I'm Ryan, a 2026 Laidlaw scholar at Tufts University. I was born in New York City, but my father is from Karachi, Pakistan and my Mum is from Brisbane, Australia. Now my parents' immigrant dreams live on in my 3 brothers and I as we move across the country and pursue our unique interests. I believe it is precisely this complex history of migration in my family that has inspired my passion for migration studies. 

Hello! My Name is Celina Savage (she/her) and I a Laidlaw Scholar in the 2026 cohort! I am pursuing research on direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising in the United States, with a focus on how testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is communicated to post- and peri-menopausal women. I am interested in working in the intersection of health communication and equity, exploring how messaging shapes patient understanding and access. I'm passionate about building transparent, equitable systems of communication across all areas of life. When messaging is clear, honest, and inclusive, it invites people in; when it isn't, it quietly excludes. My goal is to ensure people feel genuinely seen and supported by the systems around them.

Hi! My name is Jayden, and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University pursuing a double major in International Relations and Sociology, with a minor in Legal Studies on a pre-law track. Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, I am deeply interested in and passionate about the intersecting fields of human rights, economics, and justice systems. In my free time, I enjoy exploring, thrifting, and being a foodie! 

Hello! My name is Maiwenn, I am a rising junior at Tufts University studying Biopsychology. I am deeply interested in community health research, particularly strategies that help bridge gaps created by socioeconomic barriers. Through this interest, I hope to learn more about the factors that influence patient adherence and health outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy pursuing my faith, singing, spending time with friends and family, and exploring different facets of the medical field.

Hafa Adai! My name is Jia and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University pursuing a double major in International Relations and Community Health, with a minor in Legal Studies on a pre-law track. Originally from the Northern Mariana Islands, I am deeply interested in and passionate about the intersecting fields of public policy, global health, and justice systems. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and videochatting!

Hello! My name is Harry, and I am a student at Tufts University and part of the 2026 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars. My research project investigates whether simple, low-cost habitat measurements can predict soil microbial diversity in recovering New England forests. Using five field-measurable variables, I am developing the Habitat-Based Microbial Recovery Index (hMRI): a "health score" for forest soils that conservation organizations and land managers can use without expensive lab sequencing. Through this research, my overall goal is to reframe rewilding as a public health strategy, not just an environmental one. As antibiotic resistance is increasing, some of the most promising sources of new antibiotics are soil microbes. By identifying which recovering forests have conditions associated with strong microbial communities, I hope to help direct conservation efforts toward the forests most likely to yield tomorrow's medical discoveries. If you would like to connect or have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out!

Hi there! I’m Nicolly, an undergraduate student from Brazil studying International Relations and Child Studies at Tufts University. I’m passionate about humanitarian work, education policy, and the non-profit sector. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect or chat!

Hello! My name is Nadine, and I am a first-year Genetics student at the University of Leeds. I am interested in pursuing a career in research and global health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular science and immunology. I am passionate about addressing pressing global health challenges through impactful solutions that improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. I strongly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all communities worldwide, and I am committed to contributing to this goal. Through my leadership and medical communications experience, I have developed strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and I am now eager to expand into more lab-based roles where I can contribute directly to improving patient care and advancing scientific research. This summer, I will be joining a research team at the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, where we will investigate a novel molecular pathway involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease in individuals with insulin resistance. This opportunity will allow me to deepen my understanding of translational research and its potential to improve health outcomes. Although still early in my journey, I am excited to begin my Leadership-in-Action project and explore how meaningful research can be applied to real-world health challenges. The Middle East faces a particularly high incidence of cardiovascular disease, with heart disease accounting for approximately one in three deaths annually and occurring, on average, at least a decade earlier than in many Western countries. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I hope to use my platform to contribute to tackling this growing crisis and promoting more equitable global healthcare outcomes.

Andrew Singleton has recently joined the Tufts-Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Programme team as a Programme Administrator and is excited to continue to elevate the Laidlaw Programming for current and future scholars. He joined the programme from Venture Café, which connects and educates the entrepreneurial and innovation community in Boston through programs/spaces/events and many other cities around the world. He has a B.S. from MIT in Biology and a background in social-impact enterprises, wind-power, user-computer-interfaces, as well as computer network design. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys travel, hiking, and wildlife photography.