Georgetown University joined the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship Programme as a partner institution in Fall 2021. The Georgetown University Center for Research and Fellowships announced the university's first Laidlaw Scholars cohort in April 2022.

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. 

Colleen manages the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme at Georgetown University. Through her work, Colleen aims to increase accessibility in fellowships advising for all Georgetown students with a special focus on reflective practices intended to help students identify and develop personal and career goals. Prior to joining Georgetown University, Colleen served as the Assistant Director for Early Career Initiatives with NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she managed professional development programs for undergraduate student, graduate student, and new professional members. Colleen holds a master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education from the University of Maine and bachelor’s degrees in Women and Gender Studies and Anthropology from the University of Delaware.

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 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, painting pottery, and really anything involving creativity!

Hi, I’m Isabella! I am a rising third year student at Georgetown University studying American Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies with a research focus on sexual violence, Christian nationalism, and gender policy. I am an educator and advocate for sexual violence prevention at both a cultural and legislative level.  This summer, I will be working with Dr. Nadia Brown and a fellow scholar to understand the occurrence and effects of violence against local-level women politicians. I am particularly interested in the influence of digital abuse involving AI and the effect that sexual harassment has on women’s political participation.  Please feel free to reach out! Email: ibw9@georgetown.edu

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!