Hiya! My name is Faith Marion Kalia, but you can call me Mae! I am a third-year student at the University of Toronto double-majoring in Philosophy and Diaspora & Transnational Studies with a minor in Creative Writing!  For my research, I will be studying how the biracial South Asian identity is impacted by language, gender, and identity politics. It is my highest hopes that this research is able to suggest an alternative identification for biracial people that does not threaten the wholeness of their being! When I'm not researching, you may find me cafe hopping, reading critical theory, or dilly dallying in the park with friends! I am open to further discussing my research and/or extracurricular hobbies, if interested — feel free to contact me via social media or email!

Hi everyone,  My name is Aron Pechy and I am a second-year student at the University of Toronto, originally from Budapest, Hungary. I am planning to pursue a double major in Public Policy and Peace, Conflict and Justice with a minor in Sexual Diversity Studies.   My research project is titled Regulating LGBTQ Visibility through Child Protection and Media Law: A Comparative Doctrinal Analysis of Russia, Hungary and Bulgaria under EU Legal Frameworks. My academic interests are mainly centred around policy, law and governance with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ legal advocacy. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, travelling and visiting modern art galleries.  I am always happy to connect; feel free to reach me on any of my socials!

I'm a third year student of Economics + Environmental Management at the University of Toronto (UofT). Growing up between Spain and Peru, I noticed early on how people's backgrounds and lived experiences with climate shape their views and actions in the climate space. An enthusiast of tourism, gap years, and adventure, I embarked on a gap year before starting university to explore 30+ countries and test myself in places where I could barely say "hello" in. Upon starting university, I represented UofT at the United Nations Conference of the Parties in Azerbaijan, where I met some awesome, young climate leaders! I've also led climate awareness campaigns across schools in Romania, Finland, Poland, and Greece.  My interest in sustainability and my adventurous traveler side led me to pursuing Laidlaw Research. I am currently investigating how tourism management policies, particularly in Machu Picchu, may be replicable models to other UNESCO World Heritage sites. I hope to apply my research findings during my LiA, while visiting another world wonder! 

I study Politics and Peace, Conflict, and Justice at the University of Toronto! Last summer, I researched historical maritime delimitation disputes between Canada and the United States. This summer, I'm working at the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore to research submarine cables and pipelines in the territorial sea.  I grew up between Singapore and Vancouver, which has undoubtedly influenced my current interest in global affairs and international relations. I love travelling (I'm hoping to travel to Morocco next), tennis (playing and watching), and reading. 

2026 Laidlaw Scholar and student at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Interested in the intersection of Public Health and International Relations and examining how political and cultural disparities translate to medicine and healthcare access. Honoured to join this talented network of skilled individuals. Feel free to reach out, I'd love to connect!   

Hi! My name is Sofia, and I am going into my third year at the University of Toronto double-majoring in Neuroscience and Philosophy. I am originally from Helsinki, Finland, but I have moved around throughout my life, living in California and, most recently, Toronto, Canada.  My academic interests include neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells,  philosophy, and building healthier communities through translational research. I love rock climbing, cooking, trying different cuisines, reading, biking, and exploring new cities. 

Hello! I am Olivia, an International Relations and Ethics, Society, and Law student at the University of Toronto. I am interested in how states relate to one another, how international diplomacy functions, and decision-making in states. This is why this summer I'll be looking at Legal Barriers to Self-Determination in Disputed Territories. This study looks at how states interact with independence movements, for example, to see if an overseas territory is worth retaining in the midst of claims for independence.  For fun, I like playing video games (come talk to me about Nintendo games!!) or reading, biking or walking through my neighbourhood, and browsing research. I love learning, I'm trying to read more non-fiction books, so please recommend any interesting research or novels! I am so excited to be a member of the Laidlaw community. I hope to learn more about all of you, and read as much of your work as possible! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, either through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, or on LinkedIn. Let's talk!

Hi everyone, my name is Jayden! I'm entering my third-year at the University of Toronto, studying Environmental Health and Disease. My research and academic interests lie within digital health and emerging technologies, and this summer, I'll be researching AI implementation in healthcare.  I also love to read, talk about music, and go for drives! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! 

Hello! My name is Payton Bonang and I am a student in Trinity College at the University of Toronto, St. George. I am pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree (HBA) with a major in Environmental Studies, a Certificate in Sustainable Pathways, and a double minor in Urban Studies and Forest Conservation.

Hello! I'm a third-year architecture student at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto, pursuing additional majors in Religious Studies through the Department for Religion and Jewish Studies through the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies. My research is focused on the critical role of design in history and its relationship to contemporary applications of design for state control. I am incredibly passionate about the future of design and how new frontiers can be assessed by analyzing the past.

Hello, my name is Rebecca Liu, and I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto. I am pursuing a double major in Public Health and Peace, Conflict, and Justice, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. For my Laidlaw research, I am examining global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) national action plans (NAPs) through a gender-inclusive and gender transformative perspective. The goal of my research is to understand how NAPs can be improved to better address the AMR global health crisis for marginalized groups of gender and sexuality.

Hello everyone!  My name is Lila Sparks and I am going into my third year at the University of Toronto, where I am pursuing a double major in International Relations and Peace, Conflict & Justice studies! This summer I am researching the social and ecological impacts that data centres have on indigenous communities in Canada. I'm so excited to learn from you all:)  

Hi! My name is Hana, and I'm entering my third year at the University of Toronto majoring in Political Science and minoring in both Applied Data Science and Creative Writing. My academic interests lie in the intersections between technology and society; I'm particularly interested in how artificial intelligence interacts with and affects human communities. In my free time, I love to learn new languages (I speak 5 fluently!), train capoeira, cook, and write. Please feel free to reach out -- I look forward to meeting more people in the Laidlaw community!

Hi! I'm Pranav, a third-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, originally from the New York City metropolitan area—double majoring in Economics, with a focus in Data Analytics, and Public Policy, while also pursuing a certificate in Business Fundamentals and minor in South Asian Studies. My research interests are highly interdisciplinary, across socio-economic and tech policy, and the law—with a broad passion for global politics as well as focused interest in South Asian regional affairs and community-based impact. I'm always happy to chat with others and love to learn from my peers—please don't hesitate to reach out to me!

Hi, I'm Donya! I'm an English and History dual major at the University of Toronto with a passion for law, history, and research. Amongst other things, I am also passionate about National Treasure (2004). Feel free to connect!