I am an undergraduate Laidlaw scholar from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I have lived most of my life in Dublin (apart from three years in Berlin - but no, I can't speak German). My main research area is political philosophy; my research interests in particular are in how human rights can be used as an approach to morality, and how we should consider and address 'structural injustices' in society. I also have interests in democratic theory, and heterodox approaches to economics. Outside academia, I am often involved in social/political activism. I'm a keen ultimate frisbee player, and I enjoy chess, table tennis, and hiking. I'm also (slowly) learning French and Polish.

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 for Trinity, and works to promote equity, belonging, and non-discrimination for Trinity staff, students, and the wider Trinity community, in all areas of university life and with particular regard to the protected grounds in equality legislation. He has previously worked in a range of higher education development roles including student services and global engagement. In 2026 he is a supervisor for a Laidlaw Scholar research project entitled 'A Class Education: How does Trinity engage with class and socioeconomic status in 2026?'. He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBTIQ+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence and creating social good by championing an accessible, diverse higher education environment. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, and further qualifications in Learning, Development and Coaching (CIPD), EDI Policy and People; Teaching, Learning and Assessment for Academic Practice (TCD), and as a Certified Student Affairs Educator (HECSAC).

Hi I'm Peter, I'm a third year engineering student with a passion for electricity and lighting things on fire (with electricity). My research project focuses on using microwaves (The same EM waves that heat your food, yes!) for breast cancer detection. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and early detection and diagnosis is highlighted by the World Health Organization as a key priority. Currently the only way to detect and diagnose breast cancer is with X-Ray mammography, which is incredibly costly and isn't suitable for younger women due to high radiation exposure. In contrast, microwave-based breast imaging systems can be operated in local clinics and doctors’ surgeries worldwide, improving access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screening for women of all ages world-wide. I hope to contribute to this area of research by modelling different microwave antenna arrays to find optimum configurations that can provide clinical grade images for doctors to quickly diagnose breast cancer.