Emma Willaume (She/Her)

Environmental sciences and engineering student , EPFL
Matvey Bondarev

Electrical Engineering Student, EPFL

I'm an undergraduate student in electrical engineering at EPFL. Formerly a student in biomedical engineering, having switched after my first year, I am passionate about the intersections of engineering, life sciences, and computer science. 
Hi! I’m Serena, and I’m a bachelor student in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL. Healthcare is one of my big passions, and the intersection between healthcare and technology, especially in neuroscience, is driving inspiring progress that I’m excited to explore throughout my research in the Laidlaw program. Outside of that, my favourite hobbies are reading, playing guitar and going on long walks/runs. Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect if you feel we have anything in common, I’m always happy to meet new people!
Hi there ! My name is Aminata and I am a second year Life Sciences Engineering Major at EPFL.  I am passionate about harnessing scientific progress to better people’s lives, and I hope to focus my efforts on rehabilitative technologies. I am confident that scientific progress is to be driven by the desire to create meaningful change, and that the Laidlaw experience is a fantastic mixture of both.  My interests include reading, watching roms-coms, and travelling. Do not hesitate to reach out and/or connect, I'd love to hear from you :)
Hello ! I am Mathilde, a first-year student in Mechanical Engineering at EPFL in Switzerland. Driven by curiosity,  I am passionate about where science meets art and medicine, especially when engineering can help heal, create and inspire.  As a Laidlaw Scholar, I look forward to developing both my research and leadership skills to turn ideas into meaningful impact. This summer, I'm doing my research internship at the BION Lab, where we develop biomedical systems that interact with the human body to support healthcare innovation.  When I'm not studying, you'll find me swimming, reading or spending time with friends. I always appreciate meeting new people so feel free to reach out !
Rashed Jastaniah

Student, Imperial College London

Hello, I'm Rashed. A Chemist at Imperial College London, born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia🇸🇦 My Laidlaw research explored ionic liquid-based biomass fractionation in the Hallett research group as a joint study between my home department and the department of Chemical Engineering. Since then, my interests have shifted toward solid-state physics and materials science, and I'm currently a Visiting Student Researcher at KAUST in Professor Osman Bakr's group, working on colloidal quantum dot synthesis and fabrication of shortwave infrared photodetector devices. For my LiA, I worked with KAUST Beacon Development as an Environmental Consultant to address UN SDGs 6 and 11 by helping remote communities in extreme environments without access to urban infrastructure in Saudi Arabia to develop water treatment facilities. The work involved analysing data from KAUST's scientists, proposing novel solutions for water treatment while building the complementary policy and regulatory frameworks which was presented to the primary stakeholders. My academic interests are not particularly confined to a particular discipline since they're very interconnected and interdependent in the grand pursuit of technologies to sustain people and the planet. However, I aim to use my knowledge to drive advances in materials, energy, electronics and automotive sectors. Happy to discuss ideas and collaborate!
Lily Coral

Student, Columbia University

Hello! My name is Lily, and I’m pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in music. My first summer research was interdisciplinary in that it included psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral studies, and music. I designed an experiment about how emotional music impacts future perception and imagination. Then, I collected behavioral data to address my research question. For my LiA, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa with Anjelica Young, Elizabeth Wallace, and Soyu Hong to create programming for kids and child/youth care workers at SOS Children's Villages, with the support of our coordinator: Youness Robert-Tahiri. I taught poetry and developmental psychology; I co-taught visual art, music, and college/career prep workshops. In the future, my goal is to get a PhD in clinical psychology to support the mental health of kids who survived early adversity and continue research. I love making art, playing my violin, and reading and writing poetry. Some of my favorite books are Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke and any poetry by Langston Hughes. 
Hello! I’m Thomas Delaloye, a Mechanical Engineering student at EPFL. I’m passionate about robotics, mechanical design, and hands-on projects that combine theory with real-world impact. Always eager to learn, share ideas, and meet people who challenge and inspire me!
Viktoria Springer

Student Researcher, University of Toronto

Hello! My name is Viktoria, and I’m a third year student at University of Toronto pursuing a Human Biology major and double minor in Immunology and Physiology. In my research, I'm investigating how immune dysfunction contributes to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathogenesis, a condition that has immensely impacted my family. My work integrates computational transcriptomic analysis of patient data with experimental validation in a preclinical mouse model. This integrative approach aims to uncover immune-related biomarkers that could inform precision-based, disease-modifying immunomodulatory therapies that slow or prevent PD progression.         My fascination with the immune system began with my own experience navigating everyday life with my anaphylactic allergies. Early exposure to the immune system’s complexity inspired my ongoing commitment to understanding how immune dysregulation underpins disease. PD is close to my heart, and I’m motivated to have my work contribute to better diagnostics and treatments for patients worldwide.         Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue graduate studies; either an MSc or PhD in immunology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences. I’m passionate about translating academic research into real-world solutions and hope to build a venture that leverages immune insights for targeted, accessible therapies. I’m also a language enthusiast; I love learning new languages and immersing myself in different cultures, and I believe cross-cultural communication is essential for global health innovation and leadership.          When I’m not in the lab, you can find me studying in new cafes and trying new restaurants around Toronto, reading psychological thrillers or philosophical literature, hiking with my dog, or travelling abroad!                 The Laidlaw Scholars Programme has been an incredibly meaningful part of my academic journey thus far, empowering me to ask bold questions, build hands-on research skills, and connect with a vibrant community of change-makers. If you’re curious about Parkinson’s research, immunology/neuroscience/biotech, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out on my LinkedIn. I’d love to hear from you!
David Emanuel Elcock

Student | Founder of the Journal of Biometallics, Trinity College Dublin | Journal of Biometallics

Dylan Carson

Student at Cornell University, Cornell University

Hi all! My name is Dylan Carson and I am a rising Junior/third year studying Government and Linguistics. I'm very interested in the factors causing democratic-backsliding , international relations, and how languages influences not only our cultures but our policy making. In my first Laidlaw summer, I traveled to Ecuador as my LiA where I will spend 6 weeks engaging in environmental restoration, intercultural leadership, and learning more about decolonizing theories with the Pachaysana Foundation.  In my second Laidlaw summer, I served as a research assistant in the Sustaining Paradise project led by Professor Chiara Formichi. The project focuses on Bali, Indonesia, where tourism-led development is actively destroying green spaces. We examined how Hindu-Bali religious and spiritual beliefs can be mobilized for environmental restoration in this touristic context. I'm looking to continuing this work in Fall 2026!  At Cornell, I've participated in the Student Government Assembly as a student representative, am part of an Improv theater group and play in the marching band. In the future, I'd like to get more involved in international relations/government related groups and opportunities as I'm interested in a career in foreign relations. I enjoy speaking languages and am currently learning French (advanced) and Spanish (beginning).  For fun, I love taking hikes, going out to new restaurants, playing baseball, watching sit-coms, and reading.  If anyone wants to say hello, feel free to email me at dpc227@cornell.edu! Hoping to meet you all in person! 
Major Richmond

Student, Duke University

Hello! I am Major Richmond, and I enjoy spending time with friends, playing tennis, and visiting the best theme parks in the country. I am a PROUD Blue Devil and a member of Duke University's Class of 2028! I intend to pursue a degree in Public Policy Analysis and explore Environmental Science and Spanish💙😈 In general, The United States is in an unprecedented state of division, specifically in the political realm. The US democratic system has turned into a battle arena full of uncertainty, hatred, and various bad decisions. For my life goal, I have sworn to put a halt to this crippling division and start to put compromise over stubbornness. The best current policy solutions arise when democrats, republicans, conservatives, liberals, and independents unite to create change TOGETHER, rather than separate. As an aspiring politician, I plan to end division for the country's benefit.
Sara Vaccino

Computer Science Student, EPFL

Hello! My name is Sara, and I'm a soon to be second-year computer science undergrad student at EPFL, in Switzerland. I am passionate about technology, and how it can be used to help communities. My research this past summer was in system security, a branch of cybersecurity. I expanded and improved the accuracy of Magma, a benchmark for fuzzers - a software testing technique using randomized input (data) to reveal the faults in the program. This technique helps finding bugs (errors) that would not  have been reached using other popular tests. My goal is to find and implement Proof-of-Concepts - files that prove that a specific faulty part of the code can be reached and can trigger an error (a crash).  This summer, I will be joining HOOP Perù in Arequipa, Peru, to be an assistant teacher in their coding classes. These classes introduce tools common in many work places today in an accessible way to teenagers. This will also be a great opportunity to share my passion for computer science with others, as well as to put what I have learned this past year to use. Besides coding, I enjoy all kinds of sports (currently (beach) volleyball and basketball), as well as reading. I also enjoy spending time in nature, be it on a hike or just in a park, or by a lake. I love traveling, discovering new places and cultures, and meeting new people. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing perspectives, so please don't hesitate to contact me!
Ben Fall

Student, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

I am an international Bachelor student reading Communication Systems at EPFL in Lausanne. I am curious and eager to learn across many fields ranging from the sciences to the arts. My core academic interests lie in the physics, chemistry, and mathematics (statistics, data analytics and mathematical modelling) and the way these fields are related in technological advancements through computer science and AI. I consider myself a global citizen, a French and German national who has lived in France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland and travelled to more than 35 countries and 4 continents. These diverse experiences fostered my deep interest in global issues with a particular passion for sustainability (e.g., climate change, loss of biodiversity or the fundamental energy crisis) and inequality (e.g., unequal access to education and health care). 
Hi! I'm a student in micro-engineering at EPFL, interested in nano-science. I love travelling, biking and film-making.
Mattheo Yang

Mathematics Student, EPFL

Hello ! I am Mattheo, a 17 year old French mathematics student at EPFL. Besides doing maths, I love cooking (@grosporc77 on Instagram) and I play the electric guitar. Don't hesitate to contact me !
Jolan Bonny

Maths Student, EPFL

Hello! I’m Jolan, a second-year mathematics student at EPFL in Switzerland. I’m passionate about nature, mountains, and sustainability, and I enjoy challenging myself with sports like mountaineering and trail running. For my research project, I worked in applied statistics and loved using advanced mathematical techniques to connect theory with real-world questions. I found it fascinating and would like to keep exploring this in the future. I also served as a sergeant in the Swiss Army with the reconnaissance unit, an experience that taught me a great deal about leadership and responsibility. Happy to chat or connect anytime ;)
Dan-Thi Nguyen

Head of Enhanced Learning Programs, EPFL

Hi everyone, I'm Dan-Thi and I am the Laidlaw Program Manager at EPFL. I've been working for more than 10 years in the higher education industry and I love all aspects related to my work, but especially the interactions with the students, helping and seeing them grow personally and professionally. I've lived in fast-paced environments in Asia (Hong Kong, Japan) and I'm now based in Lausanne, Switzerland. I enjoy travelling and always looks for discovering new cultures!  Please get in touch if you want to discuss about anything regarding food, sport and travel, or if you want to have more information about EPFL and studying there! :o)
Edoardo Tadini

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Student , EPFL

Fabio Carron

Physics Student, EPFL

Hi, I am Fabio, a Physics student at EPFL, in Switzerland ! I am passionate about discovering how the universe works and how we can use this knowledge to improve our lives. In my free time, I love playing music, of all kind (jazz, orchestral, brass, ...), and improvising, I also enjoy reading, writing and being in nature. Feel free to reach out to me, if you want to talk :)
Bruno Siniciali

Life Sciences Engineering Student, EPFL

Hi! I’m Bruno, an undergraduate in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL, and I am from Hungary, France, and Italy. I’m interested in many things, from Classical Rome and Greece to mountain bike, psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and engineering. I’m still exploring whether my path will lead more toward medicine or engineering, so if you have any thoughts or advice, I’d be very happy to hear from you!