Princess Agina (She/Her)

Founder, BusinessU Ventures
Maria Eugenia Calvo Prieto

Undergraduate Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hello! I'm Eugenia, a second-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Sciences at The University of Hong Kong. I'm passionate about healthcare and biotechnology, particularly stem cells, cancer biology, genomics and neuroscience. I aspire to become a research scientist, designing experiments that lead to meaningful discoveries. I'm especially driven by the goal of promoting healthcare equity, and I hope my future work can contribute to solving global health challenges and improving access to effective treatments for all. So far, for my research project the first summer, I investigated how we could reprogram immunity to target the most common type of liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma. My project focused on a promising cancer treatment strategy known as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which enable immune cells to better recognise and eliminate cancer.  In my free time, you'll likely find me at a cafe with a friend or curled up with a good book (I especially enjoy historical fiction and mystery).  I love meeting new people and exchanging ideas, so please feel free to connect! :) Email: ecalvoprieto479@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-eugenia-calvo-prieto/
Sage Bailey

Student, Columbia University

Hima Karwan Rashid

MBA Participant at HEC Paris, HEC Paris

Anika Dugal

Laidlaw Scholar, Duke University

Hi, I'm Anika! I’m a sophomore at Duke University pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Public Policy. I’m passionate about exploring how emergent technology can be governed, developed, and deployed in a responsible and equitable manner. My Laidlaw Scholars research focused on European platform accountability, where I studied how AI-generated music affects creative democracy, labor rights, and data privacy in the EU and UK. This past summer, I co-authored a white paper titled "The Canary in the Coal Mine: Spotify, Generative AI, and the Future of Cultural Labor," which I presented at Oxford’s Rothermere American Institute alongside my team, while also engaging policymakers from NATO and the OECD throughout the paper-writing process.  Beyond research, I lead Girls for Algorithmic Justice, a nonprofit I founded to address gender equity issues in AI, including explicit deepfakes and algorithmic bias. Through our #StopExplicitDeepfakes campaign, I’ve been involved in advancing policy conversations at the U.S. federal level to expand protections for victims of digital harms. At Duke, I direct Duke Tech for Change, a student organization dedicated to responsible technology, and serve as an officer for Duke Cyber, where I help organize cyber policy opportunities and events. I also serve as a student advisor to the John Hope Franklin Human Rights Center and the Duke Office of University Scholars & Fellows. I'm deeply committed to linking technology with democracy and human rights. Check out my LinkedIn for a more comprehensive overview of what I do! Please feel free to reach out any time at anika.dugal@duke.edu.
Ripa Hovsepyan

IMBA student, IE Business School

Bringing Global Perspective & Proven Expertise to Drive Impact Impact and a global mindset have been part of my life since I first began traveling and living in different countries. From the Caucasus region to Europe, Asia, and the US, I’ve seen firsthand how creative ideas, creative thinking, collaborative diverse teams, partnerships, and human-centred leadership can transform communities, organizations, and even countries. Currently, as an International MBA candidate at IE Business School, I am expanding my expertise into digital business, transformation & innovation, and ethical leadership - building on 9+ years of cross-sector, cross-cultural experience in driving impactful outcomes in diverse environments. • Deep understanding of cultural nuances and behaviors that cross boundaries. • A proven track record in relationship building, partnership management, negotiation, project & operations management, and strategic planning. • Orchestrated 80+ projects, events ranging from small-scale workshops to international conferences, forums, and expos. • Strong expertise in cross-cultural and cross-functional communication with government officials, multinational companies, CEO's, executives, and senior managers. Stakeholder management. • Experience contributing to innovation-driven projects (tech & Edtech), with strong skills in leveraging technology for organizational advancement. • Leadership in mentoring teams, capacity building, driving collaboration, and achieving results in diverse settings. • A creative and tech-savvy approach to problem-solving and innovation. Beyond my professional work, I’m a traveler, life-long learner, writer, and dancer—passions that keep me curious, adaptive, and deeply connected to people from all walks of life.
Sophie Kleina

Student, University of Cambridge

Hi! I’m Sophie Kleina, a Psychological and Behavioural Sciences student at the University of Cambridge. I’m passionate about language learning and preservation, which is why my Laidlaw research project focuses on the Kashubian language- a regional and Indigenous language of northern Poland, and a heritage I’m proud to be part of. My academic interests span sociology, linguistics, psychology, and education, and I’m especially drawn to work that supports cultural diversity, educational access, and meaningful social change. I care deeply about doing work that helps people, strengthens communities, and protects the richness of human language and identity. I’m always eager to learn from others and collaborate on projects that make a difference- feel free to connect!
Bianca Pitu

Student, EPFL

Florence Cheung

Student , Georgetown University

Hello! I am a junior in Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service studying Science, Technology, and international affairs with a minor in Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies.  As a Laidlaw scholar, I am working under the Atmos Jones Lab guided by Dr. Taylor Jones. My research utilizes ECOSTRESS data from the international space station and the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software to map average evapotranspiration rates and land surface temperatures in Washington, DC neighborhoods. The objective of this research is to understand how local DC communities can utilize ECOSTRESS data to combat extreme heat days. Outside of Laidlaw, I am an implementation team member for the Global Governance Strategy for Planetary Health under the Helm Lab at Georgetown University. My research is focused on the role of the Commission of Small Island States on Climate change and International Law (COSIS) in reducing international law fragmentation. In my free time I love spending time at the beach and exploring new places. I am an avid scuba diver and have had the opportunity to dive in 7 countries all over the Caribbean.  Please feel free to reach out to me here or at fc689@georgetown.edu !
Reese Taylor

Research Scholar, Barnard College, Columbia University

Reese Taylor is a rising junior majoring in Philosophy, History, and Human Rights on a pre-law track. As a Laidlaw Scholar, she spent her first summer researching the role of labor in the economic and social uplift of Black Americans in the wake of Reconstruction. She was selected to present this research at Johns Hopkins University, The University of Pennsylvania, and the Global Laidlaw Scholars Conference. In her second summer, Reese founded The Voices in Action Initiative which is a program developed to empower and mobilize youth voices by providing them skills and practice in speech and debate. She enacted the program in Nassau, Bahamas with sponsorship from both the Laidlaw Foundation and The Kiwanis Club of Nassau.
Terrah Garner

Undergraduate Leadership & Research Scholar, Barnard College

Hi everyone, my name is Terrah — or Danae if you know me from Danalize, my startup, where I’ve helped over 500,000 college and high school students get smart about their college loans and promote financial literacy. I’m a junior at Barnard College, Columbia University, double majoring in sociology and human rights on the pre-law track. I'm also a part of the 2025 Laidlaw scholar cohort. My mission is to help others through my experience as a first-generation, low-income student from an underserved high school. This passion, combined with the disparities I’ve seen in financial literacy—especially in communities of color—has inspired my current research on the relationship between financial literacy and higher educational attainment. Feel free to connect as we grow together, not just as scholars, but as passionate advocates for change.
Isabelle Mary Thomas

Social Entrepreneur, BhuME Women’s Collective

Jasmine Ye

1st Year Philosophy, Politics and Economics, University of Oxford

Ishna

Physics, Trinity College Dublin

A 2nd year Physical Sciences student at Trinity College Dublin. I aim to become a better leader and get a ton of research experience :)
Leonardo Gareri

Student, University of Leeds

Ciao! I'm Leonardo, a Laidlaw Scholar passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating meaningful change in this world. I come from Italy, and at 17, I took an uncomfortable step by moving alone to the UK to pursue my studies, determined to gain access to an English university, networks, and growth opportunities. My research title is: "Using Points of Interest Data to Understand Retail Change in Great Britain, 2015 – 2025", which deeply connects with my entrepreneurial objectives. Through Laidlaw, I'm excited to expand my leadership capabilities, refine essential entrepreneurial skills and find new people within this amazing network! I'm passionate about engaging with Laidlaw's diverse global community, exchanging perspectives, and fostering long-lasting connections. I look forward to contributing my experiences, collaborating with fellow scholars, and continuously growing as both a leader and an individual. Please feel free to connect; I’m genuinely excited to share ideas, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions together! Leonardo Linkedin  leonardogareri05@gmail.com
Ashley Gutierrez Torres

Student, Duke University

Nuna Endale

Laidlaw Scholar, Barnard College of Columbia University

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. 
Anjelica Anyango Young

Student, Columbia University

Hello! My name is Anjelica and I'm a rising sophomore at Columbia University in New York. My current research aims to look into how language affects our perception of femicide in the media. In my free time, I make podcast videos with people who I find inspiring, I write (and hunt for banger book quotes on Pinterest), I'm currently planning an initiative in my foundation, and I watch TikToks that my best friend sends to me.  A quote that I really love as of now is: "When God had made The Man, he made him out of stuff that sung all the time and glittered all over. Some angels got jealous and chopped him into millions of pieces, but still he glittered and hummed. So they beat him down to nothing but sparks but each little spark had a shine and a song. So they covered each one over with mud. And the lonesomeness in the sparks make them hunt for one another." Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God And yes, I love existential questions.
Katarina Spasojevic

participant , Laidlaw Scholars

Hi! My name is Katarina, and I am studying Environment and Sustainability at Cornell University. I am particularly interested in international research on the interconnections between environmental justice, natural systems, and social well-being. During my free time, I like to play violin in chamber music and orchestras, and play board games. 
Adetoye

Student , Tufts University

Hey! My name is Toye Adebayo, and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University majoring in Computer Science. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am working with Professor Laura Gee in the Department of Economics on a research project exploring how measurement methods impact perceived disparities in labor market outcomes. I'm especially interested in how research can be used to drive more equitable systems and decision-making. I’m excited to be part of the Laidlaw community and to learn from others' research and leadership journeys!