I am a Mathematics student at Durham University, passionate about maths, music and the environment.
My research project was titled "Listening to mangroves: Using Autonomous Recording Units and Machine Learning tools to assess avian biodiversity in the mangroves of coastal Suriname", where I developed skills in Data Science and R (statistical programming language), and provided new information on the ecology of these critical ecosystems. My LiA was based at the Wetlands International Global Office in the Netherlands, and used hydrological modelling and conversations with key stakeholders to identify the best Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) strategies, and locations for them, for reducing sedimentation in Lake Ziway and the Meki catchment, Ethiopia. I'm interested in a career in maths modelling for environmental issues, and am particularly interested in science communication. I have graduated from the Arete fellowship in Effective Altruism, where I considered how my career can have the most positive impact on society.
I am also a woodwind player (clarinet, saxophones, flute) and play music in a range of styles from orchestral to jazz to musical theatre. This year I am the President of Durham University Big Band, and last year I was the Treasurer of Durham Student Music, which involved advising the treasurers of our ~30 groups, facilitating collaborative projects and charity fundraising, as well as running a series of grants for individuals and societies to improve access to participation in music.
Hiya! I'm Thea, and I'm a second-year studying Classics at Durham University. Although Classics is a study of antiquity, I believe strongly in the real-world value of the skills and perspective it teaches. Because of this, I'm super excited to be a part of the 2026 Laidlaw cohort with my research on the importance of ancient Greek language and culture in the education system. I'm greatly interested in governance and public policy, so I'd love to see my project have a real influence on the presence of Classical education in a wider range of young people's lives.
Outside of academia, my hobbies include reading, film and video games, and I enjoy being active through going to the gym, yoga, and skiing!
Hello! I am a first year undergraduate student at Durham University studying Modern European Languages and Cultures, including advanced Spanish and ab initio Italian.
I believe that the intersection between languages and culture, politics and peacebuilding is hugely important in a multicultural but increasingly divided world. I am therefore passionate about using my skills for good, especially through my research project into ethical and compassionate immigration policy.
I'm really excited to work alongside the 2026 scholars!
Hi! I'm Bruna, a first-year English Literature undergraduate at Durham University, currently working on my research project. My passion for stories is reflected in my research which focuses on examining storytelling's role in policymaking in creative fields in County Durham.
I am from Brazil but have lived in the Netherlands and Kuwait and therefore have come to love learning all about languages and cultures. Moving around also means I am always open to learning more and adapting to new situations.
In my free time, I am usually cosplaying an old grandma: I crochet, embroider, bake and read. At times, I may also be playing the sims.
Please feel free to reach out!
qmcj48@durham.ac.uk