LSE Laidlaw Scholar & Champion
Hi, I'm Alyssa - an second-year undergrad at the LSE studying Social Policy and Politics! For my Leadership in Action project, I spent the summer at Zero Gravity, a social mobility organisation, leading a STEM mentoring partnership with GSK and matching mentees across a few other corporate programmes. Zero Gravity is the reason I made it into LSE - I was one of their mentees in sixth form, so working on the other side of the platform meant a lot to me. I'm interested in consulting, social mobility and widening access to education. Always happy to chat to anyone thinking about a similar path, or just in general! :)
I became a Laidlaw Scholar in 2025 during the first year of my BSc in Physics & Chemistry at @Durham University, with interest in researching interdisciplinary solutions to anthropogenic climate change and pollution.
In my first summer, I developed biosourced polymers for use in laundry detergents, producing a compound with promising performance compared to industry standards. For my Leadership in Action project, I partnered with @Under the Wave Organisation to assist data monitoring at a sea cucumber farm and support sustainable livelihoods in Zanzibar.
Hi! My name is Nicole and I'm a first year Biology & Geography student at Durham University.
I am particularly interested in restoration ecology, with a focus on rewilding which my research project is centred around. I aim to assess how rewilding of an upland mountain valley has increased forest structure and composition heterogeneity, which could lead to more stable microclimates. Subsequently, rewilding may be an approach to help improve the climate resilience of high biodiversity regions by providing increased microrefugia, lowering the risk of climate-induced extinction for species.
Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, gardening and yoga. I'm excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort!
Hi! My name is Yanna, and I’m a second-year Psychology student at Durham University.
My research project (supervised by Professor Zanna Clay) explores how empathy emerges and matures in young children across cultures. I feel that today, empathy is more important than ever. In an increasingly digital world, social connections are changing and the erosion of deep passions, interests, and morals are leading to more individualistic societies. Understanding how empathy develops could help us to nurture its growth and contribute to more cohesive and compassionate communities.
Additionally, I hope to highlight the importance of recognising both the similarities and differences in psychological development across cultures. By doing so, I aim to promote greater inclusivity within the scientific community and support the development of culturally sensitive approaches to research and practice.
Hello! I'm Hani, a rising junior studying Mechanical Engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi.
After a year of studying English Literature at the University of Cambridge, I have recently changed degree to History of Art. I undertook my LiA project at Cambridge Junction, a charity, social enterprise and leading cultural venue in Cambridge, UK.
I am currently a first-year student at Durham University studying Philosophy and Politics.
My research project investigates how social spaces can be created, allowing for state-sanctioned violence to take place alongside a spiritual/religious practice preaching non-violence. To bring an original angle to this question, I will be taking the case study of Thailand, a country with Muay Thai as its national sport and Buddhism as its national religion, and with many practitioners of the former also practicing the latter.
My research topic connects with my interest in martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, albeit more focused on avoiding violent conflict than Muay Thai. I also enjoy challenging myself in many other sports, such as rowing, basketball, tennis, skiing/snowboarding, and having recently started yoga (one which I find uniquely challenging). And when my body becomes too exhausted for these, I like to read, bake, and attempt to learn basic Mandarin.
Hi, my name is Karen and I am a first-year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at Durham University. My research project aims to examine the American and Japanese bilateral relationship through analysing the impacts of US military bases in Okinawa. I am excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort!
Hi, Laidlaw Family. I am the Senior Manager for the Leadership Framework at Durham University, UK. Part of my role is to oversee the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme, with particular responsibility for the partnership management. This involves identifying key stakeholders, soliciting and stewarding these relationships while offering a platform for collaborative work.
Networking and managing relationships is a key component of successful leadership. I would urge all future leaders to have a mentor to support them on their leadership journey.
I am also a qualified Family and work place mediator, offering training in mediation and conflict resolution skills. I have also, written and published mentoring guidelines and toolkits. I would be happy to assist any students on the Laidlaw programme.
Prior to this post I have worked as a Director of a Hospice, I have lectured in South African Dramatic Literature, set up several NGO's in South Africa and Zambia.
Hello! I’m Vardan Umbreyan, a Politics and International Relations student at Durham University and a Laidlaw Scholar. My academic interests lie at the intersection of peace and conflict studies, diplomacy, European governance, humanitarian action and international institutions. Through my Laidlaw research, I examine how ripeness theory and a Lederach-inspired cultivation approach can help explain the emergence and prospective transformative significance of TRIPP within the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.
Alongside my academic work, my involvement with the Armenian and British Red Cross has strengthened my commitment to humanitarian values, ethical leadership and service to others. I am particularly interested in how rigorous research can move beyond the university environment and contribute to meaningful policy conversations and social impact. I am always delighted to connect with other scholars, exchange ideas and learn from people working across different disciplines, countries and communities.
Hi! My name is Katya and I am a BSc Biosciences student at Durham University.
This summer I am excited to be completing my project on the effect of dopamine transport on the memory of fruit flies. I will be looking at how removing the dopamine transporter from a memory relevant area of the brain has an effect on the ability of the flies to form and retain associative memories.
When I’m not researching, I enjoy playing sports such as tennis, table tennis, netball, and running, and I also love playing music on piano, guitar and flute. I’m really excited to be part of the 2026 Laidlaw Cohort, so feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if you just fancy a chat!
Hi! My name is Judit, and I'm a second-year History and Politics student at Durham University. This summer, I am excited to embark on my research project: an investigation of how young adults use AI for emotional support and companionship.
Like many students, I have witnessed the widespread integration of AI into young people's lives. Yet, there is a lack of AI safety initiatives that address this increase and, in particular, the growing use of AI to meet emotional needs. By conducting a large online survey, my project aims to inform policymakers on the use, causes, and consequences of AI emotional support.
I am really looking forward to starting this research and all the accompanying opportunities as a Laidlaw scholar. Stay tuned for updates!
Hi, I'm Asli, a first-year Computer Science student at Durham University. I'm excited to be spending this summer working on my research project and further developing my skills. I look forward to progressing through the programme, meeting new people, and learning from the experience along the way.
Hi! My name is Imogen, and I am currently a first-year studying Psychology at Durham University. I am passionate about understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying everyday behaviour, which is why my research project is focussing on empathy development in children. My experience working with children from range of backgrounds as a volunteer tutor and a lifeguard have emphasised my interest in human behaviour, and the study of psychology constantly questions the classic nature vs nurture debate, as I intend to do. A key skill for leaders in empathy, so my hope is that my research can support understanding into neurodiversity and other conditions that cause empathy to develop in different ways, so that these people can have the best opportunities to succeed!
Hey! My name is Martha and I'm a first-year Psychology student studying at Durham University.
My research project examines how children in care engage with STEM subjects, exploring the barriers and opportunities that shape their educational experiences and long-term outcomes in this field. As previous research has shown that young people who are raised in care are eight times less likely to enrol in University and pursue STEM subjects, I believe that this gap demands immediate attention and targeted interventions so that there is equal access to STEM education for all young people, regardless of their background.
I am really looking forward to starting this research as it is a subject that I care a great deal about. Growing up in a fostering family, working in HAF summer camps and completing work experience in Liverpool schools in challenging areas have all given me a clear and early understanding of the care sytem which has deepened my determination to address the inequlities that these young people face.
