Hi! I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying industrial and labor relations and pursuing a minor in inequality studies. My research focuses on intercultural communication in the workplace, analyzing the communication styles of first-generation Indian-American business professionals. I've always been interested in capturing people's stories, and hope to translate that to an informed research report on today's multicultural business landscape.  In my free time, I enjoy reading books (anything Toni Morrison or James Baldwin!) and trying in vain to accomplish a sub-20-second finish in the New York Times mini crossword. 

Melanie Marshall, of Indianapolis, Indiana is studying food science and minoring in biological engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, class of 2024 at Cornell University. Melanie is a Laidlaw Leadership and Scholarship Fellow. As a research fellow at Fallen Tree, her interests are in the cultural and religious imagination of insects particularly in the development of the human connection with insects and entomophagy. Melanie enjoys swimming, yoga, weight-lifting, brewing kombucha, and preparing vegan dishes. 

Hey, I'm Kobi and I’m a 2021 Laidlaw Scholar studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Animal Physiology at Cornell University. I’m from New York, and I'll be studying at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine as my next educational step. My academic interests lie in small animal veterinary practice, research, and teaching. My Laidlaw research focused on evaluating Holstein dairy cattle genomic data with the goal of identifying genetic regions associated with cattle health, dairy production, and disease resistance in order to inform cattle breeding and management decisions internationally. My LiA experience took place in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala where I worked with FARVets, a Cornell Vet group that implements sterilization clinics abroad. Outside of academics and research, I am passionate about traveling, sustainability, animals, and all things music.

Hello, I'm Ashmitha, a sophomore studying biomedical engineering and I’m from Collegeville, Pennsylvania. I have always found the intersection of biology and technology fascinating. I am motivated to learn different ways in which I can serve my local community by using science as a pathway. My creativity, problem-solving, and past experiences serve as forms of inspiration to me. I strive to pursue opportunities that challenge and broaden my perspective. In the future, I hope to attend medical school after a few gap years. On campus, I am involved in Global Medical and Dental Brigades, a club where we travel to rural communities in South American countries to provide medical services. I am an undergraduate researcher in the Schaffer-Nishimura lab, where I conduct Alzheimer's disease research. I am also a member of the product development subteam and recruitment chair for Biomedical Device, an interdisciplinary team that designs and builds biomedical devices. In my free time, I like to go on nature walks, run, listen to music, and read. I enjoy trying out new restaurants and hobbies like photography and painting.

Hello! I am a student strongly interested in the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and social justice. Having worked extensively in both the biomedical research and healthcare activism spheres, I believe in the power of technology to improve access to healthcare and STEM education. I am currently a Tradition Fellow and Laidlaw Scholar at Cornell University.

I am a senior at Cornell majoring in Government and Spanish with minors in Law & Society, Latin American Studies, European Studies, and English. My research operates at the intersection of law, international relations, and migration studies. I spent my first Laidlaw summer with the Cornell Law School Xenophobia Meter Project, conducting an analysis of the efficacy of Spain's legal migrant-protection infrastructure through a primary-source analysis of UN communiques and relevant legal precedents. During my second summer, I traveled to Pamplona, Spain to collaborate with the UPNA as a Collaborative Governance, Radicalization, War, and Technology Intern.

Hello! I am a Human Development major interested in translational research, specifically pertaining to educational settings and mentorship programs. As a Filipino-American, I am  passionate about focusing my research on my cultural identity and targeting gaps of knowledge within psychology in POC communities. My project involves the development of purpose workshops for educators and youth programs within Manila, Philippines. Would love to chat! 

I am a junior at Cornell University majoring in Global Development with a concentration in social and economic development. My interest lies in education, employment, and migration. Within this interest, I have delved into the correlation between education, the workforce, and migration & mobility (especially the concept “brain drain” and "brain gain"). I am passionate about improving global access to social and economic opportunities that young people have to leverage their human capital. With experience serving as Diversity Ambassador for the Cornell Undergraduate Office and Research Assistant for Professor Ivory’s “African Futures Project,” I strive to understand youth holistically from primary and secondary insight. I aspire to work in law for a youth development and/or an international organization.

I am currently a CS and Math major at Cornell University. My research interests include AI, ML, and scientific computing!

At Cornell University, students across disciplines are passionate about changing the world. Open to first- and second-year students, the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Program provides generous support for student research, offers hands-on leadership development and reflection, and encourages students to reinvest their knowledge to help others succeed. Laidlaw Scholars are part of an international network of like-minded leaders.

Chris Rivera is a Puerto Rican first-gen, Cornell University undergraduate, majoring in Environment & Sustainability at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and from the South Bronx. As a summer research fellow, his interests were in: Post-disaster resilience strategies for food security, the potential behind small-scale, local food systems, and community garden projects. He enjoys writing poetry, horror movies, photography, chess, Latin dance, walking around NYC, and spending time with family and friends. His passions are rooted in volunteerism, activism, and environmentalism.

As a junior double-majoring in Women's Menstrual Health and Computer Science, I've embarked on a path of self-discovery, delving into the complexities of women's health and its intricate connections to diverse cultures and dietary practices. My research delves into the cross-cultural implications of diet on women's menstrual health, aiming to shed light on the often-overlooked nuances of global health disparities. Growing up amidst the vibrant tapestry of Iranian and American cultures, I developed a keen awareness of how lifestyle choices profoundly impact our overall health and well-being. Inspired by this realization, I aspires to make a positive impact on the women's health industry, bridging research gaps and mitigating the discrepancies that hinder advancements in this field. My passion for menstrual health and nutrition led me to establish Aunt Flo's Kitchen, a startup dedicated to revolutionizing menstrual health through the creation of innovative snacks that naturally counteract the nutritional deficiencies causing period cramps. This entrepreneurial endeavor was born out of my research at the Laidlaw Scholars program, where I conducted an IRB-approved clinical trial under the supervision of Dr. Marla Lujan during my first summer. My second summer at Samphire Neuroscience, a FemTech startup founded by visionary researchers from Harvard and Oxford, further reinforced my commitment to addressing the critical issue of women's health. At Samphire, I gained invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and women's health, solidifying my belief in the transformative power of innovation to improve the lives of women worldwide. The Laidlaw Scholars program has played a pivotal role in shaping my life and career trajectory. It has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit, and equipped me with the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women. I am forever grateful for the transformative experience the Laidlaw program has provided, and I am committed to carrying forward its values of innovation, social impact, and community engagement as I pursue my passion for women's menstrual health and entrepreneurship. The Laidlaw Program has truly changed my life, and I hope it does the same to other scholars reading this. I am always eager to lend a helping hand and am committed to providing support wherever it is needed, so please do not hesitate to reach me at aaj34@cornell.edu.