or innovations in point-of-care solutions. To explore this mission, I’ve chosen to pursue an interdisciplinary research project within the School of Medicine, despite my degree being based in the School of Biology. My research focuses on direct-to-consumer health screening tests offered to generally well individuals in the UK. These tests (for instance at-home genetic screenings) are becoming increasingly popular for promoting autonomy in personal health management. However, they also pose risks, including misinformation, false positives, and overdiagnosis. My project aims to contribute to the growing field of evidence-based diagnostics by advocating a shift from early diagnosis to optimal diagnosis, ensuring diagnosis is not only early but is also clinically useful. Outside of my academic life, I’m very active and love exploring new hobbies. I love exploring new sports, hence I’ve recently taken up Judo and Olympic Weightlifting. I also enjoy cycling, especially through the scenic Scottish countryside, which I explore regularly by bike (the perks of not owning a car!). I also have a creative side: I enjoy embroidery, as well as listening to and producing electronic music, and I’m currently learning how to DJ. Additionally, I’m involved with the Entrepreneurship Centre at the University of St Andrews, where I help foster an entrepreneurial spirit within our student community. I’m a versatile and curious person who thrives on meeting new people and discovering new ideas. I’m always excited by opportunities that combine creativity, innovation, and impact.

Victoria Ayodele is a Duke University undergraduate pursuing a self-designed “Neurological Development and Nutrition” curriculum, integrating neuroscience, biochemistry, pharmacology, and global health from Atlanta, Georgia. Her interdisciplinary work investigates how societal nutrition consumption and health disparities contribute to neurological impairment and influence the future of healthcare systems. As a Laidlaw Scholar and aspiring physician-leader, she is dedicated to advancing neurological health equity in international communities. A passionate advocate for community-based health solutions, Victoria led public health initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa through Leadership Initiatives in partnership with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Georgetown University, collaborating with health professionals and Bauchi State officials to directly combat nutritional anemia and marasmus internationally. Her efforts include developing culturally sensitive workshops and clinical diagnostic kits for first-time mothers over two years. Victoria collaborates with community leaders in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, and Germany. As Executive Director of the Duke Research Scholars Program, she researches how nutritional access and pharmacokinetics affect fetal development, cognitive growth, and immune health. Her work includes conference presentations at Brown University, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. In her local communities, she assists North Carolina and Georgia patients as a medical and dietary assistant, addressing conditions such as Type II diabetes, obesity, and preeclampsia. In her free time, Victoria enjoys playing sports, reading novels, and meeting new people. She is excited to participate more in the Laidlaw Scholars Program and meet students from around the world. If anyone would like to strike up a conversation with Victoria, her email is vta2@duke.edu.

Hi! I’m Kamtoya Okeke (she/her). I’m a sophomore at Columbia University planning to study Cognitive Science and Creative Writing. My research is focused on destruction myths, stories which depict the end of the world, and I explore how these myths reflect societal values and fears, as well as how they showcase the power of storytelling. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in literature research and/or narrative forms, or just want to chat!

I am a third-year student of English at the University of St Andrews from New Delhi, India, and I'm interested in languanges and literature. My research project explores literature in radical bookshops.

Hi! Having previously been a Laidlaw Undergraduate Scholar studying English Literature at UCL, I am now the Marketing Manager of the Laidlaw Foundation.  My research looked at collaborative and innovative practices in academic publishing, and community building is something I built a passion for during my Leadership in Action. Feel free to reach out or connect with me!

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.

I am a second year medical student at the University of St Andrews, with a keen interest in microbiology. After completing my first year research project looking at the induction of genes involved in antibiotic resistance, I am now looking to apply the skills I learnt through a healthcare-related LiA project. 

Hello! I'm an incoming third-year History student at the University of St Andrews. I'm from Madrid, Spain, but I moved to Scotland for university.  My research project focuses on the impact of the Cold War on sexuality and sexual expression among LGBTQ+ youth in Brazil and the relationship between sexuality and the state in a military dictatorship. 

I'm a Philosophy and German student at St Andrews with interests in intersectionality, theory and community-oriented work. Presently, I am interested in colonialism in German public memory, Orientalism in literature and epistemic (in)justice. I would love to talk about ice hockey, ballet and gardening!

I am a fourth-year English and Modern History student at the University of St Andrews. My research looked at the intersection of gender history and transnational history by examining women's involvement in the Esperanto movement in Scotland and the Midlands, and my leadership-in-action was the Think Pacific Health Promotion project. I'm interested in all things art, history, literature, and social change! 

I'm currently 2/6th of the way to becoming a doctor 👩🏻‍⚕️   Studying medicine at The University of St Andrews means not only a great uni but also beautiful surroundings. I have interests in: lifestyle medicine, psychiatry, infectious diseases and emergency medicine. My dream is to become an expedition medic. Ask me what I'm reading just now I love to wild swim 🏊🏻‍♀️, wanna go?

Hello! I'm Yoshino, a third-year student majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I love learning languages, travelling and meeting new people :)

Laidlaw Scholar at the University of St Andrews. Studying for an MA in Philosophy and International Relations. Undertaking a leadership in Action Project for WORI (Women's Rights Initiative Uganda) researching de-colonialised methods for NGOs to develop international outreach. My research interests particularly surround political philosophy, critical theory and the construction of political identities. Current Editor in chief of 'Aporia' the St. Andrews undergraduate journal of Philosophy.

Hi! My name is Charlie I’m born and raised in Australia but am currently doing my bachelor’s degree in the UK at the University of St Andrews studying International Relations and Psychology. During my time at university, I have also studied Arabic and Italian and in the future, I would love to work in political psychology helping to develop human rights, and climate action policy and campaigns. My research project is, therefore, looking at social identity and climate change reform as I aim to investigate how environmentalism is represented and the extent to which it encourages or marginalises groups from collective action. So if you are also working on something like this or know an expert in the field please get in touch, I would love to hear from you! I'm a diligent worker and have worked in a variety of positions in hospitality, environmentalism, and communications. This includes being a public speaking and debating coach, a legal administrative assistant and a research assistant at Licella, a renewable energies firm. I am passionate about the environment and protecting our planet and love spending time in the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and inventing new recipes! My friends describe me as a bit of an amateur chef but otherwise, I love being active and sail competitively for my University team as well as surfing when I'm at home. I would describe myself as adventurous, extroverted, pro-active and open-minded. Having done a fair amount of solo travelling in the past I am capable of being independent and self-sufficient, however, I thrive in groups and love learning from other people’s experiences and expertise.

A student at the University of St Andrews studying Modern History and Art History, my research project was interested in the history of cultural heritage policy and its relationship with conflicts in Latin America. My LiA project is taking place in Lima, Peru with Make_Sense, working to empower indigenous communities through reclaiming the power of culture by promoting the Quechua language. My broader academic interests include modern art beyond the west, comparative approaches to histories of empire, and the creation of national identities. I enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking and skiing, and love to drink tea and have a chat about just about anything! Please feel free to reach out to discuss anything, research-related or otherwise!