A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.

I am an International Scholarships Advisor working at the Centre for International Experience (CIE) at the University of Toronto (U of T). My portfolio includes supporting the Laidlaw Scholars at U of T and coordinating a peer mentorship program for scholars, Being an international education professional focusing on the areas of international student support and intercultural learning for over 6+ years, I enjoy working with students by listening to their stories, learning about their aspirations, and navigating success and challenges together. I have a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph. A fun fact about my master's thesis was to examine how travelling contributes to tourists' happiness and well-being. 

Hello! My name is Elliot and I am a student at the University of Toronto hoping to study law, history and political science. When I am not frantically writing essays I like to spend my time outdoors skiing, hiking, climbing, biking, running... you name it! I also love reading and writing and I hope to be able to publish some of my work one day! I am really passionate about social justice and advocacy and I hope to be able to use my skills to help those in need, whoever they are and wherever they may be! 

Hi everyone! My name is Lilah and I am going into my fourth year at the University of Toronto studying Economics and International Relations. I am deeply passionate about climate justice, and am particularly interested in exploring how public policy can be used to mitigate the climate crisis.

Hello! My name is Viktoria, and I’m a third year student at University of Toronto pursuing a Human Biology major and double minor in Immunology and Physiology. In my research, I'm investigating how immune dysfunction contributes to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathogenesis, a condition that has immensely impacted my family. My work integrates computational transcriptomic analysis of patient data with experimental validation in a preclinical mouse model. This integrative approach aims to uncover immune-related biomarkers that could inform precision-based, disease-modifying immunomodulatory therapies that slow or prevent PD progression.         My fascination with the immune system began with my own experience navigating everyday life with my anaphylactic allergies. Early exposure to the immune system’s complexity inspired my ongoing commitment to understanding how immune dysregulation underpins disease. PD is close to my heart, and I’m motivated to have my work contribute to better diagnostics and treatments for patients worldwide.         Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue graduate studies; either an MSc or PhD in immunology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences. I’m passionate about translating academic research into real-world solutions and hope to build a venture that leverages immune insights for targeted, accessible therapies. I’m also a language enthusiast; I love learning new languages and immersing myself in different cultures, and I believe cross-cultural communication is essential for global health innovation and leadership.          When I’m not in the lab, you can find me studying in new cafes and trying new restaurants around Toronto, reading psychological thrillers or philosophical literature, hiking with my dog, or travelling abroad!                 The Laidlaw Scholars Programme has been an incredibly meaningful part of my academic journey thus far, empowering me to ask bold questions, build hands-on research skills, and connect with a vibrant community of change-makers. If you’re curious about Parkinson’s research, immunology/neuroscience/biotech, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out on my LinkedIn. I’d love to hear from you!

Hi, I'm Natashia, it's nice to meet you! ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚ I'm an incoming third-year student at the University of Toronto double majoring in English and Psychology. As my majors might suggest, my passions lie in using literature as a means of moral and political education, and how literature might shape the development of children! For my research summer, I'm investigating how Indonesian parents censor literature for their children. Through my research, I hope to discover the factors that go into such censorship, the psychological and developmental impacts of censorship, and how we can create a culturally-relevant recommendation for censorship of children's literature. Outside of research and studying, I spend most of my time watching anime (current favorite is Frieren!), lifting weights, and reading cozy fantasy! ૮ ․ ․ ྀིა If anyone wants to chat, collaborate, or ask any questions I may be able to answer, I would be more than happy to oblige! You can email me at natashia.septirymen@mail.utoronto.ca ♡

Hello ! My name is Malaika and I am an undergraduate at the University of Toronto. This summer, I will be investigating the intersection of cultural and political sovereignty in the DRC through a biopolitical lense. Through discussions of repatriation, I aim to examine the role of art in the Congolese's fight for self-determination. Outside of Laidlaw, I am studying Urban Studies and Sexual Diversity Studies. I am interested in researching and learning more about biopolitics and abjection throughout my academic journey.  When I am free, I love to bead, jog, read and touch up my Pinterest ! I am passionate about social justice and I hope my work can translate those values into concrete, progressive change. Have a lovely day ! 🫶🏾🦢🪷

The power of engineering to change the world using simple lines of code and circuit diagrams captivates me. Having invented India’s most economical 3D Printer, I’ve experienced firsthand its profound impact. Namaste! I’m Vedant, born in Singapore and raised in the bustling city of Mumbai. My journey started in 2020, when I needed a 3D printer for the rapid prototyping of projects but couldn’t afford one. Using recycled computer parts, a classmate and I managed to build one for under $100. Continuing my pursuit of frugal innovation, I developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser during the pandemic which I provided to local clinics and stores, despite supply chain shortages. In a quest to spread the innovation culture, I began delivering technical guest lectures on ‘Innovating with Arduino’ at engineering colleges and high schools across India. I introduced them to my ‘5-step prototyping mantra’, and used conversational psychology techniques to connect with students from diverse social backgrounds. From initially facing apprehension, to leaving the classrooms with thundering applause, the experience has been a rollercoaster. Forward to 2024, these lectures have become an awaited event at these colleges! My work has been featured in 30+ newspapers, journals, and media including platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks with a combined global reach of 50M+. Apart from engineering and tech, I’m an avid cyclist. My weekends usually consist of 100–150 km of backcountry rides. In Mumbai, I’ve worked with the police and the Smart Commute Foundation to advocate for bike lanes, install parking stands, and conduct cyclothons which saw over 5000 participants. I’m thrilled to join the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars — and I can’t wait to connect, learn, and build alongside all of you! Warm Regards, Vedant :) Instagram | LinkedIn

Hello! My name is Rie (she/her) and I'm a third year at the University of Toronto. I'm majoring in International Relations and Contemporary Asian Studies with a minor in Political Science. My research project for Summer 1 covers contemporary youth protest culture in Japan, investigating why Japanese youths are disengaged and apathetic towards politics. Feel free to message me if you're interested in chatting about research! Outside of academics my hobbies are art, dancing (I did ballet for 10 years), visiting cafes with friends and binging TV shows :) 

Hi! My name is Ronaish and I'm an international student at UofT from the UAE. I'm hoping to specialize in Neuroscience with a minor in Philosophy - alongisde, I also harbor a great interest in public health! As part of the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme, I am conducting a scoping review and expert consultation on the current state and future directions for palliative care in Pakistan. This is an incredibly interdisciplinary topic as it concerns and draws insights from epidemiology, sociology and public health - I'm excited to take it on this summer and hope to share my progress on this network! Besides research, my hobbies include parliamentary debate, trying new cuisines, occasionally binging shows and traveling! Feel free to reach out at ronaish.arshad@mail.utoronto.ca for a chat or if you have any questions about my research!