Nikol Chen (She/Her)

Design, Research & Community Lead, Laidlaw Foundation
Mattia Assane Wade

Student, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

I'm a Computer Science student at EPFL with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and interdisciplinary thinking. My academic path includes distinctions such as the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Scholarship and hands-on research experience in computational neuroscience, where I explore biologically plausible reinforcement learning. Beyond academics, I have practical experience ranging from electronics diagnostics to web development for social initiatives. I'm passionate about educational outreach—leading workshops for children, tutoring young students, and promoting inclusive learning. I’m also active in sports and the arts as a football player, pianist, and chess enthusiast. With fluency in Italian, French, and English, and a growing command of German, I enjoy connecting across cultures and disciplines to solve meaningful problems.
Fraser Gunn

Biochemistry Undergraduate, The University of Leeds

Hello! I'm Fraser, a second-year biochemistry student at the University of Leeds. My main passion is biochemistry, but my interests extend across science and philosophy. I am ever-curious and love to learn and debate with my friends. The research project I will be embarking on this summer is titled: "Reimagining Electrophysiology Teaching for Neuroscience Undergraduates through a Design-Thinking Approach." I chose this project because I understand the importance of proper education in understanding and advancing science. The ineffectual education of complex scientific themes, like the brain, leads to misconceptions among the scientific community and the wider public. This can inhibit the advancements of science and impair related practices, such as the care of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I love playing sports. My favourites include rugby, football and tennis, but I am always eager to try something new. I also enjoy listening to music, doing resistance training at the gym, playing my bass guitar, and being in nature. Feel free to drop me a message or email me at zrwh2552@leeds.ac.uk to discuss research, university, or just to say hi. :)
Tam Ho Yau Yo Yo

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hello! I’m a junior at the University of Hong Kong, pursuing a dual major in History and Korean Studies. My project explores how local attitudes shape refugees’ experiences and how public opinion interacts with government policies in this process. Using 1990s Korea and 1960s Hong Kong as case studies, I examine how refugees were received, how communities influenced their sense of belonging, and what lessons these histories offer for understanding refugee issues today.
Leonardo Gareri

Student, University of Leeds

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
Claudia Chen Sun

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Lia Iannarilli

Student, University of Toronto

Hi everyone! My name is Lia and I just finished my second year at the University of Toronto studying English, political science and gender studies. As a member of the 2024 Laidlaw Scholars cohort, I am interested in exploring the intersection of literature and politics, particularly in mitigating harmful tropes in representation. I grew up in the United Kingdom and Canada, and I had the opportunity to study at Pearson College UWC in Victoria, British Columbia.
Sam Thurman

Student, University of York

University of York, Second-Year Philosophy, Politics & Economics Student.  Researching the impact of culture on politics and economics.
Map Tanyawadee Chalmers

SDG Impact Lab Administrator, Oxford SDG Impact Lab - University of Oxford

Anh Ngo

Student, Tufts University

Hi! My name is Anh Ngo (she/her) and I am pursuing a degree in Child Studies & Human Development at Tufts University. My research project is on examining the correlation between psychopathological symptoms and voiding dysfunction in Autistic adults. Outside of academics, I enjoy awing at Ocean Vuong poems, rowing at the gym, graphic designing, and trying to break my annual Spotify listening time record. 
Marie Normant

Head of Operations & Alumni Relations, HEC Paris

Oluwamayowa Olomo

Director of Operations, Sartorial Essence

Hello! My name is Mayowa and I am an operations director with a background in architecture and interior design, bringing over eight years of experience in the real estate and design industries. I have led design teams, optimized processes, and driven operational efficiency to improve business performance. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA at IE Business School, where I am focused on expanding my leadership and business expertise to drive operational excellence and strategic innovation. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am committed to research and leadership initiatives that foster industry transformation and efficiency. After my MBA, I aim to transition into management or strategy consulting, leveraging my expertise in operations and business strategy to solve complex challenges and drive sustainable growth.
Marie Lydie MAGNE TEDOM

Content Manager Reserve , Diageo

Ángela Adame Mendoza

Brand Strategy & Communication Lead , MOLENTI

Sarah J Herchel

Associate Vice Provost, Educational Innovation, Tufts University

Fatema Tapia

Student , London School of Economics

Kate Ivanchenko

Student Employability Officer, Laidlaw Programme Coordinator, Trinity College Dublin

Arailym Ualkhanova

International MBA student, IE University

I am currently an International MBA candidate at IE Business School, supported by the Laidlaw Women Scholarship, where I am expanding my knowledge in global business strategy, corporate governance, and technology-driven solutions for organizational management. With over ten years of experience in internal audit and governance within Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgy industry, I have contributed to transformative initiatives, including audit system automation, ERP integration, and sustainable reporting processes.  My academic and professional journey has equipped me with skills in change management, process improvement, and corporate policy development. As I progress through my MBA, I am particularly interested in exploring new perspectives on sustainability in business and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Proficient in English, Russian, and Kazakh, with intermediate Spanish skills, I am eager to connect with and learn from a diverse community of forward-thinking leaders.
Aaisha Keshari

Student, Imperial College London

Celina O'Connor

Programme Manager, University of St Andrews

Genevieve Olive Esguerra

Assistant Vice President, Security Bank Corporation