Hi! I'm Zach a 4th year Medical Student at Imperial, currently doing an intercalated BSc in Anaesthesia and Critical Care.  I am interested in global health equity, data-driven research, and evidence-based policy. My current research focuses on addressing inequalities in access to life-saving ECMO therapy by applying machine learning and collaborating with local, national and global stakeholders. I'm passionate about interdisciplinary thinking, leadership development, and using data science to drive meaningful change. Outside of my academic work, I love dancing bachata and salsa, and you’ll often find me at Latin socials across London!

Hi everyone! I'm a rising junior at Barnard College of Columbia University, where I am double majoring in Political Science and Human Rights, and minoring in French. This summer I'm researching about art reinstitution and its ethical and legal components. Some of my other interests include social work, human rights, and law. Please feel free to reach me at cd3442@barnard.edu

I'm a third-year Computer Science student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Computer Vision. My passion lies at the intersection of hardware and software solutions—aiming to build meaningful, impactful projects. Previously, I developed assistive technologies to support visually impaired students, making STEM education more inclusive and accessible. This summer, I'm working on a forensic science research project that involves optical dyeing using a multi-spectral LED array to enhance sperm cell identification in forensic samples. The tinkerer inside me loves messing around with robotics and tech, opening up random gadgets and making my own gizmos. Outside of technology, I enjoy cooking and exploring restaurants, always drawing inspiration for my next creation.

Hello everyone! My name is Dhruvi, and I am a rising junior studying Healthcare Management and Policy at Georgetown. My research for this summer focuses on understanding the biochemical effects of short-chain forever pollutants in living organisms to contribute to our understand their health effects in humans.  

2025 scholar with a primary interest in microfinance within informal economies. My research aims to understand whether the inclusion of a "peer-support" element in a microfinance programme (where those funded by the programme regularly meet up to form a community) can notably boost the success of microenterprises and improve payback rates on loans. My research has a primary focus on informal economies in Nairobi, Kenya, but I aim to broaden this out to other parts of the world in the future. I'm interested in connecting with anyone, especially those with a focus on development economics, microfinance, informal economies and institutional knowledge building/sharing practices. 

Hello! I'm Maia, an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, Victoria College. I'm majoring in Sociology with minors in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies.  My research brings together women-identified social media users into focus groups to investigate how young women understand social media's value, their consumption of it, and its impacts on them. Despite extensive literature on the negative impacts of social media, few studies have explored how women make sense of their scrolling, especially in their own words. In light of this, my research focuses on not only exploring how women experience their online time but also developing collaborative strategies for more positive engagement; it moves beyond documenting harm to support women in shaping more conscious digital practices. Outside of research and academia, as of late I love to spend my free time crocheting, reading and writing, learning ASL, and developing my martial arts skills. If you'd like to know more about my research, collaborate, or just say hi, I'd love to connect—you can reach me at maia.cassie@mail.utoronto.ca!

Hi! I'm Lizzie, a first-year Biological Sciences student at Durham University. Deeply passionate about advocating for and taking action to maintain environmental health and sustainability, I aim to contribute meaningfully to these efforts by expanding my understanding of such challenges and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a dedication to environmental conservation.   I have a particular interest in the nuanced, smaller-scale impacts of human activity on the environment, including the unintended genetic alterations that result from human intervention, a focus of the study I will be contributing to this summer, which is exploring the implications of large-scale assisted sowing for the UK’s native plant species within biodiversity management strategies. Specifically, my role in this ongoing study will involve conducting extensive data collection and literature reviews to identify native species most vulnerable to these interventions. In my free time, I actively participate in environmental volunteer work and love to do anything creative, from painting to crocheting and reading. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly dog walking, and practising karate with my university club.

I’m Théo, a Life Sciences Engineering (similar to bioengineering) student at EPFL in Switzerland, with a background as a former Chemistry Lab Technician from the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg. I’m especially interested in computational biology and biomedical engineering, where I can apply my passion for science and technology to improve human health. My focus is on understanding complex biological systems and developing new solutions through computational methods. Outside of studies, I’m an endurance sports enthusiast; cycling, running, and lake swimming keep me active. I also enjoy learning languages (fluent in French and English, basic German) and exploring everything from biology to philosophy and art. I’m looking forward to opportunities where I can combine my scientific background and curiosity to contribute to impactful projects.

Hi! I am an English Literature and History student at Durham University, and am part of their 2025 Laidlaw cohort. Talk to me about books!!

Hi everyone, my name is Terrah — or Danae if you know me from Danalize, my startup, where I’ve helped over 500,000 college and high school students get smart about their college loans and promote financial literacy. I’m a junior at Barnard College, Columbia University, double majoring in sociology and human rights on the pre-law track. I'm also a part of the 2025 Laidlaw scholar cohort. My mission is to help others through my experience as a first-generation, low-income student from an underserved high school. This passion, combined with the disparities I’ve seen in financial literacy—especially in communities of color—has inspired my current research on the relationship between financial literacy and higher educational attainment. Feel free to connect as we grow together, not just as scholars, but as passionate advocates for change.

Second-year Natural Sciences undergraduate at Durham University studying Chemistry and Physics. Interested in materials science, aerospace, and sustainable development

I’m a Year 1 MBBS student at the University of Hong Kong, deeply passionate about making a positive impact through both medicine and community service. I strive to give my best in everything I do, whether in my academic journey or in serving others. With a strong foundation in public speaking and debate, I’ve been fortunate to receive several awards that reflect my love for clear and empathetic communication. Beyond academics, I’m currently the project leader of the We Children Care Team at HKUMed. Our team is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among secondary school students and equipping them with essential mental health first aid knowledge. This role has been a meaningful way for me to empower young people and advocate for mental well-being in the community. Social service has always been close to my heart. I’ve volunteered in hospitals, participated in flag selling, visited elderly individuals living alone, and contributed to various charity fundraising efforts. I find joy and purpose in building connections and giving back, whether through small gestures or larger initiatives. In secondary school, I served as the head of both the Peer Counsellor Team and the Student Ambassador Team, where I developed leadership skills and a sense of responsibility toward those around me. These experiences strengthened my belief in the power of youth to lead change with compassion and courage. Outside of service and studies, I’m an animal lover who shares my home with a cat, a hamster, and a parrot. I also cherish time in nature—whether it's a quiet walk near home or a breezy day at the beach. These moments remind me of the beauty and harmony we can find in the world, and why it's worth protecting and improving. I aspire to become a safe, competent, and compassionate surgeon, someone who heals not just with hands but with heart. Guided by the motto “Life influences life,” I’m committed to spreading kindness and uplifting others in every way I can. With boundless enthusiasm and a sense of duty, I aim to help build a better, healthier world—for individuals, communities, and generations to come. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I hope to grow as a leader and change-maker, using both knowledge and empathy to serve with purpose and integrity.

Hello! I'm Melissa (she/her), a first-year undergraduate student at Durham University studying BSc Natural Sciences. I am passionate about multi-disciplinary learning, and my range of degree modules across the departments of Biology, Geography, Anthropology and Psychology help me to explore my interests across the sciences and social sciences. I love all things human, and am especially interested in the fields of human biology, equitable healthcare, and public health.  I look forward to commencing my journey as a Laidlaw Scholar in summer 2025, with my research project focussing on the development of vision in human fetuses, including how maternal mental health impacts upon this.  In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, bake, go for walks, and play with my cocker spaniel! I am also passionate about volunteering, reading, and music, including playing the clarinet! Feel free to get in touch!