Samuel Allen (He/Him)

Chemistry and Physics Student, University of St Andrews
Kunj Kapur

Student, Durham University

Hello! I'm Kunj and I am a fourth year student studying Integrated Masters in Chemistry at Durham University. My research project was evaluating how slight changes in the structure of the solid state electrolyte and cathode can impact the ionic conductivity of lithium and sodium-ion batteries and using my research findings to develop NASICONs of high energy density, with maximum compatibility.
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 💭🥰
Nuri Morad

Student, University of St Andrews

Hey! I'm a fourth year student at St Andrews studying physics. I'm very interested in all things science, and I also love languages, all sports (but particularly tennis, football and skiing) and am happiest in the mountains. 
Paulina Isabel Bartolome

Student, University of Durham

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Durham reading Psychology, with an interest in cognitive and biological psychology. My research with Laidlaw aims to contribute to the process of diversifying psychological research with the development of a translated visual perception screening test, using data from South-East Asian participants. 
Cassice Last

Student Developer (Leadership), University of St Andrews

William Banner

Economics Student, Durham University

I am an Economics student at Durham University. My foremost interests are Development Economics and Environmental Economics. This is reflected in my research project which explored Demographic Economics, titled "The Shifting Distribution of the Global Population in the Twenty-First Century: an Econometric Analysis of the Projected Fortunes of Nigeria and Japan, with Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Development". I have experience working in economic consulting, specialising in competition economics, and am also a Zumba instructor. During my time on the Laidlaw Programme I have also served as a Laidlaw Schools Trust Mentor for Excelsior Academy in Newcastle. In 2023, I completed a six-week international ‘Leadership in Action’ project in partnership with Think Pacific for my Laidlaw Scholarship. For this, I participated in a multi-faceted programme, comprising the building of a health centre, collaborations with Diabetes Fiji and Youth Champs 4 Mental Health, and a Fijian Culture Course. The project ended with a Think Tank where we planned how we would sustain progress. In my sub-group’s case, we are working on a new project to build a multi-purpose building to act as a kindergarten and evacuation centre, for which we are currently fundraising. We have had multiple meetings with the Laidlaw Foundation CEO and the Laidlaw Schools Trust, and we are presenting at the Conversations Conference in Dublin in October 2023. Our project took place in Vunimaqo and Waisava, Dreketi Settlement, Nalawa district, Ra province, Vita Levu island, Fiji. I attended the Impact 2022 conference at the LSE and will be attending, and presenting, at the Conversations 2023 conference at Trinity College Dublin.
Emma Hopkins

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Toronto

Becky Caulfield

MSc Psychology Student, University of York

An aspiring Clinical Psychologist, currently an undergraduate studying Psychology (Integrated MSci) at the University of York. I see a future in which mental healthcare is adaptive to an individual's cultural and personal needs. I am also interested in alternative/ complimentary therapies for treatment resistant mood disorders such as deep brain stimulation and psilocybin therapy. My current research involves working with a Prosopagnosic (face blind) individual to better understand how we both learn and recognise faces.  For my Leadership in Action programme, I am working with "MakeSense", an organisation based in Mexico City. I am developing a social empowerment project supporting rural communities in Mexico.  
Carlota Bloch Varela

Student, University of St Andrews

Finn Smyth

Modern History Student , University of St. Andrews

My research is about how Left political organisations across Scotland have performed, organizationally and ideologically, since devolution.  
Yoshino Homma

Student , St Andrews

Hello! I'm Yoshino, a second-year student triple majoring in International Relations, Spanish and Italian. My Laidlaw research is 'Retelling Christian-Muslim Relations: Christian "Fascination" with Moors in the Middle Ages'. I love languages, and I am thinking about words and names all the time. I also love travelling. I love exploring new places and meeting people so much.  I am aspiring for a career in law, consulting or academia. Although I am particularly interested in those three fields, I am open to various experiences.  If you would like to chat about research, career or hobbies, please feel free to message me! I would be more than happy :) 
Elena Rico Hernando

Laidlaw Scholar, St Andrews

Hi, I'm Ele, a University of St Andrews Scholar. Primarily, my studies are in psychology but I am undertaking research in biochemistry and biophotonics. The aim of my project is to understand the effect of alpha-synuclein aggregates on astrocyte Calcium signaling in neurodegeneration (more precisely Parkinson's disease). This research has not been conducted before and the aim is to understand astrocytic calcium waves with the hopes of finding an aid to therapeutic targets for Parkinson's. My future research and ambitious lie in clinical and forensic psychology as well as gender psychology. I am also a mental health advocate and I am extremely passionate about raising awareness about mental illness.  Outside of my academic pursuits I enjoy music (especially drums), writing, any and all forms of art, being with my family and friends. and most of all traveling. I am also a die hard football fan and avid watcher.  I also love most things to do with Spanish and Latin American cultures as I am from Madrid myself. If you would like to chat about practically anything, I would be very excited if you sent me a message! I would love to connect and understand your project and personal interests! Have a great day!
Irvine Laidlaw

Chair, The Irvine Laidlaw Foundation

Lord Laidlaw is a committed philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and accomplished sportsman. A graduate of Leeds University and Columbia Business School, Lord Laidlaw founded the Institute for International Research Ltd (IIR) which became the world’s largest conference and training company. He sold it in 2005 for $1.4bn to Informa Plc. He has since gone on to build a large property company and invest extensively in sustainable energy, including the Veja Mate Offshore Wind Farm where he was the majority owner. His most recent project is building a renewable power resource in Rwanda. Lord Laidlaw was one of the very earliest business leaders to see diversity in his management team as an important strength. His leadership team had a majority of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Lord Laidlaw believes passionately that performance should be rewarded and was a pioneer in sharing profits with his employees. A committed internationalist, he considers it vital for the next generation of leaders to have and understand global connections. His generous philanthropy, funding academies and scholarships, centres on two core beliefs; firstly that inspirational education can break the cycle of poverty, and secondly the need for a new generation of diverse, passionate and adaptive leaders with a world view. The Women in Business movement that Lord Laidlaw funds, both helps to build a more diverse future leadership and pays tribute to the many women who helped make IIR so successful.
Chan Yik Hei (Marco)

Student, The University of Hong Kong

Hello! I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in chemistry at the University of Hong Kong. My research project was to develop an electrocatalytic method to upcycle chloride ions (Cl-) derived from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a commonly used plastic product, into hypochlorite ions (OCl-), which is an active ingredient of bleach. Feel free to have a chat with me!
Isabel Kestler

2021 Scholar, University of St. Andrews

I am an undergraduate student at the University of St. Andrews, studying Philosophy and Mathematics. I am interested mainly in Logic and the Philosophy of Science and my research project will focus on the Philosophy of Space Exploration and Exoplanet Science.
Rebecca Bisset

Student, University of St Andrews

Aoife Donohoe

Chemistry Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hello! I'm Aoife and I'm a 3rd year Chemistry student at Trinity College Dublin with an interest in material chemistry and climate action. My research project investigated the development of natural, sustainable materials to be used in CO2 capture.
Radhe Shantha Kumar

Medical Student, University of St Andrews

Lola Sophia Mors (she/her)

Student of Earth Science, University of St Andrews

Matin Moors

Student, University of St Andrews