Finley Ullom (He/Him)

Laidlaw Programme Administrator, University of St Andrews
Flavia Fernandez-Pita

History Student, University of St. Andrews

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. 
Ela Faith Winter

3rd Year MA Classics and International Relations, University of St Andrews

School of Classics President | Laidlaw Scholar | Foreign Affairs Review Analyst | 4x State Department Intern
Doroti Polgár

Laidlaw Scholar, Laidlaw Scholars Programme

Bethan Pearson

Student, University of St Andrews

Hia! I'm Bethan, but most people know me as Bea. I am going into my second year at the University of St Andrews studying Social Anthropology and Geography. My Laidlaw research project explores the power of the Pacific research methodology and cultural storytelling tool of talanoa within the sphere of Pacific climate change discourse. In order to make meaningful change happen on the terms of those most affected by climate change and with some of the greatest history of connections with the ocean, the use of talanoa can be expanded to facilitate culturally appropriate collaboration and effective, meaningful climate change action.  I hope to implement this methodology for my Leadership in Action project to bridge the gap between localised Pacific perspectives of climate change and political spheres that fund and control climate action within the Pacific Islands. By using talanoa to co-produce knowledge and share real-world stories on the ground, I hope to facilitate action beyond the local level and tackle the reoccurring issue of scaling solutions within climate change action - particularly from within such a culturally diverse region that is so often homogenised within climate change discourse.  __ More broadly, my interests lie in environmental and visual anthropology, overall aiming to understand and put into practice how visual storytelling can empower people in the face of our changing climate, and inspire audiences beyond academia to see how interconnected our world is - and the people within it. In bridging the intersection of human experiences and our physical environments, I hope to portray a future that highlights localised solutions to environmental challenges and to make this future empowering and accessible to a wider audience through film. 
Ava Byrne

Student, University of St Andrews

Alina Khudyk

Undergraduate Biochemistry Student, University of St Andrews

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.
Thenu Kaluarachchige

Undergraduate, University of St Andrews

Physics undergraduate at the University of St Andrews.
Rose Overton

Student, University of St Andrews

Currently a second-year medical student at the University of St Andrews, with an interest in medical ethics and humanities.
Oliver Dann

Laidlaw Scholar, University of St Andrews

Nicola Mayer

Student, University of St Andrews

Millie Barker

Student, University of St Andrews

Hello! I am an incoming third year student at the University of St Andrews undertaking a joint Honours in Art History and Geography. I am interested in the intersection of the visual arts and the climate crisis; exploring the interactions between artists, cultural institutions, and the environment, past and present, as well as imagining what future interactions may look like.             In my first year with Laidlaw I undertook a research project on the environmental impact of digital practice in museums and heritage institutions. This project delved into carbon costing, water usage of data centres, and the new age of digital colonialism with mineral extraction and e-waste disposal - highlight the great ecological, economic, and social impacts of increasing digital activity. My research implemented the concept of Active Hope. I explored how different experiences of hope across and in curation with different communities could write another story of our time. I questioned how hope could be the central axis for social and environmental change within digital policy in museums.               Presently, I am based in Paris working with Karuna-Shechen for my Leadership in Action. I am writing the sixth edition of their key philanthropy output: 'Letters to our Friends'. Centred on the theme of Hope, I am carrying the insights from my first year into my conversations with colleagues across the field in India and Nepal. I am writing articles that capture the charities' commitment to alleviate poverty and how they pass agency back into the hands of the communities they support. 
Maya DaSilva

Student, The University of St Andrews

Jingxuan Jin

Student, University of St Andrews

Hugues Sayer

Student, St Andrews

Gabriel Wigny

Laidlaw Scholar Undergraduate, University of St Andrews

Researching climate finance in Scotland - How to Fix the Hurdles that Prevent Funds from Reaching Net-Zero Housing Projects?  Studying economics with a concentration in finance. 
Finlay Whitton

Student, St Andrews University

An avid Psychology Student looking to engender inspired, tangible, and meaningful change. Actively pursuing worthwhile ventures to actualise this goal.
Elena Elizabeth Diaz

Laidlaw Scholar, University of St Andrews

Third year medical student at the University of St Andrews with a love for learning, interdisciplinary study, and travel. 
Celia Irving

Student, University of St Andrews

Hi everyone! I am a second-year at the University of St Andrews studying Modern History and International Relations. My project investigates the intersection between the performing arts and the Esperanto movement, focusing on how the performing arts were (and continue to be) used to grow and enrich Esperantujo. 
Cameron Coutts

Student, St Andrews University

Hi I'm a Student at St Andrews, investigating the role of Russian Emigres in opinion making within the UK, both in the victorian era and today
Andrew Edginton

Reconstructing the History of Volcanic Forcing of Climate from Polar Ice Cores, University of St Andrews

I am a Fourth year Geology student at the University of St Andrews. Acquired knowledge of independent practical mapping, theoretical geophysical methods and petrological lab work. I am highly motivated to succeed, and my communication, leadership, and organisational skills have led me to become a trusted team member and be elected for multiple high-responsibility roles.  I am deeply passionate about environmental conservation and aspire to pursue a career in critical metals, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable green economy. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and cycling.