Sara Rahmani

Psychology Student, Trinity College Dublin
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • People
  • Ireland
Alice Ferguson-O’Brien

Laidlaw Scholar (2023), University of Toronto

My name is Alice (she/her) and I have just finished my first year at the University of Toronto studying Cognitive Science, and Philosophy as a National Scholar. I am from a small province called Newfoundland and Labrador, but studied for two years at Pearson College UWC in Victoria, British Columbia. I am really passionate about mental illness - specifically about how our conception of mental illness shapes the way we treat people with mental illness in medical institutions, and in society. I am also very invested in the climate justice movement. 

Asper Al-Shimi

Law Student, University of York

Hi everyone! I am Asper, a first 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 💭🥰
Isabelle Rosher

BSc Economics Student , University of Leeds

Hey! I am Izzy and I am part of the 2022 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds. I study BSc Economics and I am interested in mental health, health economics and health policy. I am excited to have a career that allows me to explore my interests further and I am always open to chat!

My research project involves undertaking a literature review and analysing responses to surveys completed by students on their sense of belonging and engagement at university. I hope my research can help students settle into university better so that they can reach their potential :)

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. 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 and future research.

Through my time studying International Relations the University of St Andrews, I have developed a keen interest in Terrorism Studies, identity politics, African international relations, foreign policy, and Postcolonial Theory (among other critical theories).

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 am quite frankly a sucker for all things politics, history, and philosophy. Although an International Relations student first and foremost, I had the joy of studying Ancient History and Classics alongside my degree. 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, Egyptology, Theology, Theoretical Physics and Maths, or whatever subject I develop an interest in down the line.

I am always down for a discussion and chat about my areas of interest - so never shy away from reaching out if we have any interests in common.

Laoise Murray

Laidlaw Scholar, Trinity College Dublin

I am a final-year law student from Ireland and I have a particular interest in socio-legal research. I like finding connections between the structure of our legal system and various social-demographic features of the population that it governs. Saying that however, I really am interested in all areas of law and I'm sure I will find other interesting research rabbit holes to wander down in the future.
William Grugan

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi everyone! My name is William "Liam" Grugan, and I am thrilled to take part in Trinity's 2021 Laidlaw Cohort. In Dublin, I study Middle Eastern and European Languages and Culture (focusing specifically on German and Arabic) and, as a member of the Dual Bachelors Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University, I will finish out my studies (majoring in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies) in New York. I love to cook, read, explore, play bass, and, pre-Covid, sang in a band!

Mary Friend

Natural Sciences Student, University of York

Natural Sciences MSci student at University of York specialising in neuroscience. I am fascinated by the brain and the connections within it, and enjoy combining my knowledge of chemistry, biology, psychology and philosophy to generate new ideas.
Hugh Gallagher

LLB (Pol. Sci.) Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hello! My name is Hugh Gallagher and I am an undergraduate law student at Trinity College Dublin.
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.

Maseng Moumakwa

Medical Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi, I'm Maseng- A 3rd year Medical student in Trinity College Dublin, with a particular interest in Reproductive and Women's health. I have a previous undergraduate degree in Physiology, a masters degree in Biomedical Diagnostics and 4 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Outside of my academics, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading, listening to music and going for long drives.

My research project for the summer is an exploratory study into  differential treatment towards ethnic minority pregnant women and new mothers in Irish Maternity Hospitals. 

Pearls Eddo

Law LLB, University of Leeds

Hi, my name is Pearls; I am a third-year Law (Industrial) student at Leeds. I am currently in a placement year at The Walt Disney Company as a CPGP Contract Management Intern! 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. For my Leadership-in-Action project in 2023, I will be travelling to Peru with MakeSense to plan ways to empower the indigenous communities which reside in the country.
Jessica Mahon

Human Genetics undergraduate student , Trinity College Dublin

Hi, I'm Jessica Mahon, and I am interested in genetics, both from a conservation and a human standpoint. I'm in 3rd year of Human Genetics at Trinity College Dublin. I'm from Ireland and speak both English and Irish. I spend my spare time taking part in yoga, meditating and enjoying the outdoors. 

My Laidlaw research project is based on the genetic susceptibility of amphibians to chytridiomycosis disease to find a new conservation method for susceptible amphibian species. I'd love to chat with others who are interested in genetics and science!

Jenny Liu

Undergraduate Researcher, University of Toronto

I'm an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto double majoring in Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Immunology as well as minoring in Creative Expression & Society. With a background in molecular genetics wet laboratory research and creative writing, I value cultivating an interdisciplinary perspective to more uniquely engage in the field and better foster impactful connection. 

Sarah Joyce

Student, Trinity College Dublin

My name is Sarah (she/her) and I study Theoretical Physics at Trinity College Dublin. My research project is about lattice stretching and depletion of electrons - I will be simulating several metals on a software called VASP, changing different aspects of their quantum properties with the ultimate aim of making the metals more magnetic. I chose this research topic because I'd really like to learn more about how physics works on the nanoscale, and how we can tailor materials on this level to give them certain properties to suit particular purposes - for example, if the metals in my project can be made more magnetic then they could be used to create longer-lasting and stronger computer hard drives.

Freya Coogan

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hello all ! My name is Freya Coogan, I'm an undergraduate student in Trinity College Dublin studying Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures (with an emphasis on French and Arabic). I currently live in Beirut, Lebanon and my research focuses on the differing approaches to the reform of Personal Status Law taken by Feminist NGOs in Lebanon. I'm interested in the role of civil society in the push for the implementation of anti-corruption measures and transparency and am a proud member of the American University of Beirut's Secular Club. In my spare time I host radio shows on Trinity FM and Dublin City FM that are centred around social justice, current affairs and folklore !

Deirdre Donohue

Management Consultant, KPMG

I’m a Laidlaw Undergraduate Programme alum turned management consultant. I studied psychology in my undergraduate degree and conducted my research on immigrant children’s experience and factors influencing their wellbeing. I now specialise in People and Change transformation projects.

Inkindi Mutoni Sabine

STEM Subject Lead, University of Rwanda

I am a graduate of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Rwanda. I am also the STEM Subject Lead. My Laidlaw research project is about bringing a system that could help in minimizing the number of high-school and primary students who bring cell phones at school since it's one of the major sources of distraction. I am very interested in IoT (Internet of Things) related fields. I enjoy challenging myself because it always helps me to step out of my comfort zone. 
Kyle Ginsberg

Student, Trinity College Dublin

I am a fourth year Sociology and English Literature student at Trinity College Dublin. My research involves the digital LGBTQ+ community during the initial COVID-19 quarantine and mental health resources. I also have a charity zine series called 'Sick and Tired' that focus on the queer experience during COVID-19.

Claudia Friel

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! My name is Claudia, and I’m an undergraduate philosophy student at TCD. My Laidlaw research project regards the public’s reaction to the Covid-19 related lockdown measures, with a view to providing some insight into the current socio-political zeitgeist. I’ll be doing this with the help of the work of political theorist & philosopher Hannah Arendt.

Sophia Tierney

Student, Trinity College Dublin

I am a 4th-year psychology undergraduate studying at Trinity College Dublin. I have a particular interest in child development and psychiatric disorders, which I have been fortunate to learn a lot about through my studies. I have worked with children from a range of backgrounds in the past and plan to continue, both professionally and voluntarily, working with children in the future.