Maja Anderson

At Cornell University, students across disciplines are passionate about changing the world. Open to first- and second-year students, the Laidlaw Leadership and Research and 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.

I grew up in Upstate New York, near Albany, NY, and spent my freshmen year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m studying Information Sciences with a concentration in Data Science I hope to help make sustainable changes in the world through data analysis and research. In my free time, I enjoy painting, crocheting, and making clothing.

I am passionate about creating an inclusive sense of belonging for students, leadership development, harm reduction, and helping students identify their version of success.  I have worked in higher education for the last eight years in different functional areas, including identity-based advocacy, orientation, transition and retention, fraternity and sorority life, and leadership development. I have a B.A. from Willamette University in American Ethnic Studies and History and a M.S. in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Texas A&M University (Gig 'em!).  I spend my free time fly-fishing, hiking, watching anything in the Star Wars universe, reading, browsing record stores, going to concerts, and searching for the best flat white in NE England!

I work in UCL Education and Student Affairs at UCL as a Project Manager. Our office has responsibility for improvements in education and the student experience, including the integration of teaching and research. I have managed high profile projects including a Graduate Support Scheme and a Review of Postgraduate Education. I currently manage the day to day administration of the Laidlaw Programme.

I'm a junior at Cornell University majoring in Government, History, and China & Asia Pacific Studies, and minoring in Law & Society and Information Science. Coming from Hong Kong and Taiwan, I have a very strong research interest in US-China relations and the Taiwan security problem. I will be working on the topic of the impact of the US-China relations on semiconductor supply chain disruption, and its implication to Vietnam's emerging economy. This summer, I will be working as a research intern for the Cornell Emerging Markets Institute, gaining hands-on experience in using databases like Capital IQ, SDC Platinum, and Bloomberg. 

Undergraduate student at Cornell University majoring in Environment and Sustainability with a concentration in policy and governance. 

Jensen Njagi is an undergraduate student studying International Agriculture and Rural Development/ Global Development; Economics and Development Concentration, with a Minor in Global Health. Guided by a global perspective, he hopes to apply his expertise to improve healthcare systems globally and address issues of global health inequality through multidisciplinary approaches. He’s particularly interested in making a difference by addressing global health issues through a combination of compassion, the generous support of friends, colleagues, and mentors, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of geopolitics, economics, technology, and health His very non-linear and non-traditional path to global health and healthcare has truly enriched him. And he, therefore, looks forward to joining forces to improve, build and foster inclusive systems designed to achieve health equity, create wellness, and ultimately improve population health as well.

Hi! My name is Tenzin and I am an incoming sophomore Posse Scholar and Laidlaw Scholar at Cornell University. I am pursuing a major in Biology & society and minors in Migration Studies and Inequality Studies on the Health Equity track. My interests lie at the interface of health sciences and cultural studies. My Laidlaw project focuses on risk factors for tuberculosis transmission in children and diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. 

Hi! My name is Olivia Cheung and I’m a senior at Cornell University. I’m majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Community Food Systems in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I’m from Needham, MA. I’m passionate about science, sustainability, environmental justice, and health and would love to chat with others interested in these topics!

Lain is an undergraduate majoring in computer science and Cornell's College Scholar Program, where they study inclusive natural language processing. They intend to graduate in 2026. Lain grew up in New York City. They love performing, and have been onstage at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Citi Field. They also love to learn from others and will happily engage in intellectual conversations (especially when someone else is excited). They hope to work in making AI more inclusive. Here is a little introductory video made for the Cornell Laidlaw Program.

Hi, my name is Eliza Wadell. I graduated from Cornell with a degree in Environment & Sustainability and Economics in May 2025. As part of the Laidlaw Program, I spent my first summer conducting research on the impact of harmful algal blooms on consumer choices in Lake Victoria, Kenya under the mentorship of Dr. Kathryn Fiorella. My second summer, I traveled to Sydney, Australia to work for ESG Impact to improve sustainability in local businesses.

Joel was the Laidlaw Programme Coordinator for Trinity (2018 - 2024). In this role he managed leadership development activities, student coaching, programme design, and the day-to-day support of the Laidlaw Scholars. He is currently the Equality Officer for Trinity, and works to promote equity, belonging, and non-discrimination for Trinity staff, students, and the wider Trinity community, in all areas of university life and with particular regard to the protected grounds in equality legislation. He has previously worked in a range of higher education development roles including student services and global engagement. In 2026 he is a supervisor for a Laidlaw Scholar research project entitled 'A Class Education: How does Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic status in 2026?'. He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBTIQ+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence and creating social good by championing an accessible, diverse higher education environment. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, and further qualifications in Learning, Development and Coaching (CIPD), EDI Policy and People; Teaching, Learning and Assessment for Academic Practice (TCD), and as a Certified Student Affairs Educator (HECSAC).