Ruby Palin (She/Her)

Student, Durham University
Aaryn McDonald-Brown

Biological Sciences Student, Durham University

Hi! My name is Aaryn and I'm a first-year Biological Sciences student at Durham University, starting my project in summer 2024! My research project is focused on the regulation of stem cells in model organism Drosophila melanogaster (common fruit flies) specifically investigating genes linked to cancer in humans. I am particularly interested in genetics and disease and I would like to pursue a career in clinical research. Outside of my studies, I also work as an outreach intern for the Venture Labs at Durham University, and I enjoy singing in my college jazz band and musicals, playing netball, reading, and art!
Kelci Jacoby

Assistant Manager, Leadership Framework and Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme, Durham University

I am an American Expat working at Durham University in the Leadership Framework where I serve as an Assistant Manager. In my role I oversee our Emerging Leadership programmes and am the programme manager for the Durham University Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme. I am passionate about creating an inclusive sense of belonging for students, student leadership development, harm reduction, and helping students identify their version of success.  I have worked in higher education for the last six years in a variety of functional areas including identity-based advocacy, orientation, transition and retention, fraternity and sorority life, and leadership development. I have a B.A. from Willamette University in American Ethnic Studies and History and a M.S. in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Texas A&M University (Gig 'em!).  I like to spend my free time fly-fishing, hiking, watching anything in the Star Wars universe, reading, browsing record stores, going to concerts, and finding the best cappuccino in NE England!
Ingrid Lam

Durham Student, Durham Universty

Nikol Chen

Design and Development Manager, Laidlaw Foundation

Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over four years, working towards strengthening our global community and amplifying the impact of our initiatives. I love all things human. I completed an undergraduate degree in Human Sciences and am currently pursuing a Masters in Anthropology at UCL. In particular, I am passionate about the intersection of education, anthropology, and design, with an ethical and collaborative approach at the heart.  Originally from the vast steppes of Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Obsessive podcast listener, nature lover, and a dancer with two left feet and a whole lot of spirit.
Ewan Thomas

Student, Durham University

Karina Maria Piotrowska

Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) Undergraduate Student, University of Durham

My project involved investigating the effects of methylphenidate on a Parkinson's disease model in Drosophila melanogaster. Broadly speaking, my academic interests include the molecular mechanisms of addiction, and how we can use biochemical and genetic techniques to investigate this.
The University of Durham joined the Laidlaw Scholars Undergraduate Research & Leadership Programme in 2017. This visionary programme builds on Lord Laidlaw’s commitment to supporting undergraduate student development and education. It gives undergraduate students the research, leadership and networking skills they will need to achieve their academic and professional goals in the future.
Richard de Falbe

Student, Durham University

I am currently studying biology at Durham. My research proposal is on biotic stress response pathways in plants.  My interests include plant science, molecular genetics, and the ethics of biotechnology - I also take some philosophy modules in my degree. In the future, I would like to research biotechnology and apply it to improving food security. 
Jimmy Strainge

Durham University Student, Durham University

I am a student of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University and have come to the end of my time as a Laidlaw Scholar. I am a keen rugby player, gym goer and cinephile. The Laidlaw Scholarship has been an incredible part of my development as a researcher, leader and person.
Edward Hart

Graduate, Durham University

Hello! I am a Biological Sciences graduate from Durham University, having completed my Laidlaw Research and Leadership scholarship in 2022. I am currently studying for an MRes in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Research at Imperial College London, Silwood Park. My original Laidlaw project was slightly adapted, with it focusing on how African mammals and coral-reef fishes act as wildlife-based tourism (WBT) attractants.  In my free time, I enjoy bouldering, hiking, and anything nature-related!  I am more than happy to discuss my research topic or other environment-related topics on here or via email :)
Tom Burdge

Founder, Researcher and Podcast Host, buddhistphilosophy.co.uk

I am the founder of buddhistphilosophy.co.uk where I currently host podcasts with expert guests in Buddhist philosophical practice and theory. With this project, I am to contribute toward correcting the entrenched Eurocentric bias in philosophy by creating an inclusive space for learning about Buddhist philosophy. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I have researched on researched philosophy of time, Buddhist philosophy, and philosophy of language. My research output includes a paper entitled Meaning in Gibberish (forthcoming in Aporia). I have presented this paper and discussed related issues in talks and workshops at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh. Language learning holds a high in priority in my studies and research. I have studied some Pali (OCBS levels 1 and 2) and I read French fluently. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any interest in the following: Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, Ambedkar studies, women and Buddhist philosophy, cross-cultural philosophy, critical theory, French philosophy, Laruelle’s non-philosophy, non-Buddhism, philosophy of nonsense, philosophy of death.
Kayla Kim

Community Analyst, United Nations Development Programme

Hello! I was Laidlaw scholar in 2019, and I studied national, regional, and local identity in northern Tajikistan through the lens of women's fashion.  For a year after graduating, I worked for the UN Mine Action Service which removes landmines from conflict and post-conflict regions. I then worked for the Laidlaw Foundation 2021-22 and completed a Master's Degree in Anthropology and Development Management at the London School of Economics. Now I'm working with the UN on innovative finance for biodiversity conservation, focusing on marine ecosystems. Please feel free to reach out on the network, on LinkedIn, or by email. I'm always happy to meet new people and chat.
Susanna Kempe

CEO, Laidlaw Foundation

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.