Olamide Obadina (She/Her)

Global Business student , Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin joined the Laidlaw Network in 2018. The Laidlaw Programme offers undergraduate students at Trinity the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience to become active global citizens and future leaders. Laidlaw Scholars work with an academic supervisor on a self-directed, independent research project and take part in a suite of integrated leadership development activities which culminate in a challenging applied leadership experience. Laidlaw Scholars join a community of learning, driven by curiosity and collaboration, which enables diverse voices to make a meaningful impact. The Laidlaw Programme at Trinity is open to undergraduates in the second year of a four year programme or the second/third year of a five year undergraduate/integrated masters programme.
Sadbh McCannon

Student , Trinity College Dublin

Laidlaw Scholar Alumna graduating from BA Management Science and Informations Systems Studies at Trinity College Dublin. My research topic fell outside of my undergrad, I explored the current structures that are in place for the Irish Language Feature Film Industry and its potential for the future. My second summer saw me move around various regions of Nepal, telling the stories of children and staff at SOS Children's Villages, through photo and video. 
Jasmine Relf

Student , Trinity College Dublin

I am an undergraduate Joint Honours Political Science and Geography student at Trinity College Dublin. I am looking to do a major in Geography and a minor in Political Science for my third year.  My research project for my first summer is titled: An Assessment of the Environmental Viability of Ecotourism on Boracay Island, Philippines. This project concerns the efficacy of the emerging ecotourism model present on Boracay Island in the Philippines. It holds specific focus to the environmental impacts of tourism, and how we can potentially mitigate them along coastal ecosystems.
Eva McDonnell

Student, Trinity college Dublin

Hey everyone my name is Eva and I'm part of the 2023 Laidlaw scholar cohort. I'm currently studying pharmacy at Trinity college Dublin. I'm really interested in looking at how the development  of novel therapeutics can be used to solve current challenges in the medical field.  My Summer 1 research project focuses on the antimicrobial action of capsaicin on H. pylori cells and how this could be incorporated into current antibiotic regimes. 
Julia Anandarajah

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Advocate for finding alternatives to testing on animals Physiology student in TCD
Méabh Scahill

Undergraduate Researcher, Trinity College Dublin

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.
Aly Muhammad Sayani

Full-time student, University of Toronto

Hello there! My name is Aly, and I am a British undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, currently doing an International Affairs Specialist, with a Minor in Sustainability. My research project is → Linking Political orientation and Environmentalism: An analysis of changing environmental attitudes and subsequent party support in Canada. In my project, I aim to analyze the changing link between environmental attitudes and party support/political orientation in Canada, using Canadian Election Studies data from 2015 and 2019, and comparing my results with results from a previous study which carried out similar analysis on data from the 2004 and 2006 elections. I also hope to inform my analysis with a discussion of provincial differences in these links, hoping to shine a light on possible avenues towards improving engagement with voters for provincial elections which may help Canada in its terrible track record on improving its environment. 
Georgina Sánchez

Product Manager, GetAgent

👋 Hi there, my name is Georgina. I am a Laidlaw Alumni and a graduate from University College London. It's a pleasure to meet you!
Orla Keane

Medical Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi I'm Orla! I am a medical student in Trinity and I'm from Dublin. I am doing my research on knowledge and awareness of Irish care home staff on Lewy Body Dementia. I'm really interested in dementia research and improving quality of care in nursing homes.  I try to keep a balance of study and fun by playing football and camogie, and I am currently training for a marathon! 
Oana Tasca

English and Economics student, Laidlaw Foundation

Hi! I am a third-year English student at TCD. If I had to define my field of interest it would be words... How they are used to influence others and the way they shape us and the world we live in. My Research project focuses precisely on that: how the words that have been written over and over again in literature, and that we now recognise as the "literary canon", have influenced the view of those who are not part of this canon, or whose voices have not been heard. In my free time you can find me writing, painting or wandering in nature.  If you have any similar interests or if you want to know more about my research shoot me a text here on the network, I'd love to connect!
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.
Oyinkansola Faith Olorunleke

Student, Trinity College Dublin

I am a 2nd Year Undergraduate student studying Biological and Biomedical Sciences. I am eager to expand my knowledge and experiences. I'm excited to leverage this expertise to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation to make a positive impact on the growing issues we face in our world today.
Martha McKinney-Perry

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Martha graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2024 with a First Class Honours in Law and Political Science. Her Summer 1 research project concerned Russian Military Aggression towards Ukraine.  She is passionate about public speaking and debating, which informed her Leadership in Action Project working with the English-Speaking Union (ESU) in London. She also won the 2024 European Universities Debating Championships, becoming the first Irish woman to ever do so.
Colleen Dougherty

Assistant Director, Center for Research & Fellowships, Georgetown University

Colleen manages the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme at Georgetown University. Through her work, Colleen aims to increase accessibility in fellowships advising for all Georgetown students with a special focus on reflective practices intended to help students identify and develop personal and career goals. Prior to joining Georgetown University, Colleen served as the Assistant Director for Early Career Initiatives with NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she managed professional development programs for undergraduate student, graduate student, and new professional members. Colleen holds a master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education from the University of Maine and bachelor’s degrees in Women and Gender Studies and Anthropology from the University of Delaware.
Luke Pätzold

Student, Trinity College Dublin

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.
Advik Bahadur

Electronic and Computer Engineering Student, Trinity college Dublin

Hi, I am an Computer and Electronic Engineering Student at Trinity College Dublin. My research project is involving analysing constrained adaptive networks on top of already exisiting frameworks to introduce autonomy to traditional networks in a resource efficient manner, 
Tea Stapar

Undergraduate Biochemistry Student, Trinity College Dublin

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!
Domhnall Roe

Medical Student, Trinity College Dublin

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. 
Laura Ryan

Human Health and Disease Student, Trinity College Dublin

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! 
Joel McKeever

(Former) Laidlaw Programme Coordinator, Trinity College Dublin

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).