Hi! My name is Maghai, and I am a rising junior at Georgetown University in Qatar studying International Politics. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am conducting research on civilian perceptions of UN peacekeeping withdrawal in South Sudan and how local communities experience security and international intervention. Growing up through conflict and displacement has shaped my interest in community-centered policy, accountability, and research that elevates local perspectives in global decision-making.

Hi! My name is Delphine Armand and I am a junior at Georgetown University. I am currently on the pre-med track studying Global Health and Theology with a concentration in Religion, Politics, and the Common Good. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts, although I am currently in the process of moving to Rochester, Minnesota. I am an avid thrifter, reader, drawer, and music-listener.   My Laidlaw research project aims to analyze the reality of pluralistic religious freedoms within the carceral system. Specifically, I am interested in exploring the association between social, political, and economic identity and religious complaint filings under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) passed in 2000. This idea draws on my experiences as a religious studies student and a creative writing tutor at the Alexandria Detention Center.    My hope is that this project will thoughtfully evaluate the barriers to religious pluralism within the carceral system, encouraging future advocacy and litigation to create more equitable and inclusive institutions. Additionally, I’d like to learn more about litigation and policy, allowing me to develop my professional identity and explore the world of criminology and law. Finally, I would not be taking full advantage of the Laidlaw Scholars Programme if I did not connect with its broad network of students, mentors, and alumni. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from these passionate individuals for the rest of my academic career. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the 2026 Laidlaw Scholars Cohort!

Hi!  My name is Nuthi Ganesh.  I am a junior studying Culture and Politics in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.  My research explores how children in refugee or refugee-like situations adjust to American schools and how these children experience and negotiate their role as cultural intermediaries in schools.  I am curious about how this role shapes refugee children into advocates for human rights, especially for their right to education. My hobbies are journaling, playing violin, watching baking shows, and spending time with my friends/family in nature, swimming, paddling, hiking, or backpacking.  I am originally from Maine.  I'd love to chat -- so don't hesitate to reach out.

My name is Ishaan Jordan, and I am a student at Georgetown University pursuing a major in Government alongside a minor in Tech, Ethics, and Society. Driven by a passion for public service, leadership, and systemic change, my academic and extracurricular focus centers on how policy and emerging technologies intersect to shape a more equitable world. Through the Laidlaw Scholars Program, my primary objective is to conduct research that examines the ethical implications of technology in governance, specifically how algorithmic decision-making impacts civic trust. Furthermore, I am eager to immerse myself in Laidlaw’s leadership development track, refining the skills necessary to lead with integrity, empathy, and clarity. Outside of my academic commitments, I love to stay active and explore the city. I'm a huge fan of the NBA, and I love watching and playing just about any sport. Fitness is a core part of my daily routine, and you can usually find me training at the gym or unwinding by going on long walks to take in nature and clear my head. In my free time, I enjoy trying new coffee shops and restaurants. 

Ilena is a rising junior at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business majoring in International Political Economy and Business, with a concentration in Sustainable Business and a minor in French. She is interested in how finance can be reimagined to better support sustainable and inclusive economic development. This summer, she is conducting research on Capital for Climate by developing a case study of its funding model to examine how innovative financing mechanisms can advance economic and social development while overcoming limitations of traditional development finance. Her work aims to inform practitioners and contribute to emerging conversations on designing next-generation funding architectures for sustainable development.

Hi! My name is Ariadna (Arina) Maksin and I'm a rising sophomore at Georgetown University. I currently research and study neurobiology, which stems from my interest in understanding and targeting the biological mechanisms underlying substance addiction (particularly opioid abuse). My Laidlaw project investigates the role of KCC2, a potassium-chloride cotransporter protein, in morphine addiction. I hope to ultimately integrate wet-lab addiction research with both biotherapeutic and public policy fields to create sustainable treatment and prevention strategies for addiction in the US.  Outside of research, I love creative writing (particularly poetry) and I'm hoping to double major in English. I also enjoy dancing – I'm on hiphop and bhangra teams at Georgetown – as well as playing piano, exploring new cuisines, and reading. Feel free to reach out here or at am4981@georgetown.edu!

Hi! My name is Ella Shi and I'm from Seattle, Washington. I am a current sophomore at Georgetown University studying Human Science. Outside of academics, I love journaling, scrapbooking, and painting pottery!

I am a rising junior at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, studying International Economics with a minor in history. I am interested in South Asian history, nationalism, and the economic history of capitalism and development. 

Hi! My name is Ishya, and I'm an incoming sophomore at Georgetown University studying International Economics in the School of Foreign Service. I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and I love trying new restaurants (especially Tex-Mex!). This summer, I'm researching the political and economic factors that influence whether countries adopt Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI refers to foundational digital systems, such as digital identity programs, digital payment platforms, and secure data-sharing frameworks, that enable governments to deliver public and private services more efficiently. Through my project, I'm exploring why some countries successfully implement these systems while others face barriers, and how factors like governance, institutional capacity, economic development, and political priorities shape the adoption of digital public infrastructure around the world.

Hi! My name is Leslie and I am currently at student at Georgetown University in Qatar, majoring in International Economics. I am passionate about many subject areas including African Politico-Economy, Climate Change, Mental Health and many more! This summer, with the help of Prof Mendenhall from GU and Dr. Bosire from Aga Khan University in Kenya, I will be conducting research that explores ways in which climate related events like flooding affect the wellbeing of residents of informal settlements in Kibera, Kenya. 

Hello! I’m Zoe, I am a junior at Tufts University studying both Political Science and History with an American concentration. Originally from New York City , I’m passionate about using research and policy to address complex issues at the intersection of political campaigning, elitism, and relationship to voter turnout. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I’ve focused my research on the history of presidential campaigning, and how it has shaped patterns of voter turnout. This summer, I am conducting a literature review and initial fieldwork exploring the presidential campaigns of three different presidents, and how they interacted with their voters differently based on their campaign strategies. I am aiming to investigate what they ultimately reveal about the voter politician relationship in America.   Outside of research, I’m active in Tufts Mock Trial,  and deeply committed to public service. I aspire to become a litigation attorney and am particularly motivated by questions of equity, representation, and justice. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking and running my radio show - tune in on WMFO 91.5! . I am really excited to be apart of the Laidlaw community, if you’d like to connect, share ideas, or chat about Laidlaw, feel free to reach out to me at zrenaz01@tufts.edu. I’d love to hear from you!

Hi! My name is Ashley, and I am currently a second-year student at Duke University studying Public Policy and Global Health with an interest in a Health Policy Certificate. I am passionate about advancing ethical, evidence-based solutions at the intersection of health, environment, and social equity. I also find interest in conducting research focused on ethical decision-making and inclusive research practices that better serve underrepresented communities. My experiences across public health, communications, and community engagement have shaped my interest in using policy to promote social responsibility and health equity.