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 Delphine Armand and I am a junior at Georgetown University. I am currently on the pre-med track studying Global Health and Theology with a concentration in Religion, Politics, and the Common Good. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts, although I am currently in the process of moving to Rochester, Minnesota. I am an avid thrifter, reader, drawer, and music-listener.   My Laidlaw research project aims to analyze the reality of pluralistic religious freedoms within the carceral system. Specifically, I am interested in exploring the association between social, political, and economic identity and religious complaint filings under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) passed in 2000. This idea draws on my experiences as a religious studies student and a creative writing tutor at the Alexandria Detention Center.    My hope is that this project will thoughtfully evaluate the barriers to religious pluralism within the carceral system, encouraging future advocacy and litigation to create more equitable and inclusive institutions. Additionally, I’d like to learn more about litigation and policy, allowing me to develop my professional identity and explore the world of criminology and law. Finally, I would not be taking full advantage of the Laidlaw Scholars Programme if I did not connect with its broad network of students, mentors, and alumni. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from these passionate individuals for the rest of my academic career. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the 2026 Laidlaw Scholars Cohort!

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!

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! My name is Abdur, and I am a rising junior at Georgetown studying Government and Philosophy on a pre-law track. I enjoy and feel fulfilled doing work related to prison policy reform. For hobbies, I love cooking, hiking, biking, working on fashion, and playing poker. 

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