As a first-generation college student, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and a member of the Otomí Indigenous community, I have found that my experiences have shaped my commitment to advancing educational opportunity and equity. Growing up in rural Maryland's Eastern Shore and navigating the public education system exposed me to the challenges many students in rural and underserved communities face, while also demonstrating the transformative power of education. I am a student at Cornell University pursuing a B.S. in Public Policy through the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, with minors in Education, Inequality Studies, and Latino Studies. My academic and professional interests center on education policy, with a particular focus on improving educational outcomes and expanding access for rural and Indigenous students. I firmly believe that education is a fundamental human right and that every student deserves access to affordable, high-quality K–12 education, regardless of their background, geography, or socioeconomic status. I am always eager to connect with individuals and organizations working to advance educational equity and opportunity. Feel free to reach out at lm953@cornell.edu.
Maja Anderson
Manager of Undergraduate Programs & International Experiences, Coordinator of the Laidlaw Program, Cornell University , Cornell University
Hi, I’m Hazel and I’m studying Law at the University of Leeds- this year I'm specializing in Environmental Law with my dissertation analyzing the role of legal personhood in the protection of bodies of water in UK.
I chose to study Law because it is a system with many flaws and- much like my plants that I love to take care of- and it requires constant attention and pruning to grow in a healthy manner. My passion involves analyzing aspects of the law and how it represents historical prejudices; how do we adapt our laws to form a more representative model? Where do we plant our next seeds?
My LIA is with Volunatrio Global in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will be working with my superviser Milena Sapey to create a network of self-sufficient food chains and educate the Pacheco community on sustainable agricultural practices.
I am interested in the fields of mechanobiology, biohybrid prosthetics, biophysics, Jungian psychology, and philosophy.
Recently in association with Laidlaw;
In Cornell University (N.Y, U.S.A.) I worked on curating an art book on biomechanics for charity to raise awareness in this field of science.
And in Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), we worked on developing a microphysiological model of the osteocytic network in the bone that can be used to better understand the (patho)physiology of bone using Direct Laser Writing technology using MLO-Y4 cell culture.
On the side;
In ETH Zürich (Switzerland), I was working on understanding bio-hybrid muscle actuators using C2C12 cell culture by amassing literature review, designing biobot unit, and conducting biocompatibility tests along with growing and differentiating muscle cells for further electrical stimulation.
At DogPatch Labs's Patch (Dublin, Ireland) I was experimenting with creating a start-up company to help amputees get affordable prosthetics.
On the (other) side;
I like to dance, write, and read anything I get my hands on; be it music, poetry, or even shampoo bottles.
Please feel free to contact me here or on LinkedIn for any discussions regarding the aforementioned topics!
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.
Kristin began the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Scholars program at Cornell University and was responsible for undergraduate engagement in the Einaudi Center for International Studies. She now provides remote support for Global Cornell. A Cornell alumna, Kristin majored in international agriculture and rural development then worked in agriculture and community development with an NGO in Kenya for six years. Her graduate work focused on community leadership development. Kristin enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family (and 3 dogs).