Salma Ragheb

Undergraduate Researcher, University of Toronto
Emma Hwang

Undergraduate Researcher, University of Toronto

Anuj (AJ) Manchanda

Lester B. Pearson and Laidlaw Scholar at the University of Toronto, University of Toronto

An ambitious student at the University of Toronto passionate about marketing, finance, and the intersection between business and social impact. With a burning desire to leverage entrepreneurship as a means to improve underprivileged communities, I spearheaded the Rescued Glass social enterprise to tackle waste management and support Thailand's Khlong Toey Slum community through upcycling used glass bottles into innovative household items. I find genuine fulfillment in experiencing and learning all that I can imagine. This mentality has empowered me to receive over 30 accredited licenses and certifications and pursue 7 professional working experiences thus far. In the process, I have gained proficiency in the technicalities of digital marketing, B2B/B2C sales, data analytics and e-commerce whilst honing my communication, interpersonal, and cooperative skills. Merging my passions with my ambition to make a meaningful difference in the world is intrinsically fulfilling. I have led several volunteer and service initiatives including organizing concerts to raise funds for endangered animals, participating in a microfinance/development bank, managing community social media pages, deploying artificial reefs in Thailand's islands, and more. I am humbled and grateful beyond words for the opportunities I have had thus far and am even more optimistic and motivated to continue experiencing, learning, and developing!
Asper Baher

Law Student, University of York

Hi everyone! I am Asper, a third-year law student at the University of York and a 2022 Laidlaw Scholar. My research project is about the legacy of British Imperialism on nationality law in post-colonial territories and Jordan specifically. Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to chat 💭🥰
Campbell MacPherson

Student, University of St Andrews

I was fortunate enough to conduct academic research under the supervision of Stephen Gethins, former MP and Professor of Practice in International Relations at the University of St Andrews. Stephen introduced me to a truly fascinating yet often overlooked area of International Relations: sub-state and regional actors and their place in global politics, with a focus on Scotland in particular. Through this, I have developed an interest in Scotland's place in the world as a nation without an independent foreign office, but as a nation with extensive international influence and a powerful global diaspora. This topic formed the basis of my Laidlaw project, my undergraduate dissertation, a forthcoming article,  and my future research.  In my second year of university, I founded The Drew, an online student publication based in St Andrews which publishes articles on Scottish politics and culture. There was an unfortunate lack of Scottish issues being discussed in St Andrews (despite bearing the name of Scotland's patron saint and being home to Scotland's most ancient university), and so The Drew was set up to help foster more discussion.  I take a keen interested in other academic fields such as politics, history, and philosophy. Although an International Relations student first and foremost, I had the opportunity of studying Ancient History and Classics alongside my degree for two years. If I were to ever win the lottery, you would find me endlessly cycling University, spending my remaining days studying Ancient History and Philosophy, Politics, Anthropology, Theology, Theoretical Physics and Maths, or whatever subject I develop an interest in down the line. I am always keen to discuss my own research area and learn about others'.
Alicia Sanz Maestro

Student, University of York

Hi! I'm Alicia and I am a fourth year Chemistry student at the University of York. I'm especially interested in the development of new materials for biomedical applications but I'm always open to learn about different areas of research in Chemistry!
Isabel Sternthal

Student, University of Toronto

I am so excited to be a member of the 2022-2023 Laidlaw Scholars cohort at the University of Toronto, where I am an undergraduate student studying global health, political science, and english literature. My Laidlaw research investigates how an ecosystem of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive cancer care is emerging at an academic cancer centre in Canada. I am excited to connect with other Laidlaw scholars, and look forward to learning more about the Laidlaw projects underway in Toronto and around the world.
Lam Lok To Cherry

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hi there! I am studying the Bachelor of Science in both Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Food & Nutritional Science. Doing and learning from research are of interest to me for better understanding of the world and unprecedented benefits to humanity of all kinds. Feel free to exchange knowledge and ideas with me!
Peter Ma

Research Assistant, University of Toronto | UC Berkeley

Hey there! 👋 I'm a first-year student at the University of Toronto who's into machine learning, astronomy, and research. Currently, I'm an intern researcher at the UC Berkeley SETI Research Center to build a high-performance detection algorithm to search the nearest 1 million stars for signs of life beyond Earth using the VLA telescope and the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa. When I'm not looking for aliens I love rock climbing, painting, and enjoying the outdoors!
Vedika Jha

Student, University of Toronto

Hello!! My name is Vedika Jha (Vay-dih-ka), my pronouns are she/her, and I am going into 2nd year at University of Toronto! My first research project focused on the genetic factors contributing to cerebral palsy, a common disorder. My second research project explored patient perspectives on privacy and trust in digital genomic tools. However I am more broadly interested in Molecular Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, and Climate Change! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just to talk :)
Ecem Sungur

Research & Design Assistant, University of Toronto

Hi, my name is Ecem and I’m a current architecture student, research assistant, and web/graphic designer! Internalizing the current issues of cities including crisis management and housing problem, I work on multiple volunteer, mentorship, and leadership projects. My research for the Laidlaw Program revolves around how architecture can be designed as a crisis management tool and its applications in the past, present, and future.
Pearls Eddo

Law (Industrial) LLB, University of Leeds

Hi👋🏾 I’m Pearls I am a final year Law student at the University of Leeds. I recently completed a placement year at The Walt Disney Company as a CPGP Contract Management Intern (hence the 'industrial' next to my degree title) My first-year research project looked at the way game-based learning could be incorporated into Multi-Academy Trusts (aka MATs) to improve the academic attainment and classroom engagement of GCSE-year black students. My Leadership-in-Action project was with MakeSense and focused on empowering minority communities within Mexico City.
Yusra Shafi

Research Assistant at WISH Lab, The University of Toronto, St. George

Hello! My name is Yusra, and I am a third-year Psychology student at the University of Toronto, St. George. I am passionate about mental health, especially in the disciplines of Education and Organisational Behaviour. Schools and Universities do not only provide an academic education - they also serve as a premise for self-development and the formation of interpersonal connections. My research utilizes the concepts of Self-determination theory, and focuses on analyzing the biggest barriers to a 'positive' university experience, possible solutions that can be enacted, and how all these factors can influence student mental health.
Aya Hammad

Medical student, University of York

I'm a medical student at the University of York interested in immunology, public health, as well as education and leadership within health care! My research project is about understanding how mutations in immune cells impact a certain group of rare bone marrow disorders (MPNs) that can lead to cancer.
Dalal Mahir

Research Assisstant , University of Toronto- H.E.A.L Lab

Hello! My name is Dalal Mahir, I am a third year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursing a major in Psychology with a double minor in Biology and Anthropology. My research interests primarily revolve in the field of social psychology, more specifically concerning the topics of: empathy, awe, compassion, and how it may potentially influence our physiology. 
Nathan Ching

Student, University of Toronto, St. George Campus

Hi! 🧐 My name is Nathan, and I am a coming Junior at the University of Toronto (St. George Campus) majoring in Criminology, Public Policy, with a minor in Political Science. My research project focuses on Criminal Law and Domestic Abuse cases, investigating the Criminal Justice System's role in breaking the cycle of violence that exists in domestic abuse cases. Outside of academics, I am a huge (and i mean humongous) fan of the arts! Film, photography, music, anything that expresses creativity is automatically a key to my heart. Drop a message and I'd be more than happy to connect with you! ⚡️