Olivia Hofman (She/Her)

Hi everyone! I'm Jacob and I'm entering my third year at the University of Toronto where I study Financial Economics, Public Policy, and Mathematics. This summer I'm undertaking research on how political campaign strategies influence representation in parliament. Outside of the classroom, I'm an avid reader of just about anything that piques my curiosity. My apartment is nearly bursting at the seams with 481 books (and counting). I love learning new things whether it's a new tune on my tenor saxophone or a new language (I'm currently working on Russian and Italian). You'll also find me outside on my bike or the nearest tennis court when I'm not working at my desk and dreaming up new policy ideas to combat inequality. 

Hello! I'm Hani, a rising junior studying Mechanical Engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Hiya! My name is Faith Marion Kalia, but you can call me Mae! I am a third-year student at the University of Toronto double-majoring in Philosophy and Diaspora & Transnational Studies with a minor in Creative Writing!  For my research, I will be studying how the biracial South Asian identity is impacted by language, gender, and identity politics. It is my highest hopes that this research is able to suggest an alternative identification for biracial people that does not threaten the wholeness of their being! When I'm not researching, you may find me cafe hopping, reading critical theory, or dilly dallying in the park with friends! I am open to further discussing my research and/or extracurricular hobbies, if interested — feel free to contact me via social media or email!

I'm a third year student of Economics + Environmental Management at the University of Toronto (UofT). Growing up between Spain and Peru, I noticed early on how people's backgrounds and lived experiences with climate shape their views and actions in the climate space. An enthusiast of tourism, gap years, and adventure, I embarked on a gap year before starting university to explore 30+ countries and test myself in places where I could barely say "hello" in. Upon starting university, I represented UofT at the United Nations Conference of the Parties in Azerbaijan, where I met some awesome, young climate leaders! I've also led climate awareness campaigns across schools in Romania, Finland, Poland, and Greece.  My interest in sustainability and my adventurous traveler side led me to pursuing Laidlaw Research. I am currently investigating how tourism management policies, particularly in Machu Picchu, may be replicable models to other UNESCO World Heritage sites. I hope to apply my research findings during my LiA, while visiting another world wonder! 

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.

Hi! I'm Leora and I'm a member of the 2026 cohort at UofT. I'm going into my third year, double majoring in Peace, Conflict and Justice and Women and Gender Studies. My research interests are piqued in many different areas, but most strongly in global affairs, structural violence, peace-building, reproductive justice, and transnational feminism.  In my free-time I like to read, create new playlists, and browse vintage fashion markets.

Hi! I'm Pranav, a third-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, originally from the New York City metropolitan area—double majoring in Economics, with a focus in Data Analytics, and Public Policy, while also pursuing a certificate in Business Fundamentals and minor in South Asian Studies. My research interests are highly interdisciplinary, across socio-economic and tech policy, and the law—with a broad passion for global politics as well as focused interest in South Asian regional affairs and community-based impact. I'm always happy to chat with others and love to learn from my peers—please don't hesitate to reach out to me!

Hey friends! I’m Angela Chen, a third-year Public Policy, Psychology, & Digital Intelligence student at Duke University. I'm passionate about leveraging digital policy and journalism to democratize access to information. This past summer, as a Laidlaw Scholar for Research & Leadership and with Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy, I researched AI Policy, Music Streaming, & Cultural Labor in the EU & UK, culminating in presentations at the Oxford Rothermere American Institute, the Laidlaw Scholars Global Conference, and a forthcoming publication on Taylor & Francis. Previously, at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, the world's leading think tank in science & technology policy, I investigated the use of AI in election information dissemination for minority language voters in the US. Having grown up in both Hong Kong and Canada, I also strongly believe in the importance of collaboration across geographical borders & cultures, and would love to chat—both about global information access and general cultural experiences! At Duke, I also help shape campus culture to maximize equity and inclusivity, particularly through Student Government—I believe that educational environments are key to fostering civic and civil discourse. Reach out here, on LinkedIn, or via email! I'm deeply grateful to be part of our inspiring Laidlaw Scholars community, and I can't wait to bond with as many of y'all as I can :)

Hello there! I'm Ashiya, a member of the 2025 Laidlaw Leadership & Research Programme Cohort. I am a student at the University of Toronto's Munk School, pursuing a double major in Peace, Conflict & Justice and Ethics, Society & Law. I'm passionate about education and the governance of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. I am currently exploring how this affects children facing socioeconomic disadvantage through my Leadership-in-Action project in Northern England. This builds on my previous work in student advocacy, my research of Indigenous-led education initiatives in Canada for my first Laidlaw summer, and my new role as a Center for International Governance Innovation Digital Policy Hub Fellow.  I look forward to reading and contributing to the incredible body of work on this platform (you all are awesome)! Outside of research, I love to read, dance ballet, explore, learn new things and make new friends - please feel free to reach out anytime :) 

Hello! I'm an undergraduate philosophy student at the university of Cambridge, with a particular interest in the philosophy of science and logic. For my research project, I investigated the history of the notion of privacy. I really enjoyed this venture outside my usual academic comfort zone! I'm also a huge music fan with an eclectic taste (always happy for a chat about anything from Mahler to Cannonball Adderley!), occasionally running from one rehearsal to the next.  Please get in touch if you'd like to say hi!

Hi, I'm Natalie, an incoming second-year student at the University of Cambridge reading History. I am an international student from Sydney, Australia! In my degree, I specialise in early modern European intellectual history, though my Laidlaw project centres on an exploration of imperial women's power and agency in the Augustan age, employing  a case study of Julia the Elder.

Hi, my name is Alden Arciaga! I'm an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Ethics, Society & Law. My dream is to become an AI ethics lawyer, and my research focuses around the intersection between AI, education, and culture. I love to make music, sing, make content (check out my TikTok: @aldxn_.ac) and rock climb! Feel free to reach out to me and chat about anything!

Hello! My name is Lily, and I’m pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in music. My first summer research was interdisciplinary in that it included psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral studies, and music. I designed an experiment about how emotional music impacts future perception and imagination. Then, I collected behavioral data to address my research question. For my LiA, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa with Anjelica Young, Elizabeth Wallace, and Soyu Hong to create programming for kids and child/youth care workers at SOS Children's Villages, with the support of our coordinator: Youness Robert-Tahiri. I taught poetry and developmental psychology; I co-taught visual art, music, and college/career prep workshops. In the future, my goal is to get a PhD in clinical psychology to support the mental health of kids who survived early adversity and continue research. I love making art, playing my violin, and reading and writing poetry. Some of my favorite books are Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke and any poetry by Langston Hughes. 

Hello! I’m a psychology researcher and the founder of HaHaHelps, a nonprofit organisation developing and delivering a comedy-based psychosocial programme designed to support young people in residential care. I am currently completing an MSocSci in Psychology at the University of Cape Town, where my dissertation examines the feasibility of HaHaHelps programme with adolescents in South African child and youth care centres. My broader interests include youth mental health, psychosocial intervention development, implementation, participatory approaches, and the use of humour and play to support connection, emotional expression, self-efficacy, and coping with uncertainty. HaHaHelps grew out of my Laidlaw Leadership-in-Action project at SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Town, where I designed and facilitated an improv-comedy programme for adolescents. Since then, I have continued developing and delivering the programme with young people in residential care and am now studying how it can be refined, evaluated, and ultimately adapted for use in other communities and settings. Before this, my Laidlaw research at the University of Toronto examined relationships between childhood adversity, aggression, and self-regulation. I’d love to connect with other Laidlaw Scholars and alumni interested in youth mental health, social impact, intervention development, social entrepreneurship, or simply finding creative ways to turn research into something useful in the world.

Hey! I’m Samuel Kamalendran, a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto (Mississauga), where I major in Political Science and minor in English and Classics. My research project is titled “In the Valley of the Shadow of Death: Evaluating the Protection Afforded to Vulnerable Canadians by Bill C-7” and will explore whether Canada’s assisted-dying legal framework sufficiently protects the disabled, mentally ill, and those in poverty. I was first introduced to this topic through a term research paper in a Canadian Political Science course, and quickly became very engaged in the subject. What truly stood out to me about this subject was the intellectual conflict underpinning the debate about the Bill’s provisions. I was fascinated by the justifications both sides offered—all of which contained some measure of truth—and the simultaneous inability of scholars to come to a clear consensus. I was also very drawn to the real-life stories of individuals who interacted with MAiD—every one of which spoke directly to the implications of any law that intersected law, medicine, and the ethics of self-autonomy. Furthermore, as an aspiring legal professional, I am especially interested in diving into the legal and parliamentary cases that drove the development of assisted-dying forward, and performing a comparative analysis of international jurisdictions to decipher key lessons which can answer questions about the effectiveness of MAiD frameworks. In my free time, I enjoy working out, creating music on the piano and drums, and exploring local rivers, lakes, and trails with my brothers. I’m also active in journalism at my university, interested in AI and business, and passionate about serving my peers through my work with my school’s International Centre and my upcoming roles on various committees and boards. I’m sincerely looking forward to learning more about you all and your research projects! I would love to connect with y’all via LinkedIn, email (at samuel.kamalendran@mail.utoronto.ca), and/or through the Scholars network. I hope everyone has a fun, relaxing, and productive summer! :)

Hello, I'm Ethan! I am a Political Science and Social Policy Student at Trinity College Dublin. I am originally from California, but I split my time between California and Ireland growing up. As a politics student, I am interested in the policy and regulation of the technology sector.  Through my research, I wish to study the relationship between innovation and regulation for countries looking to remain innovative while also mitigating the adverse effects that come along with the rapid development of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.   I look forward to connecting with other scholars at Trinity and beyond!