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 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!

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 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.