Hi! I'm Izzy from North Wales (or a 'gog' - someone from the North - as we would say in Welsh). I am part of the 2022 scholars cohort and my research project is about Imposter Syndrome and sense of belonging. I study Psychology at the University of Leeds which I am thoroughly enjoying as I love people (and science/ evidence!). I chose this degree as I believe that understanding people's thoughts, motivations and behaviours is what is going to lead us to a more equal and just society. Working as a teaching assistant alongside children with special educational needs last year confirmed my intuition that I would like to go into social justice work after graduating. In my spare time I love to cycle, dance and swim outside.

Hello! My name is Arron. I am an undergraduate Physicist at the University of Leeds, currently on the Integrated Masters Programme. I will be completing my research in the field of robotics in medicine. More specifically, the use of motion capture data for the robotic rehabilitation of patients suffering from neurological conditions and/or trauma. I love applications of Physics in all senses, including medicine, Formula 1 and aerospace engineering. I am looking for contacts in the field of robotics in order to collaborate and share methods of approaching what is often the exact same fundamental problem!

Law student at the University of Leeds, with a passion for Human Rights Law.

Hello there! I'm Aditya Jindal here, an international undergraduate student at the University of Leeds pursuing my degree in Economics and Finance. My research project is based on cultural diversity with broader aspects of business and employability. My first summer is focused on a literature review and I'm excited about this new experience. I'm a big sports fan with a knack for playing Table Tennis, Basketball and Cricket in particular. You could also find me regularly sitting in a library studying Business, Psychology, German, or anything else. Always available to connect, feel free to contact me if you're interested in my research project or just want to talk in general.

I am a Chemical and Nuclear Engineering student at the University of Leeds, originally from London.  I performed research on nanoparticle based therapeutics to combat antibiotic resistance and biofilms in chronic wound infections, under the supervision of Dr Zhan Ong. For my LIA, I travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to undertake sports volunteering in a local favela.

Hi, I am Jyotiraditya Sinh Vaghela and I am a Business management and marketing student in the University of Leeds. I started studying business so I can start my own business or help my dad grow his. I am still learning new things everyday which expand my understanding.  I believe my personality is bit like the game snakes and ladder. One is when I can be extroverted, I will learn and grow the most and I am a bit spontaneous I will be doing as good as my dice roll but on the other hand, I get into a downward spiral where I am an introvert, I am overthinking and I become a bit of a mess like sliding down a snakes stomach but this is where I can learn the most about myself. My hobbies outside are probably travelling, gaming and recently I have started enjoying working out.

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.

Hello! I was Laidlaw scholar in 2019, and I studied national, regional, and local identity in northern Tajikistan through the lens of women's fashion.  For a year after graduating, I worked for the UN Mine Action Service which removes landmines from conflict and post-conflict regions. I then worked for the Laidlaw Foundation 2021-22 and completed a Master's Degree in Anthropology and Development Management at the London School of Economics. Now I'm working with the UN on innovative finance for biodiversity conservation, focusing on marine ecosystems. Please feel free to reach out on the network, on LinkedIn, or by email. I'm always happy to meet new people and chat.

Hi, I'm Elena and I am a part of Laidlaw's 2023-24 cohort at the University of Leeds. I am currently studying Biotechnology with Enterprise which focusses on applying aspects of molecular and cellular biology to solve current problems. This can be in the form of using genetic modification to improve food security, discovering useful antibiotic properties of bacteria or the creation of vaccines via investigation of viruses. Along side this I also have begun learning about various areas of business in my enterprise modules.  I have chosen to work on a pre-defined research project: 'Bees, Pesticides and Insect declines: defining the sublethal effects of pesticides on honeybees'. I am excited for this project as I will be able to expand my biological knowledge into the field of entomology and continue to develop my lab-skills independently as I will be observing effects of sulfoxaflor and biological chemicals on young honey bees whilst also analysing their DNA to investigate any genetic mutations.  I enjoy spending time walking and running (especially around my home in the Peak District), making me motivated to make a difference in conserving and rebuilding our world's natural environments. Additionally outside of my studies I love to dance (ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre...), sing, attend classes with Uni's yoga society, bake and explore in & around leeds (including finding good places to eat) with my friends. 

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.

Hi, I am part of the 2023 Laidlaw cohort at the University of Leeds.    I am currently studying Adult Nursing. I am passionate about everything to do with nursing. There are many pathways that I will be able to explore throughout my career. However, currently, I am mostly interested in genomics and would like to explore this further throughout my studies. I also have a huge passion for women’s health, especially for different ethnic groups, to be able to provide education and break through the taboo barriers. Working as an adult nurse is challenging but satisfying. It is a vital role where you will make a real difference in people’s lives.    In Summer 2023, I worked on a pre-defined research project: ‘Evaluating Interdisciplinary 'Welcome, Induction, and Transitions' Support in the Undergraduate Curriculum.’ I worked alongside academics and other students to understand the outcomes associated with successful transitions, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The conclusion of my findings can be found on my page, so please have a read! The project and journey were exciting, and I developed a lot more knowledge about education policies and the huge impact it has on students, especially underrepresented groups. From the project, I have built on my leadership style and other skills due to being student-led.   In the summer of 2024, I worked on my LiA project, which focused on teaching health education to children in Bali. I developed a tailored program that could be implemented and sustained even after my placement ended, allowing the students to continue building on what they had learned. I was especially excited about this opportunity, as it allowed me to apply the skills I gained from my first project in a more practical and impactful way. It also gave me the chance to combine my passions for both education and healthcare in a meaningful setting.   Outside of my studies, I love to paint and am passionate about attending galleries and exhibitions. I enjoy spending time in nature and doing yoga. Also, I love to bake and find good places to eat with my family and friends.     If anyone has any interest in anything relating to me, my course or the research project, then please reach out 😊 

Hello and welcome to my Laidlaw scholarship experience!  Last summer I had the privilege to carry out research on invasive freshwater crayfish (it's as glamorous as it sounds) and have since presented my research in three conferences.   This summer I will be heading to the Peruvian Amazon as part of my LiA documenting the realities of conservation and voluntourism on local communities and the environment. 

I'm currently a first-year student at the University of Leeds, studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering.  My research project is on Electric Vehicle charging point infrastructure planning, addressing a critical aspect of the transition to sustainable transportation. It seeks to optimize the design of EV charging infrastructure in public spaces. Through the evaluation of diverse charging configurations and the application of local/regional datasets, I will generate optimal location and capacity guidelines. These findings will aid local government authorities in establishing efficient and equitable public EV charging infrastructure.

Hi, I’m Hazel and I’m studying Law at the University of Leeds- this year I'm specializing in Environmental Law with my dissertation analyzing the role of legal personhood in the protection of bodies of water in UK. I chose to study Law because it is a system with many flaws and- much like my plants that I love to take care of- and it requires constant attention and pruning to grow in a healthy manner. My passion involves analyzing aspects of the law and how it represents historical prejudices; how do we adapt our laws to form a more representative model? Where do we plant our next seeds? My LIA is with Volunatrio Global in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will be working with my superviser Milena Sapey to create a network of self-sufficient food chains and educate the Pacheco community on sustainable agricultural practices.

Hi! My name’s Isabel and I’m part of the 2023 cohort of undergraduate scholars. I’m really enjoying learning more about leadership and networking and challenging myself throughout this scholarship.✨ I study English and Comparative Literature, from which an Intercultural Competence module inspired my self-defined research project that I undertook during the first summer: ‘To what extent does multilingualism impact an individual’s motivation to participate in global social action.’ I have recently completed my LiA, teaching English in a school in Buenos Aires with Voluntario Global. I am highly interested in diplomacy, culture and entrepreneurship, as well as literature and art, and look forward to meeting individuals with those same interests.

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 ⭐

Hi, my name is Matt and I am the Global Leadership Programmes Officer at the University of Leeds. I help to manage and run the Laidlaw programme at the university.

My name is Stella and I’m a scholar of 2023/2024 Laidlaw cohort. As a French and History student, I am currently completing my Year Abroad in Paris working as a 'stagiaire' at ONaCVG where I deliver tours around memorial sites commemorating the Resistance fight in Paris 1941-44 (Fort Mont-Valèrien) and also the Holocaust and forced deportation operations in France (Mémorial des martyrs de la Déportation).  I am interested in all things feminist, intersectional, (de)colonial and sociological. If you have any questions about my research or can recommend any new books or podcasts for a fellow culture vulture, feel free to get in touch with me (Linkedin works too!)