Hi everyone, my name is Kaity and I’m a rising sophomore in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. I plan to major in International Economics and minor in Statistics. In my spare time, I love calligraphy, street photography, biking, and I recently got into cooking. I’m also learning French, and would love to talk to French learner/speakers!

I am an incoming Junior double-majoring in Biology and Chinese. My research project for this summer focuses on the galectin-3 binding protein (G3BP). According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2020, over 1.6 million new cancer cases were reported and 600 thousand people died of cancer. While cancer cases are decreasing, for every 100,000 people, there are still 403 new cancer cases. My research this summer focuses on G3BP, a protein that was identified as an interacting partner for extracellular 6-O-endosulfatase Sulf2. Interaction with G3BP inhibits Sulf2 activity leading to changes of heparan sulfation that is involved in numerous biological processes including cancer cell proliferation, migration and/or invasion. Generation of Gal3BP F357W mutant is recommended by C. Barinka for interaction analyses; we will generate the F357W mutant and test the impact of the mutation on Sulf2-G3BP interactions and the effects on Sulf2 activity. This research entails the generation of F357W G3BP mutant by site-directed mutagenesis, subcloning wild-type and mutant sequence into lentiviral transfer vector, generation of lentiviral particles in HEK293T cells, transduction of target production cell line, purification by His/Twin-Strep affinity, impact on interaction, impact on enzymatic activity by HPLC-UV-based assay using heparan sulfate mimetic. Through this research, I hope to characterize the interaction between G3BP and Sulf-2 and generate resources (recombinant proteins) for further studies including migration/invasion assays, and utilize the above resources and data. I am also interested in researching health disparities concerning cancer treatment; unlike other racial groups, cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans. Due to language and cultural barriers, Asian Americans often have lower rates of cancer screening and a lack of proper treatment. Beyond my research in the lab, I am also interested in healthcare access regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Hi! My name is Isha and I am a rising junior in the College of Arts & Sciences majoring in Biology of Global Health. While I grew up in the suburbs of NYC for most of my life, I lived in Singapore for 4 of those years. This summer, I will be researching failed single-stranded annealing events in drosophila under the guidance of Dr. Jan LaRocque. 

Hello everyone. My name is Samantha and I am junior in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. I am majoring in International Politics with a minor in Cognitive Science. I am originally from Connecticut. In my free time, I enjoy reading realistic fiction novels and going on walks. For my research summer, my faculty mentored project was titled African American Resiliency in the British Caribbean and I conducted research under Professor Anita Gonzalez of the American American Studies Department at Georgetown. The project focused on Cat Island, one of the out islands in The Bahamas, and explored the culture of Cat Island by mapping the island’s foodways, music traditions, and histories. Research methods included conducting oral interviews with local residents of Cat Island and participating in cultural practices. Ultimately, the project examined how Bahamian culture reflects the resiliency of Black populations that have survived forced migration and enslavement in the Caribbean. For my Leadership-in-Action project, I worked at Yahad - in Unum in Paris, France. The nonprofit is dedicated to investigating mass atrocities through interviewing witnesses and examining the sites of mass graves. Currently, Yahad has ongoing investigations in Eastern Europe, Guatemala, Iraq, and Ukraine. Additionally, the organization prioritizes genocide education. My independent project is focused on genocide education in the Global South.

Hi There! I am Sharon, a rising junior studying Business and Global Affairs at Georgetown University. I am minoring in statistics and planning on pursuing a career in international development, with a specific focus on bridging the aid-development gap to mitigate protracted displacement around the world.  For my Laidlaw research project, I am working with Professor Christi Smith of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration to study the phenomenon of increasing Consulting publications and work on migration and refugee integration-related issues. I aim to explore how the emergence of a new organizational form in the refugee services space might shift the course of refugee incorporation during a time of increasing forced migration and rising political polarization, and its potential policy implications. Our study analyzes 24 publicly available consulting reports using mixed methods to identify prominent and distinguishable patterns and themes. We are also conducting interviews with consultants to explore the internal and external factors contributing to these themes. By contrasting these findings with those from the public sector and NGOs, we aim to highlight different approaches to migration and refugee issues. In my free time, I like to dance (my faves are Chinese Folk and Classical Dances!), watch TV shows, and spend quality time with my siblings! I love food and are always excited to try out new cuisines! I believe that nonverbal and nonwritten communication, including all performance art and culinary practices, are powerful ways to build connections and enhance cross-cultural appreciation and dynamism.   One fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin. My sister, Susan (got our name from The Parent Trap lol) also attends Georgetown University and studies Human Science on the pre-med track.  Would love to connect with anyone interested in discussing anything in the realm of social and political science or on their journey exploring their faith as I am, so don't hesitate to reach out :)

My name is Fiona and I'm a member of the Class of 2026 at Georgetown University in the US. I'm majoring in Culture and Politics with a concentration in International Labor Policy and minoring in English and French. My research focuses on the intersection between artificial intelligence and labor exploitation. I aim to chronicle the ways that the tech industry would not function without the contract labor performed by millions of workers in the Global South, and to analyze new models of tech worker organizing to strengthen their power and autonomy. I also hope to situate this "last mile" of digital automation within historical trends of piecework, mechanization, and labor displacement under capitalism. For my summer 2025 Leadership in Action project, I'm interning at a labor union in the capital of Tunisia.

Hello! I'm Cynthia, a second-year at Georgetown University studying Regional and Comparative Studies with a concentration in Asia. I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My research project centers around the role of contemporary minority ethnic music in the People’s Republic of China in constructing ethnic identity. I chose this project because studying contemporary music provides unique and living insight into the critically important cultural and political landscapes within the People’s Republic of China. When I'm not studying or working, I love knitting, reading, thrifting, and a long walk to explore D.C. — all while fueled by an americano, cold brew, or matcha if I'm feeling adventurous :)  Please feel free to send me a message if you want to chat! I would love to hear about you, your research project, and any knowledge you may have that could contribute to my work.

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.