The power of engineering to change the world using simple lines of code and circuit diagrams captivates me. Having invented India’s most economical 3D Printer, I’ve experienced firsthand its profound impact. Namaste! I’m Vedant, born in Singapore and raised in the bustling city of Mumbai. My journey started in 2020, when I needed a 3D printer for the rapid prototyping of projects but couldn’t afford one. Using recycled computer parts, a classmate and I managed to build one for under $100. Continuing my pursuit of frugal innovation, I developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser during the pandemic which I provided to local clinics and stores, despite supply chain shortages. In a quest to spread the innovation culture, I began delivering technical guest lectures on ‘Innovating with Arduino’ at engineering colleges and high schools across India. I introduced them to my ‘5-step prototyping mantra’, and used conversational psychology techniques to connect with students from diverse social backgrounds. From initially facing apprehension, to leaving the classrooms with thundering applause, the experience has been a rollercoaster. Forward to 2024, these lectures have become an awaited event at these colleges! My work has been featured in 30+ newspapers, journals, and media including platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks with a combined global reach of 50M+. Apart from engineering and tech, I’m an avid cyclist. My weekends usually consist of 100–150 km of backcountry rides. In Mumbai, I’ve worked with the police and the Smart Commute Foundation to advocate for bike lanes, install parking stands, and conduct cyclothons which saw over 5000 participants. I’m thrilled to join the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars — and I can’t wait to connect, learn, and build alongside all of you! Warm Regards, Vedant :) Instagram | LinkedIn

I study Politics and Peace, Conflict, and Justice at the University of Toronto! Last summer, I researched historical maritime delimitation disputes between Canada and the United States. This summer, I'm working at the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore to research submarine cables and pipelines in the territorial sea.  I grew up between Singapore and Vancouver, which has undoubtedly influenced my current interest in global affairs and international relations. I love travelling (I'm hoping to travel to Morocco next), tennis (playing and watching), and reading. 

My name is Lianne and I am a rising fourth-year student at the University of Toronto! I am super passionate about public health and related advocacy initiatives, and hope to be a physician-policymaker. Outside of academics, I love playing the guitar, singing, reading, dancing, traveling, and exploring new cities!

Hi everyone :) 

Hi there! I’m a third-year student at Trinity College, University of Toronto, studying International Relations and History. This summer, I’m researching how civil war and genocide shape political transitions, specifically, why some post-conflict societies move toward autocracy instead of democracy. I'm exploring contemporary and historical case studies to better understand these patterns and the role of international support. Always happy to connect, feel free to reach out!

Hey! I’m Amna, a third-year molecular biology student at the University of Toronto. I’ve worked in labs studying genetics and nanoimmunoengineering, but I also care a lot about science communication, from writing about microbes to speaking at places like the UN. For my summer research project, I am exploring anticipatory science diplomacy in Geneva. When I’m not deep in research mode, I’m probably planning my next escapade. Always down to connect, especially if you care about science, systems, or asking big questions.  

Hello LSN! 👋 I'm Annie from the University of Toronto, and I am thrilled to be among the 2025 Laidlaw Scholars cohort!  Program: Engineering Science (2T7) -- and in the upcoming fall I'm about to start my third year in aerospace engineering! Finally something interesting after two years of core courses 😵‍💫  Research Topic: gender bias in AI chatbots' responses & how to avoid such bias in AI development 🌟 Now the interests!  Hobbies: climbing beginner (but really enjoys it) 🧗 | video editing 🎬 | journaling 📝 | hiking🚶‍♀️ Enjoys: musicals 🎵 | doctor who 📺 | Comic Con 🎨 Also, for any whovians out there, I am planning to build my first Dalek this summer! Full size, motorized Dalek that will turn up at Fan Expo Toronto this summer 👀 So if you're going too - just send me a message and let's hang out! ✌️

Hi! I’m Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort, currently completing my LiA in Auckland, New Zealand.   My research project topic last summer was titled ‘Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region’. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which allowed me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility of poetry in Leeds. I’m originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15, then to the UK at 19, and just completed an academic year abroad in Canada, so I’ve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories. Outside of uni, you’ll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next trip—I’ve been to 36 countries so far and don’t plan on slowing down!

Hi there! I'm Ashiya, a member of the 2025 Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme Cohort. I'm a student at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, pursuing a double major in Peace, Conflict & Justice and Ethics, Society & Law. My passion lies in education and the governance of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. I am currently exploring how the intersection of this affects children facing socioeconomic disadvantage through my Leadership-in-Action project in North-East England. I look forward to reading and contributing to the incredible body of work on this platform. I love to read, hike, do ballet and learn new things - please feel free to reach out to connect anytime! :) 

Hello! I am a first year English Literature student studying at the University of Leeds. My research is about the glamourisation and romanticisation of True Crime. 

Hi! I'm at the University of Toronto pursuing a specialist in Human Geography with a focus in Planning and a minor in Spanish. More broadly, I'm an aspiring city builder devoted to learning about physical and social infrastructure, labour, the built environment, civic participation, and how these things can all come together. 

Hi! I'm terrible at writing bios so if you have any suggestions or are interested in discussing your own research, I'd be delighted to chat.

I'm a third-year Computer Science student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Computer Vision. My passion lies at the intersection of hardware and software solutions—aiming to build meaningful, impactful projects. Previously, I developed assistive technologies to support visually impaired students, making STEM education more inclusive and accessible. This summer, I'm working on a forensic science research project that involves optical dyeing using a multi-spectral LED array to enhance sperm cell identification in forensic samples. The tinkerer inside me loves messing around with robotics and tech, opening up random gadgets and making my own gizmos. Outside of technology, I enjoy cooking and exploring restaurants, always drawing inspiration for my next creation.

Hello! I’m a first-year undergraduate piano student with a passion for teaching and a growing curiosity about how education systems shape the way we learn music. Right now, I’m researching piano pedagogy in the context of China’s entrance exam system—something that blends my love for music with my interest in social structures and policy. If you want to get to know me, find me at the climbing gym, doing CrossFit, or out for a run with my dog. I’m always excited to meet people who would love to discuss education, music/piano, dogs and anything else that you can think of!

Hi, I’m Eno! I'm part of the 2025 Cohort. I’m passionate about contemporary issues in the European Union and how they intersect with law, peace, and conflict. Outside of school, I love eating out with friends and learning foreign languages.

Hi, my name is Alden Arciaga! I'm an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Ethics, Society & Law. My dream is to become an AI ethics lawyer, and my research focuses around the intersection between AI, education, and culture. I love to make music, sing, make content (check out my TikTok: @aldxn_.ac) and rock climb! Feel free to reach out to me and chat about anything!

Hello everyone! I'm Aisha Adamu, a Lester B. Pearson Scholar studying psychology and neuroscience at the University of Toronto. My interests lie in mental health advocacy, educational equity, and empowering marginalized communities. I founded a nonprofit at 15 to support education and youth empowerment, particularly for young women and internally displaced youth in Nigeria. Currently, through the Laidlaw Scholars Program, I'm researching the psychological impact of the Almajiri educational system in Nigeria, aiming to develop culturally sensitive interventions informed by comparative models from Senegal and Ghana. Outside of academics, I enjoy swimming, running track, and exploring new recipes through cooking. I'm passionate about making meaningful connections and creating positive social change.