Olamide Obadina (She/Her)

Global Business student , Trinity College Dublin
Kianna Victor

Student , Columbia University

Ruoya Huang (Sharon)

Student , Georgetown University

Hi There! I am Sharon, a rising junior studying Business and Global Affairs at Georgetown University. I am minoring in statistics and planning on pursuing a career in international development, with a specific focus on bridging the aid-development gap to mitigate protracted displacement around the world.  For my Laidlaw research project, I am working with Professor Christi Smith of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration to study the phenomenon of increasing Consulting publications and work on migration and refugee integration-related issues. I aim to explore how the emergence of a new organizational form in the refugee services space might shift the course of refugee incorporation during a time of increasing forced migration and rising political polarization, and its potential policy implications. Our study analyzes 24 publicly available consulting reports using mixed methods to identify prominent and distinguishable patterns and themes. We are also conducting interviews with consultants to explore the internal and external factors contributing to these themes. By contrasting these findings with those from the public sector and NGOs, we aim to highlight different approaches to migration and refugee issues. In my free time, I like to dance (my faves are Chinese Folk and Classical Dances!), watch TV shows, and spend quality time with my siblings! I love food and are always excited to try out new cuisines! I believe that nonverbal and nonwritten communication, including all performance art and culinary practices, are powerful ways to build connections and enhance cross-cultural appreciation and dynamism.   One fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin. My sister, Susan (got our name from The Parent Trap lol) also attends Georgetown University and studies Human Science on the pre-med track.  Would love to connect with anyone interested in discussing anything in the realm of social and political science or on their journey exploring their faith as I am, so don't hesitate to reach out :)
Benjamin Leynse

Student, Cornell University

Anushka Khetawat

Student, Barnard College of Columbia University

Cothney Theresa Lasaracina

Student Researcher, University of Leeds

Welcome!! You can call me either Cothney or Theresa. Currently, back at University of Leeds for my 4th year! Came back from my experience abroad as a student at the 'Université de Lille' in France. I am navigating the intriguing nuances of researching in England, France, Italy and Zambia. During my first summer research experience, I have been concentrating on 'Mapping colonial subjects from the French Resistance' with a crosscultural experience between France and the UK..  For my LIA, I have partnered with a school venture to teach in Lusaka, Zambia...ask me more if you would like to.
Finola Durnin-Duffy

Student , University of Leeds

Hannah Smith

Student, Columbia University

Hello! I'm Hannah Smith, a first-year student at Columbia University studying Mathematics and East Asian Languages and Cultures. My interests in diasporic communities and media have led me to conduct research on the differing portrayals of the Chinese-American immigration experience through history, literature, and film.  
Evangeline Irene Cortez

Scholar , Laidlaw Foundation

Hi, I am a member of Columbia University's Class of 2027. I am passionate about topics at the intersection between economics and political science, my scope is usually focused on the U.S. but I am excited to gain a more international perspective! I have lived most of my life in the South of the U.S. and I am very proud to come from a Hispanic cultural background. In my free time, I enjoy exploring New York City or relaxing in my room with a good book (my current favorite author is Ocean Vuong).  Please reach out if my work interests you! I would love to discuss it and any related topics. 
Hanna Partovi

Student, Columbia University

Max Hyde

Student, Imperial

Maya DaSilva

Student, The University of St Andrews

Thomas Zaugg

Student studying Life Sciences Engineering, EPFL

I am interested in exploring the human mind and brain from the outside-in and from the inside-out. In my free time, I enjoy playing music (clarinet) and actively participate in youth organizations such as science olympiads and scouts.
Chloe Asack

Research Assistant, Cornell University

Kamala Karuppiah

Student , Cornell University

Hi! My name is Kamala Karuppiah, and I am a rising third-year student at Cornell University. I am very excited and honored to be a part of the Laidlaw Scholars Network! I am majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations and minoring in Global Health and Health Equity.   In my free time, I love to dance, write poetry, and draw.
Giorgi Kaikatsishvili

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Toronto

Ciao! I am Gio, a fourth-year student of Economics and Political Science at the University of Toronto. I hail from the country of Georgia, nestled between Europe and Asia, with a millenia-old culture and history. This Summer I am immersing myself in a small coastal town in Northern Japan to work together with local students in uncovering societal impacts of marine climate change. Global warming is a generational challenge and its effects are highly varied from community to community across the globe. I hope to engage in discussions with my fellow students in Japan and facilitate a series of ArcGIS workshops in order to map the implications of climate change on Sanriku coast. I would love to have a chat, especially if you also like food, geography, or world history!
Sciana Vertusma

Student, Columbia University in the City of New York

Valeriya Zherebtsova

Laidlaw Scholar, Columbia University

I am an Applied Math major, but I am also interested in Physics and Cognitive Science. I love Broadway musicals, theatre, and art. In terms of sport, my favorite one for both doing and watching is swimming and diving!
Sahana Prabhu

Student, University of Toronto

Hello! I'm Sahana (she/her), a electrical and computer engineering student at the University of Toronto. Deeply passionate about sustainability, my goal is to leverage my engineering problem-solving skills to develop solutions that prioritize inclusivity and well being of vulnerable communities and environments. This summer I will be conducting research on the effectiveness of blockchain-backed NFC cards for disaster relief in Vanuatu. 
Pranav Puranam

Student, Imperial College London