My name is Sophie (she/her) and I am from South Wales but am currently studying International Relations and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews. I was a part of the 2024 Laidlaw cohort.  My Laidlaw research project explored how nostalgia for life in the former East Germany continues to affect politics in today's reunified Germany, in particular Germany's foreign policy towards Russia. For my LiA project, I went to the European Centre for Minority Issues and created 'digital stories' about national minorities in the Germany-Denmark border region.   In my free time, I like to read anything i can get my hands on, as well as cook a lot and try different recipes from around the world. I also really love travelling and exploring new places.  I'd love to connect with someone who is interested in politics and diplomacy or otherwise shares my interests. And if you have any questions about my research, I'd love to chat about it!

Hi! I am a final year Physics & Astrophysics student in Trinity College Dublin. My research was on radio-astronomy of the Sun with particular interest in predicting potentially disruptive solar weather and my LIA was Science Outreach with the World Science Festival in New York. Apart from physics I'm interested in running, rugby, card games and snowsports. I enjoy being outside, exercising, film/TV and reading. I am particularly interested in connecting with students from around the globe and broadening my horizons! Please feel free to contact me if you're interested in astrophysics, science outreach or have any questions about my time during Laidlaw and my other experiences!

Hey! My name is Jemma and I am a 4th year business student at Trinity College Dublin. Throughout my studies so far I have found an interest in business sustainability and the ethical considerations in business practice. The balance between government intervention and business leadership in the strive for a sustainable future is one that fascinates me. My research project is focused on the environmental and social certifications available in the sustainable fashion industry and how these can be improved to consider the accessibility of the industry. After all, every person, regardless of budget wears clothes and should have access to information detailing the impact of their purchases.  I grew up in Bahrain and Singapore where I studied at UWCSEA before moving home to Northern Ireland. I love going on sea swims and walks with friends, I have recently picked up running like the rest of the world and I love food and cooking. A side interest of mine is looking into the impacts of the food industry on public health and the environment. My favourite podcasts are A Diary of a CEO and the Huberman Lab podcast, my music taste is all over the place, I like a bit of everything.