Hi! This is Avian, a second-year student of History at the University of Hong Kong. My research centres around identity and sense of belonging in urban colonial societies, specifically the arbitrary distinction between the “Colonials” and the “Governed,” and those that laid somewhere in between. Outside of the archive, I am a diligent in-class Tetris gamer, amateur banjolele player, and most importantly, a lifelong book hoarder. Please feel the most welcome to reach out anytime!

Hi, I'm Itiafa Ayeni, a rising sophomore from Nigeria at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Qatar. I major in International Politics with minors in Africana Studies and a certificate in Energy Studies. I am also pursuing the French proficiency academic pathway. My academic interests are deeply shaped by my experience growing up in Nigeria and center on Africa’s future, the place of identity, and the advancement of women and girls globally. This summer, I will be researching how “Y2K” Nollywood (the formative period of Nigeria’s film industry spanning the 1990s and early 2000s) influenced the women who contributed to and consumed it, across a representative social circle that includes actresses and women in the diaspora.

Hello! I am a first year undergraduate student at Durham University studying Modern European Languages and Cultures, including advanced Spanish and ab initio Italian. I believe that the intersection between languages and culture, politics and peacebuilding is hugely important in a multicultural but increasingly divided world. I am therefore passionate about using my skills for good, especially through my research project into ethical and compassionate immigration policy.  I'm really excited to work alongside the 2026 scholars! 

Welcome!! You can call me either Cothney or Theresa. I came back from my study abroad experience at the 'Université de Lille' in France. I will graduate this July, 2026 at the University of Leeds. I am deeply curious. I love researching.. during my first summer as a scholar I  concentred on 'Mapping colonial subjects from the French Resistance'. I had cross cultural experiences between France and the UK while doing my research. For my LIA, I have partnered with 'Star Top Community School', to teach in Lusaka, Zambia; today I am their LIA Champion. Ask me more if you would like to.

Hello, I'm Katarina, an incoming second year Physics student at Durham University. I've enjoyed my time so far in the 2026 cohort with my project about mitigating the effects of light pollution. My dream LiA placement would involve immersion in nature, traditional craftsmanship and driving sustainable fashion. I hope to find something like this! I aim to continue studying Physics to PhD level, and am particularly interested in either researching sustainable technology or developing aviation systems. My passion for public speaking shapes my goal of driving scientific communication globally as a vessel for change. My interests beyond academia include electric guitar, fashion and sewing, boxing, and reading, as I've been fortunate enough to study an English Literature module this year.

Hi, my name is Carys and I am going into my second year studying Medicine at the University of Cambridge. My interests mainly lie in public health, preventive medicine and infectious diseases, however I find all aspects of clinical and community healthcare interesting. I am interested in potential research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other pressing global issues, and seeing how we can ensure access to appropriate healthcare systemically by reducing inequalities. This summer I am completing my Leadership in Action project with the Red Hen Project in Cambridge - a charity dedicated to helping children and families facing hardship. The charity hopes to expand to a deprived region in Cambridge and I will be evaluating the current services available for children, and where the charity can create the most long standing impact. The project is focussed on preventative measures to ensure children can live happier and healthier lives by reducing barriers they may face. This project is solidifying my current hope to work in paediatrics or public health.

I am currently studying an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Leeds. I have a particular interest in Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease Over the past few years I've contributed to healthcare environments through volunteering in a variety of settings including an NHS hospital and non-profit Hospice. This work has inspired my long term goal of a  career in either Medicine or Clinical Science. Over the summer I will be carrying out a research project under the supervision of Dr Amanda MacCannell Investigating whether we can reliable manipulate fat cells into burning energy instead of storing it as fat, this would offer a genuinely novel approach to treating obesity, heart disease, and metabolic conditions.

I’m a Speech and Language Therapy student at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the 2026 Laidlaw Scholars cohort. I returned to education as a mature student and single parent after experiencing firsthand the impact that Speech and Language Therapists can have on people’s lives, which inspired me to pursue the profession myself. My research interests focus on socioeconomic inequality, access to education, inclusion, and student belonging within higher education. Through the Laidlaw Programme, I’m exploring how historically elite institutions such as Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic diversity, and how universities can move beyond widening access towards creating genuinely inclusive environments for students from all backgrounds. Alongside my studies, I’m involved in student representation work as the TAP representative on the Students’ Union Equality and Welfare Committee, where I advocate for equity and inclusion within university life. Outside of academia, I’m also a DJ with a love for garage and jungle music, and a very dedicated bird mother 🐥  

Hi, I'm Anushka, a third-year at Duke University studying chemistry, medical sociology, and health policy. I'm passionate about leveraging scientific techniques in order to advance health equity, especially for rural and underserved populations. My Laidlaw research at the University of Leeds' Department for Nuclear and Chemical Engineering is about addressing the public health challenge of fluoride-contaminated drinking water in Tanzania by developing a novel, sustainable ion-exchange model to selectively remove fluoride from groundwater. 

Hi, I'm Donya! I'm an English and History dual major at the University of Toronto with a passion for law, history, and research. Amongst other things, I am also passionate about National Treasure (2004). Feel free to connect!