Hi there!
I’m Claudia, a second-year undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a proud member of the 2026 cohort. I study Biology, History and Philosophy of Science which takes a holistic lens to science. This allows me to explore and question our current knowledge, and its objectivity.
This summer I’ll be setting off my Laidlaw experience researching at The University of Hong Kong’s School of Biomedical Sciences. With Professor Sugimura, I aim to transdifferentiate myeloid progenitor cells to Natural Killer cells, an essential part of our innate immune system. NK cells identify and destroy cancerous cells, thus constructing them in vitro could provide a useful treatment to cancer.
Alongside learning I feel the happiest outdoors with other people. I love being active, running and going on long walks, or being more relaxed, doing yoga and exploring new places with friends (especially love if a cafe is involved).
I’m really excited to be part of this incredible opportunity and hope to learn and connect with as many scholars as possible. Please reach out to talk about research or anything else at all!
Hello everyone!
I am a first year Natural Sciences student at the University of Leeds, and I am interested in pursuing a career in research. I'm currently studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths and am fascinated by the practical applications of sciences and how they can help others.
My Laidlaw research project is focused on the defluoridation of groundwater via an ion exchange process. I hope to be able to take my research and implement it in Tanzania to provide a sustainable water source for people in Arusha.
Hello there! I'm Presto, a second-year Environmental Science student at the University of Leeds. I am still immersing myself in different disciplines of Environmental Science, such as Hydrology, Ecology, Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, etc... but my self-defined research project stemmed from my upbringing in Myanmar. Coming from Mandalay, Myanmar, I had been exposed to political conflict driving multiple humanitarian crises, including internal and external displacement, inflation, and human rights violations. However, my interest lies in how armed conflict can quietly accelerate environmental degradation, a relationship that remains poorly quantified in Myanmar. My research is a spatiotemporal analysis to examine the impacts on the environment in Central Myanmar between 2020 and 2024, and to explore if these changes intersect with escalations of armed conflict patterns. Outside my academic pursuits, I feel at home practising music, from songwriting, playing instruments, to singing. I try to be an inspired and creative person by travelling. I'd love to connect with fellow Laidlaw scholars.
I'm a Law student at the University of Leeds.
My interests lie between Law and politics, and I've acquired a lot of experience in these sectors over the years. My main goal is to work in public policy and within Human rights Law.
Hello! I'm Charlie, an Economics student at the University of Leeds. I'm drawn to questions at the intersection of technology, opportunity, and fairness within employment - and what it actually takes to level the playing field.
My research explores what employability gaps and challenges future generations [Gen Z and Gen Alpha] will actually face, and what educational experiences need to look like to address them. The central question within my research is what various tools could be deliberately designed to close this gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students - given that access to the internships, coaching, and networking that build professional capital remains deeply unequal. Having seen that inequality firsthand, I want this research to produce something actionable - concrete design recommendations for educators and institutions preparing young people for a rapidly evolving world of work.
Outside of research, I'm most myself when I'm playing and connecting - whether that's through football, padel, or a long chess game. I love travelling and new experiences. If you'd like to talk about educational equity, AI in education, or just swap travel recommendations, I'd love to connect.
Hi, my name is Ruby Blaney and I am a first year Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering student at the University of Leeds. My future aspiration is to push myself hard enough so that I can receive a DAAD scholarship and complete my Masters in Medical Robotics in Germany.
My project involves the Franka-Emika Panda robotic arm and I am going to be learning new coding apps to make a virtual reality controller that would control this arm remotely.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing video games. I also work part time as a waitress to develop my skills in customer service alongside completing my degree.
Hello! I’m a second-year Economics student at the University of Leeds, with a strong interest in economic inequalities and development.
My research focuses on the Leeds University Business School Skills Maps - a visual representation of the skills that the student’s course is equipping them with. I investigate the extent to which these programme-level skills maps develop student employability through self-awareness and articulation, and how they can be improved to better support this.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy live music and exploring new things, whether it be a place, form of fitness, or a food spot.
Please feel free to connect!
Hey! I am a second-year psychology student at the University of Leeds, and a 2026 Laidlaw Scholar. I have a strong interest in health psychology and psychological research, and am keen to pursue a career in research.
This summer, my project will be a systematic review of the motivations, influences and perceptions of vaping among adolescents.
Outside of academics, I love getting involved with university societies to try new hobbies. I am currently the secretary of Leeds Caledonian Society, a testament to my love for ceilidh dancing and Scottish heritage. I also love other forms of dance, cooking, baking and playing chess (but not well). Happy to connect!
Hey,
I am an undergraduate student in Modern Foreign Languages (French) and International Relations. I am very interested in other languages and cultures and am interested in deepening my understanding as to how communities interact on a global scale.
My research project is titled 'Telling the Stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through Self-Guided Heritage Walking Tours' and I will be working alongside my fellow scholar, Thomas O'Rourke, under the supervision of Professor Nina Wardleworth - contributing to the already pre-existing work of Nina and her previous scholars. This research project will aim to further shine a light on and commemorate French colonial citizens for their role in the French (Internal) Resistance.
During my free time, I enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends, discussing topics, watching the TV, cooking and a bit of friendly competition!
Please do not hesitate to get in touch, whether it be for educational reasons or simply for a chat. :)
I am a first-year Electronic and Electrical Engineering student at the University of Leeds and a UKESF Semiconductor Talent Award holder. My research explores what machine learning models are actually learning when applied to physical systems, investigating whether they capture genuine physical principles or simply identify patterns in data. Through this project, I hope to develop my understanding of AI, strengthen my Python and analytical skills, and contribute to the responsible use of machine learning in scientific research.
Hi there, I'm Joe, an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds, and a part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort, in the second year of my studies, undertaking an integrated master's in Civil Engineering. I'm from a coastal village in Northumberland, UK. Around my studies, I love hiking, playing ice hockey and spending time with friends.
Academically, as aforementioned, I'm interested in a wide range of civil engineering disciplines, including structural and environmental engineering; my research project is in a slightly different field, however. Over the course of the summer, I shall be studying applicability of neuromorphic imaging, set cameras for use to measure and map cell deformities in real time.
I'm, very excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community, and I'd love to meet as many people as possible so please feel free to reach out to this email address bcms1943@leeds.ac.uk .
Hello!
My name is Mabinty. I'm a second year student studying French and Spanish at the University of Leeds. I'm currently a Laidlaw Scholar, part of the 2026 cohort. I'm from Croydon but grew up in the Netherlands for some years.
At the moment, I'm at the end of my second year and preparing for my research programme in Listening to Feminist Art Histories: Researching and Sharing Voices from the FAMH Oral History Archive with Dr Elspeth Mitchell.
I'm passionate about storytelling, whether it be through the medium of fictional tv shows and the cinematographic wonders of film or through the art of an honest and direct meditation and reflection of a life within a documentary. Additionally, I'm a passionate advocate of equity within the arts, media and education.
I also like to focus a lot of my academic pursuits and studies around learning about the experiences of marginalised groups within society.
I'm beyond excited to take part in the programme and see how it can develop me as a storyteller within the world!
Hello! I'm Thomas, a student of Modern Languages (French) and English at the University of Leeds.
I have just carried out my Summer Research Period on Professor Nina Wardleworth's project: 'Telling the Stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through Self-Guided Heritage Walking Tours'. Having completed this project, I am increasingly interested in a career in government or the civil service, particularly in areas related to culture, heritage, and social inclusion.
As of now, I'm currently on my year abroad in the Loire-Atlantique, France, working as an English Language Assistant with the British Council. My other academic interests include language pedagogy, educational equity and French literature. Outside of my studies, I enjoy running, reading and travelling!
Feel free to reach out if any of this resonates with your own research or interests :)
Hello!
My name is Leyla and I’m a first year student at the University of Leeds studying Biomedical Sciences. I have a keen interest in pharmacology as well as science and public health communication.
This summer I will be working on a project titled: The Development of Public Engagement Materials for the Pharmacology Degree Programme. This focuses on exploring the public’s understanding of pharmacology and prospective student’s expectations of the subject in order to create resources that improve public awareness of pharmacology.
Outside of academics, I enjoy travelling, reading, hiking and spending time outdoors. If you would like to chat, whether about pharmacology, public health communication or otherwise, I am happy to connect!
Hi! I’m Evie, an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds studying a joint honours in Law with Hispanic Law. I am deeply motivated by the prospect of making meaningful change through legal and political research, with a specific interest in language, culture and international human rights.
This summer I will be researching the project entitled ‘Queering Citizenship: LGBT+ Activism in Democratic Transitions in South America’, which aims to take an intersectional approach to understanding the treatment of queer individuals in South America through primarily researching and analysing archives.
I am really excited to learn more, and extremely grateful to be able to participate in and contribute to the Laidlaw programme!
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.
Supporting Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds For more than ten years, I’ve managed the Laidlaw Programme at Leeds, guiding scholars through transformative research projects and leadership development. I’m committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can explore their potential, challenge themselves, and grow as ethical leaders. I love working with scholars, academics, and partners across the global Laidlaw network to build a community that values curiosity, integrity, and positive change.
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.
Hello! I'm a third year Biology student at the University of Leeds and I'm part of the 2024 Scholars cohort. I've just finished an industrial placement working in digital marketing, looking to build expertise in the sustainable health & tech space.
I have been trying to figure people out for a long time and I thought what better way than to explore the wonders of neuroscience in my first year research project!?
I'm currenly on my LiA with the Timothy Smith Network in Boston, USA. I'm looking forward to working with students of all ages to teach and inspire them about the intersections of biology and technology.
I'm also a member of the 2026 Undergraduate Laidlaw Advisory Board, where I hope to provide strategic advice and improvements to the Laidlaw programme to ensure future scholars can thrive.
If you want to chat about books, the economic/political state of the world right now, or just life - feel free to drop me a message! :)
Hello! I'm Tyler Carriaga, a recipient of a full-ride merit scholarship at the University of Toronto, where I'm pursuing a Masters in Geography. Drawing from my multidisciplinary and multicultural background as an American-born, Vietnam-raised Filipino, I approach questions of place, identity, and community with a global perspective. My Laidlaw projects include research on ethnic enclave development in Seattle and program development in an urban poor community in Metro Manila. As a writer, designer, and urban wanderer, I strive to continually evolve my personal and technical skills in the pursuit of co-creating healthier, more sustainable, and just communities.