Payton Bonang (He/Him)

Student, University of Toronto
Faith Marion Kalia

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Toronto

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!
Vera Allue

Student, Economics and Environmental Management, University of Toronto

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! 
Leora Kasneci

Student, University of Toronto

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.
Sofia Penttilä

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Toronto

Hi! My name is Sofia, and I am going into my third year at the University of Toronto double-majoring in Neuroscience and Philosophy. I am originally from Helsinki, Finland, but I have moved around throughout my life, living in California and, most recently, Toronto, Canada.  My academic interests include neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells,  philosophy, and building healthier communities through translational research. I love rock climbing, cooking, trying different cuisines, reading, biking, and exploring new cities. 
Donya Tavakol

Undergraduate Research Scholar, University of Toronto

Hi, I'm Donya! I'm an English and History dual major at the University of Toronto with a passion for law, history, and research. Amongst other things, I am also passionate about National Treasure (2004). Feel free to connect!
Hanna Salzman

Architecture & Design Student, University of Toronto

Hello! I'm a third-year architecture student at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto, pursuing additional majors in Religious Studies through the Department for Religion and Jewish Studies through the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies. My research is focused on the critical role of design in history and its relationship to contemporary applications of design for state control. I am incredibly passionate about the future of design and how new frontiers can be assessed by analyzing the past.
Hana Greenberg

National Scholar, University of Toronto

Hi! My name is Hana, and I'm entering my third year at the University of Toronto majoring in Political Science and minoring in both Applied Data Science and Creative Writing. My academic interests lie in the intersections between technology and society; I'm particularly interested in how artificial intelligence interacts with and affects human communities. In my free time, I love to learn new languages (I speak 5 fluently!), train capoeira, cook, and write. Please feel free to reach out -- I look forward to meeting more people in the Laidlaw community!
Aron Pechy

Student, University of Toronto

Hi everyone,  My name is Aron Pechy and I am a second-year student at the University of Toronto, originally from Budapest, Hungary. I am planning to pursue a double major in Public Policy and Peace, Conflict and Justice with a minor in Sexual Diversity Studies.   My research project is titled Regulating LGBTQ Visibility through Child Protection and Media Law: A Comparative Doctrinal Analysis of Russia, Hungary and Bulgaria under EU Legal Frameworks. My academic interests are mainly centred around policy, law and governance with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ legal advocacy. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, travelling and visiting modern art galleries.  I am always happy to connect; feel free to reach me on any of my socials!
Pranav Chaturvedi

Student, University of Toronto

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!
Elena Shik

International Scholarships Advisor, University of Toronto