Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over five years, working to strengthen our global Scholar community and amplify the impact of our programmes.
My work lives somewhere between design, education, and anthropology, usually with sticky notes involved. I studied Human Sciences as an undergrad and am currently doing a Master’s in Anthropology at UCL. Degrees I struggle to explain at parties.
Born and raised in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Outside of work? Probably in the ceramics studio, wandering aimlessly with a podcast in my ears, attempting a handstand, or watching far too much TV. Big fan of nature and very small bugs.
Eoin O'Connor
Undergraduate Biological and Biomedical Science Student, Trinity College Dublin
Hello, I'm Eoin O'Connor, currently studying Biological and Biomedical Science at Trinity College Dublin.
My research focuses on investigating the role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. I am particularly interested in understanding how inflammation outside the brain can exacerbate inflammatory and damaging events within the brain, ultimately leading to accelerated dementia.
Outside of college, I enjoy reading and music. I play piano and guitar and have recently started performing at open mics. Some of my favourite bands include the Stone Roses and Fontaines D.C. Sport also plays a significant role in my life.
I am from London, UK
I study Philosophy and English at St Andrews
My research/leadership project is about the philosophy of ecology - specifically, ways of thinking about Nature and what that entails for human beings. I will be evaluating the two main alternative models to the 'anthropocentric' one (which considers human beings separate two and above Nature). These are the Holistic view - that we should dissolve the human/nature barrier and consider ourselves as parts of one entangled system - and the Othering view - which defines what is natural as what is non-human.
I chose this project because I believe that the Earth Systems Crisis we are experiencing is not merely technological, but deeply rooted in the way humans beings think about nature. I also chose it because I find the ideas involved to be ecstatically beautiful, and to deepen by experience of the world.
When I'm not studying, I like to write and read poetry, spend hours in art galleries, wander in forests, and dance the nights away. I also help run Refugee Action St Andrews, as Vice President.
I'd love to connect with someone who is interested in philosophy, poetry, or nature, wherever they may be.
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!
Hi! I am a final year Physics & Astrophysics student in Trinity College Dublin. My research was on radio-astronomy of the Sun with particular interest in predicting potentially disruptive solar weather and my LIA was Science Outreach with the World Science Festival in New York.
Apart from physics I'm interested in running, rugby, card games and snowsports. I enjoy being outside, exercising, film/TV and reading. I am particularly interested in connecting with students from around the globe and broadening my horizons!
Please feel free to contact me if you're interested in astrophysics, science outreach or have any questions about my time during Laidlaw and my other experiences!
I am currently an undergraduate PPES student at Trinity College Dublin. I have chosen the Joint Honours Pathway, specialising in Political Science and Sociology.
My research project for summer one, titled "Sporting Bonds: Can sporting programmes properly facilitate the meaningful integration of migrant and host communities in Ireland?", concerns the efficacy of community-led integrative programmes that use sport as a means of blurring inter-cultural barriers and bringing together diverse communities. I will be working with Sport Against Racism Ireland, an established Irish NGO that delivers various sporting programmes aimed at facilitating and implementing anti-discrimination practices in Irish communities.
In my spare time I enjoy playing football and basketball, reading, and wandering around taking photos of things I see.
Hey! My name is Domhnall and I am a medical student at Trinity College Dublin. My research areas of interest include infectious diseases and clinical trials. My hobbies outside of medicine include Irish music and running.
Hi! I am a 4th year undergraduate scholar at Trinity College Dublin studying Global Business, and I am currently on my study abroad in ESCP Paris. My research project centres on the importance of female leaders from ethnic minorities in the business C-suite & the necessity for better racial and gender diversity on executive boards worldwide. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things on this journey!
I am a fourth-year student studying Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures with Hebrew at Trinity College Dublin. I spent my third year studying abroad at the Universidad de Granada and Charles University Prague.
I am very interested in Holocaust Studies and my summer research project concerned the study of the influence of Holocaust fiction on public memory. I am currently pursuing this research further as part of my undergraduate dissertation.
In the summer of 2024, I joined SOS Children's Villages Switzerland and Nepal for the central LiA "Making Impact Visible" and got an insight into SOS's important work while fostering my videography and photography skills. If you are from the 2024 cohort and have any questions in this regard, send me a message!
In my free time, I fence Épée.
Hello! I am an undergraduate studying Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, and Sociology (PPES) at Trinity College Dublin and am specializing in Sociology and Economics. I am passionate about using research to promote equity and to celebrate participants' unique perspectives and experiences. I am particularly interested in topics related to belonging, mental health, neurodiversity, and community formation. I am looking forward to learning and developing throughout the Laidlaw Program!
Joel was the Laidlaw Programme Coordinator for Trinity (2018 - 2024). In this role he managed leadership development activities, student coaching, programme design, and the day-to-day support of the Laidlaw Scholars. He is currently the Equality Officer (Acting) for Trinity.
Prior to joining the Careers Service, he worked in Trinity's Academic Registry as a Team Manager (Communications and Human Resources) with a focus on developing modern and inclusive support services for students and staff. He has previously worked with Trinity's Office of Global Relations to develop the Global Room and Campus Visit initiatives for international students.
He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBT+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence by empowering accessibility and diversity in higher education. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, a Special Certificate in Academic Practice, and a nominal Master in Arts (Dubl.) from the university as well as a CIPD Diploma in Learning and Development (CIPD).
Hi there! My name is Tea Stapar and I'm a third year Biological and Biomedical Sciences student in Trinity College Dublin, specialising in Biochemistry.
My research project is based on studying metabolomics of a chemotherapy drug called HAMLET/Alpha 1 using NMR spectroscopy. I'll be investigating whether this chemotherapeutic could be used to treat human osteosarcoma.
Looking forwards to the experience and connecting with new people!
I am a student of History and the History of Art and Architecture at Trinity College Dublin with a passion for social and cultural history. My research on the intersection of space and sexuality has led me to Urbanism more broadly, with a specific interest in affective experiences of urban space and architecture.
Hi everyone! My name is Laura, I'm a second year Human Health and Disease Student in Trinity College Dublin.
My research project is on assessing "Women's experiences of accessing healthcare services to manage their perimenopause/menopause-related health issues in Ireland ".
I am so excited to be part of the Laidlaw cohort of 2023 and I look forward to connecting with other members in the network!
Hi! I’m a final year student in Trinity College Dublin, studying theoretical physics. I completed my research project on the topic of using machine learning to identify properties that don’t vary in moving physical systems.