Hello, I'm Emmy, a third year modern history student at the University of St Andrews, and I'm working on a research project concerning Russian émigrés in Victorian Britain. Specifically, I'll be taking a look at the literature they chose to translate and share with the British public via journals like Free Russia, considering which subjects, themes and morals took precedence. The idea is to understand how representatives of marginalised groups can shape cross-cultural relationships through literary exchange.
Beyond this, my interests lie in the history of ideas, especially ideas about childhood, imagination and religion. When out of the library, I like to career around town and beyond on my bike (Mackerel), spot some birds, listen to a good album and chew on whatever apocalyptic media I can find.
Always open to chat
Hello I am Ella!
I am an undergraduate Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Leeds, driven by a curiosity to understand the biological processes that underpin health and disease. I am particularly passionate about exploring how scientific research can be translated into real-world medical advancements.
Alongside my studies, I dedicate time to an array of extracurricular activities that reflect my interests, including performing arts, hiking and acting as an avid member of my university hockey team.
My research project is entitled 'Active Learning Strategies for Biomedical Education: A Design Thinking Approach'. My findings will be used to critically evaluate the active learning strategies currently used in biomedical education.
As part of the Laidlaw network, I am excited to connect with like-minded individuals, broaden my perspective, and contribute positively through shared ideas and collaboration. So please don't hesitate to reach out as I am always happy to connect!
Hi! My name is Imogen, and I am currently a first-year studying Psychology at Durham University. I am passionate about understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying everyday behaviour, which is why my research project is focussing on empathy development in children. My experience working with children from range of backgrounds as a volunteer tutor and a lifeguard have emphasised my interest in human behaviour, and the study of psychology constantly questions the classic nature vs nurture debate, as I intend to do. A key skill for leaders in empathy, so my hope is that my research can support understanding into neurodiversity and other conditions that cause empathy to develop in different ways, so that these people can have the best opportunities to succeed!
Hey! My name is Eva, and I’m a third-year Bachelor’s student in Life Sciences. I’m doing my Bachelor’s in Switzerland, but I’m originally from France. This year, I’m also on exchange in the Netherlands. I’m passionate about neuroscience and cancer research, and I would love to pursue a career that has a meaningful impact and helps people. In my free time, I have a lot of hobbies, as I’m always up for trying something new. I particularly love playing the piano, running, and watercolor painting.
Hello! My name is Bhadra, and I am a third-year Law and Business student at Trinity College Dublin. I am part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.
My Summer 1 research topic was 'Motherhood on Trial: A Comparative Analysis of the Miscarriage of Justice in Infanticide Cases', and I took an inter-jurisdictional perspective in examining three notable cases - those of Joanne Hayes, Sally Clarke and Kathleen Folbigg. I look forward to spending this summer working on Makesense Americas' Central LiA in Mexico City with Genera Territorios AC. The organisation works on financial empowerment, social inclusion and gender equity, and I am excited to support their aims.
Through my work, my overarching goal is to highlight how women exist and are perceived within inherently oppressive social systems. If you have any questions or would like to reach out, please feel free to do so!
Hi! My name is Ashley, and I am a third year student at Duke University studying Public Policy and Global Health with a Markets and Managment Certificate. I am passionate about advancing ethical, evidence-based solutions at the intersection of health and compliance. I also find interest in conducting research focused on ethical research practices that better serve underrepresented communities. My experiences across public health, compliance, and policy have shaped my interest in using policy to promote social responsibility, sustainability and health equity.
I am interested in exploring the human mind and brain from the outside-in and from the inside-out.
In my free time, I enjoy playing music (clarinet) and actively participate in youth organizations such as science olympiads and scouts.
Hello! I’m Xanthe Hudson, a Geography BA undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My academic interests focus on global geopolitics, climate change and the intersection of human and physical geography. This summer, my research project explores academic censorship and self-censorship across disciplines, examining how legal threats, intimidation and professional retaliation impact academic freedom. Through surveying researchers, I aim to identify vulnerable fields, underlying power dynamics and explore the wider implications for knowledge production in biodiversity conservation.
Beyond academia, I’m driven by a strong curiosity about global issues and love to meet and learn from new people. During my time spent in rural Nepal, I supported initiatives addressing period poverty and improving education in communities still affected by the 2015 earthquakes. These experiences deepened my understanding of how grassroots education can help to drive sustainable change.
Before university, I took a gap year, travelling to Morocco and Nepal and spending three months solo in Namibia, where I worked on a remote horse ranch and a cheetah conservation project. These experiences challenged me and have shaped my global perspective by exposing me to new cultures and narratives.
I am excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community and open to connecting with other scholars!
Hi, I’m Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, I’m researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust — a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics.
Outside of academia, I’m passionate about women’s rights, youth leadership, and community impact. I’ve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. I’m also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights.
I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do.
Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure — I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface.
I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share those goals.
Hello!
I am Lottie Knee, a Philosophy and Politics undergraduate student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.
Building on my background in normative ethics, international development and foreign policy, this summer I investigated Academic Freedom and Censorship in Biodiversity Conservation. My research explores how political pressures, freedom of speech and censorship influence conservation work, engaging with real incidents where knowledge and debate have been constrained. This project challenged me to enter a new area of study while strengthening the critical and ethical frameworks developed in my degree.
Outside of academia, I love to travel. I took a gap year before attending university where I solo travelled Australia, Indonesia and The Philippines. This was a fantastic opportunity for adventure, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.
I am always open to connect with others within the Laidlaw community!
Hello, my name is Yara Alhajji.
I’m a 3rd year dental student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in public health, paediatric dentistry, and community outreach. As someone with lived experience as a Syrian refugee, I’m deeply passionate about equity in healthcare access and using my platform to give back to underrepresented communities.
Over the past few years, I’ve actively participated in several outreach programmes including OpenWide, Raised in Yorkshire, and Reach for Expense, all aimed at improving dental awareness and education across diverse populations.
I’ve proudly been part of OpenWide for three consecutive years initially as the Primary School Representative, then as President, and currently serving as the Outreach Representative. The society works to bridge the gap between dental professionals and the wider community, delivering workshops for people of all ages. Through the society I’ve initiated a collaboration with Raised in Yorkshire, a long term outreach and research initiative exploring public understanding of dental health and shaping how we engage communities more meaningfully.
Outside of dentistry, I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and challenging myself through physical activities. My background and personal journey continue to fuel my drive to advocate for inclusive healthcare and make a positive impact through both clinical practice and community-led research.
Feel free to reach out to me on here or through my email dn23ya@leeds.ac.uk or through my Instagram account!
Ciao! I'm Leonardo, a Laidlaw Scholar passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating meaningful change in this world. I come from Italy, and at 17, I took an uncomfortable step by moving alone to the UK to pursue my studies, determined to gain access to an English university, networks, and growth opportunities.
My research title is: "Using Points of Interest Data to Understand Retail Change in Great Britain, 2015 – 2025", which deeply connects with my entrepreneurial objectives. Through Laidlaw, I'm excited to expand my leadership capabilities, refine essential entrepreneurial skills and find new people within this amazing network! I'm passionate about engaging with Laidlaw's diverse global community, exchanging perspectives, and fostering long-lasting connections. I look forward to contributing my experiences, collaborating with fellow scholars, and continuously growing as both a leader and an individual.
Please feel free to connect; I’m genuinely excited to share ideas, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions together!
Leonardo Linkedin leonardogareri05@gmail.com
Hi!
I'm passionate about using the elegant and sometimes insane theories in physics and using them to contribute to healthcare. Currently I'm looking at a career treating cancer by using targeted ionizing radiation to skilfully shrink tumours. I'm fascinated at how physics can be used to harness the beautiful complexity of nature to transform lives. I sincerely hope I have a long career of contributing to this effort in any way I can, from being a clinical scientist to conducting own my research to helping other researchers receive patents for their work.
The title of my Laidlaw research project is 'Evaluating Current Methods for Enhancing Clinical Computer Tomography Imaging Using Contrast Agents'. This beautifully ties my expertise with improving patient outcomes and innovation within healthcare.
If anyone would like to collaborate or just say hi then please do!
Hi!
I’m Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort. I am currently an Events and Marketing Intern at the Laidlaw Foundation.
My research project topic in 2025 was titled ‘Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region’. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which enabled me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility in Leeds's poetry scene.
In the second year of the programme, I completed my LiA in Auckland, New Zealand, volunteering as a Community Engagement and Media Intern at Youth Arts New Zealand to amplify youth creativity through storytelling and community engagement.
I’m originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15, then to the UK at 19, and just completed an academic year abroad in Canada, so I’ve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories.
Outside of uni, you’ll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next trip—I’ve been to 36 countries so far and don’t plan on slowing down!
Hello, I am Maisie! I am a Classics graduate from Oxford. I like to spend my time (when I don't have work due) cooking and baking cakes for my family, or making collages from old magazines.