Imogen Gaskell

Psychology Student , University of York
Stephanie Ormond

Student , Durham University

I'm currently a final year history student at Durham University from West Sussex with a particular interest in connections between the modern and medieval worlds, and soon to be specialising in early modern-modern history. For my research, I investigated the use of the Crusades within far-right organizations and what it reveals about the readings of crusade history. During my second summer, I was a part of the ThinkPacific Youth and Community project in Fiji from June to July 2022. If you have any questions about my research, LiA, or history stuff in general feel free to contact me here! Also, I like music, video production, and photography.
Lawrencia Afoakwa

Student , University of York

Hey everyone, I am a third-year psychology student at the University of York and a 2022 Laidlaw Scholar, aspiring to become a Clinical Psychologist in the near future!. My research entails "giving a voice" to Black and Asian ethnic minority students to understand the role their religion/spirituality has on their day-to-day university lives, and so understand how therapeutic environments can be tailired to promote their wellbeing.
Emory Southwick

MLitt researcher, Newcastle University

Emory Southwick (he/they) is postgraduate researcher at Newcastle University, formally a Laidlaw scholar at Durham University, UK, where they achieved a First Class BA with Honours in Music at Stephenson College. Emory has a research interest in those underrepresented in music, focusing on marginalised genders and LGBTQ+ people. Currently, they are working with Contemporary Music for All (CoMA) and has also set up their own business as an artist.
Phoebe Cook

Student , Durham University

Hey everyone, I'm Phoebe !  I am an undergrad for Durham in the 2021 cohort.  My field of research is sociology looking at access to higher education programmes and widening participation. 
Karis Lonie

Student & Scholar , University of St Andrews

I am a fourth year student studying Geography and Sustainable Development at The University of St Andrews. I have a particular interest in reforestation, conservation and climate change mitigation. For the first summer of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme I produced a research essay and poster titled 'Climate Change Mitigation: Investigating the impact of land use on soil organic matter (SOM)'. My research focuses on measuring and reporting soil organic matter content across different land use types such as cropland and woodland. I explore the climate change mitigation potential of soil and the potential of adding soil organic matter through woodland restoration. For the second summer of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme I produced a Leadership-in-Action Video about my project on sustainable agricultural practices in Williamsburg, Virginia. My LiA project involved interviewing farmers in and around Williamsburg, academic researchers at the local university, The College of William and Mary and the manager of the Williamsburg Farmers Market. I also produced a reflective essay about my experience over the Laidlaw Scholarship titled 'Learning, Growing and Developing as a Leader'.
Emily Bowen

Student, University of York

I'm a third year History student at the University of York, with an interest in archives and public history. Improving the accessibility of history is of great importance to me, both in terms of access to resources and the historical narrative. I've had experience in archives ranging from the Cambridge Arts Theatre, dating from 1934, to St Peter's School, York, which dates back to 627 AD. Whilst at the Arts Theatre I also received accredited training from the Oral History Society, which I have since been able to apply to other oral history community projects.
Thomas Williams

Third Year Medical Student, Hull York Medical School

Hi, I'm Thomas (or Tom)  I'm a Third-Year medical student studying at Hull York Medical School (HYMS). So far, the course has been great and I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people. My research project focuses around an area of biology I have found super interesting since joining medical school - the blood and the immune system! As well as my studies, I am a Choral Singer for Hull Minster where I sing a whole range of music, as well as performing with other various music groups in the Yorkshire Area. I am also the Regional Student Volunteering Officer for the North East.  In terms of the future, my plans aren't completely set in stone yet - I'm open to many new experiences before I make that decision. If you have any questions for me, I would love for you to get in contact :) 
Pritika Ganguly

Student, University of York

Hello! I am Pritika and am a second-year Medical Engineering student at the University of York. my research proposal is on how to develop a prosthetic that can grow with a child, so the child will not need to replace the prosthetic often. Furthermore, looking into the use of AI so the prosthetic can learn and develop alongside the side.
Asper Baher

Law Student, University of York

Hi everyone! I am Asper, a third-year law student at the University of York and a 2022 Laidlaw Scholar. My research project is about the legacy of British Imperialism on nationality law in post-colonial territories and Jordan specifically. Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to chat 💭🥰
Yu Yao

Student, University of York

Hi, my name is Tina. 😄 I am from University of York, studying Interactive Media. My project is to explore how the VR technology can help people to better understand about dyslexia.  My passion in gaming, storytelling and content design motivate me to look into ways these can be applied to impact public awareness about disabilities in a positive way. Please feel free to contact with me on chat, email or instagram. I am looking forward to have a chat with you ;)
Alessia Vlasceanu

Student, University of York

My name is Alessia and I am going into my 3rd Year of Psychology at the University of York. I am currently researching action perception and how autism can impact it. In my free time, I like to delve deeper into the human-computer interaction and the future of AI, as well as topics in marketing and global competitiveness.
Becky Caulfield

MSc Psychology Student, University of York

An aspiring Clinical Psychologist, currently an undergraduate studying Psychology (Integrated MSci) at the University of York. I see a future in which mental healthcare is adaptive to an individual's cultural and personal needs. I am also interested in alternative/ complimentary therapies for treatment resistant mood disorders such as deep brain stimulation and psilocybin therapy. My current research involves working with a Prosopagnosic (face blind) individual to better understand how we both learn and recognise faces.  For my Leadership in Action programme, I am working with "MakeSense", an organisation based in Mexico City. I am developing a social empowerment project supporting rural communities in Mexico.  
Joelle Weir

Student, University of Toronto

Hi! I'm currently a journalism and Environmental Chemistry student at the University of Toronto. I like to read, dance, and do yoga. I am also a MAJOR Foodie and cook all the time. My favorite classes this semester has been Intro to Journalism, Mandarin, and Stats! I also talk about social journalism and live-stream in my free time.
Cath Brislane

Subject Lead/ Undergraduate Scholar, University of York

I am a final-year undergraduate scholar pursuing a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Linguistics at the University of York. Besides being a scholar, I am the Arts and Humanities Subject Lead on the Scholar's Network and the 2020-22 Arts and Humanities faculty rep at the University of York! My first summer of research was based in phonetics, entitled 'The untapped potential of human language: Investigating the perception of typologically unattested and rare sounds'. In it, I get to look at phonemes that are not commonly found in speech, if at all! My Leadership in Action project was based around the experiences of students with disabilities and long-term health conditions when accessing Higher Education in the UK. I'm currently creating teacher training based on the paper I wrote for this project, and working with UCAS to help inform UK university admissions policy. 
Inkindi Mutoni Sabine

STEM Subject Lead, University of Rwanda

I am a graduate of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering at the University of Rwanda. I am also the STEM Subject Lead. My Laidlaw research project is about bringing a system that could help minimize the number of high-school and primary students who bring cell phones to school since it's one of the major sources of distraction. I did my Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, majoring in Cybersecurity and Data Science.
Tom Burdge

Founder, Researcher and Podcast Host, buddhistphilosophy.co.uk

I am the founder of buddhistphilosophy.co.uk where I currently host podcasts with expert guests in Buddhist philosophical practice and theory. With this project, I am to contribute toward correcting the entrenched Eurocentric bias in philosophy by creating an inclusive space for learning about Buddhist philosophy. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I have researched on researched philosophy of time, Buddhist philosophy, and philosophy of language. My research output includes a paper entitled Meaning in Gibberish (forthcoming in Aporia). I have presented this paper and discussed related issues in talks and workshops at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh. Language learning holds a high in priority in my studies and research. I have studied some Pali (OCBS levels 1 and 2) and I read French fluently. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any interest in the following: Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, Ambedkar studies, women and Buddhist philosophy, cross-cultural philosophy, critical theory, French philosophy, Laruelle’s non-philosophy, non-Buddhism, philosophy of nonsense, philosophy of death.
James R. Harrison

Laidlaw Alum, incoming MA-PhD student, Durham University

Final-year Durham student studying Politics; President of Durham Laidlaw Scholars' Organisation; Incoming ESRC-funded MA-PhD student in NINE DTP. My research so far has covered ideological identity in left-wing student activism, examining the interplay of social movement theory and the philosophy of identity, and my general research interests include citizenship education, democratic theory and the occasional bit of political anthropology. Outside of my studies it's mainly twentieth-century literature, cocktails and cooking!
Susanna Kempe

CEO, Laidlaw Foundation

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.