I'm Ryan, a 2026 Laidlaw scholar at Tufts University. I was born in New York City, but my father is from Karachi, Pakistan and my Mum is from Brisbane, Australia. Now my parents' immigrant dreams live on in my 3 brothers and I as we move across the country and pursue our unique interests. I believe it is precisely this complex history of migration in my family that has inspired my passion for migration studies. 

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, I am a rising junior at Tufts University studying Biomedical Engineering and Science, Technology, & Society. I am very interested in neuroscience research, especially neurodegenerative diseases. I am also very interested in learning about the neuroscience of addiction, and how medical research can be used for social good. In my free time, I enjoy reading, live music, and spending time with loved ones!

Hello! My name is Alexander Wayne and I am a second year Philosophy and English student at the University of Toronto, Victoria College. My research focuses on autotheoretical transgender pornography and legislative studies, focusing on highlighting trans stories in our own voices. I am so excited to be apart of the Laidlaw Scholars Network and can't wait to get to know people - please feel free to reach out! 

Hello! My name is Luisa Garciarramos, and I am a junior at Tufts University studying Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Computer Science. I am interested in the neuroscience of addiction, neurodegenerative diseases, and the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and technology. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to chat!

Hello! I am a junior, Biochemistry student at Tufts University. I am interested in the health sciences, public health, and civic biology.  In my free time, I enjoy learning how to play different instruments, listening to music, reading, coloring, and spending time with friends and family.  I'm very blessed to be on this journey with you all and can't wait to get to know you better!

I’m a Speech and Language Therapy student at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the 2026 Laidlaw Scholars cohort. I returned to education as a mature student and single parent after experiencing firsthand the impact that Speech and Language Therapists can have on people’s lives, which inspired me to pursue the profession myself. My research interests focus on socioeconomic inequality, access to education, inclusion, and student belonging within higher education. Through the Laidlaw Programme, I’m exploring how historically elite institutions such as Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic diversity, and how universities can move beyond widening access towards creating genuinely inclusive environments for students from all backgrounds. Alongside my studies, I’m involved in student representation work as the TAP representative on the Students’ Union Equality and Welfare Committee, where I advocate for equity and inclusion within university life. Outside of academia, I’m also a DJ with a love for garage and jungle music, and a very dedicated bird mother 🐥  

Hello! My name is Maiwenn, I am a rising junior at Tufts University studying Biopsychology. I am deeply interested in community health research, particularly strategies that help bridge gaps created by socioeconomic barriers. Through this interest, I hope to learn more about the factors that influence patient adherence and health outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy pursuing my faith, singing, spending time with friends and family, and exploring different facets of the medical field.

Hafa Adai! My name is Jia and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University pursuing a double major in International Relations and Community Health, with a minor in Legal Studies on a pre-law track. Originally from the Northern Mariana Islands, I am deeply interested in and passionate about the intersecting fields of public policy, global health, and justice systems. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and videochatting!

Hello! My name is Harry, and I am a student at Tufts University and part of the 2026 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars. My research project investigates whether simple, low-cost habitat measurements can predict soil microbial diversity in recovering New England forests. Using five field-measurable variables, I am developing the Habitat-Based Microbial Recovery Index (hMRI): a "health score" for forest soils that conservation organizations and land managers can use without expensive lab sequencing. Through this research, my overall goal is to reframe rewilding as a public health strategy, not just an environmental one. As antibiotic resistance is increasing, some of the most promising sources of new antibiotics are soil microbes. By identifying which recovering forests have conditions associated with strong microbial communities, I hope to help direct conservation efforts toward the forests most likely to yield tomorrow's medical discoveries. If you would like to connect or have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out!

Andrew Singleton has recently joined the Tufts-Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Programme team as a Programme Administrator and is excited to continue to elevate the Laidlaw Programming for current and future scholars. He joined the programme from Venture Café, which connects and educates the entrepreneurial and innovation community in Boston through programs/spaces/events and many other cities around the world. He has a B.S. from MIT in Biology and a background in social-impact enterprises, wind-power, user-computer-interfaces, as well as computer network design. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys travel, hiking, and wildlife photography.