Serena Girard-Nguetsop (She/Her)

Student, EPFL
Mattia Assane Wade

Student, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

I'm a Computer Science student at EPFL with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and interdisciplinary thinking. My academic path includes distinctions such as the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Scholarship and hands-on research experience in computational neuroscience, where I explore biologically plausible reinforcement learning. Beyond academics, I have practical experience ranging from electronics diagnostics to web development for social initiatives. I'm passionate about educational outreach—leading workshops for children, tutoring young students, and promoting inclusive learning. I’m also active in sports and the arts as a football player, pianist, and chess enthusiast. With fluency in Italian, French, and English, and a growing command of German, I enjoy connecting across cultures and disciplines to solve meaningful problems.
Ambre Berta

Microengineering student, EPFL

Hi, my name is Amber and I'm a first-year microengineering student at EPFL. I'm very interested in technology, especially robotics and biotechnology. I really enjoy create and participate in all kinds of projects particularly if I can help people in some way. I love building stuffs, playing music, doing sport and meeting new people ! Don't hesitate to contact me !
Hey ! I'm Arthur, a second year student at EPFL, currently studying physics. I love learning how things around me work, especially in physics and mathematics. I can't wait to meet lots of new people through the Laidlaw program ! I'm currently doing my internship at LASTRO, an astrophysics lab, and work on developping technologies (such as quantum computers and physics informed neural networks) to study the properties of dark matter. I love playing sports (running, hiking, tennis) and as a long time drummer, I also enjoy playing/listening to music. I am also open to any new experience, so feel free to reach out to me :)
Laura Coccia

Mathematics Student, EPFL

Avin Mohebi

Student, EPFL

Hi! I'm a student in micro-engineering at EPFL, interested in nano-science. I love travelling, biking and film-making.
Melanie Schmidiger

Program Administration, EPFL

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.
Hey there! I’m a CS student from EPFL! I’m interested in understanding human brains in a numerical way - so I decided to explore around starting from neuroscience! I’m also very into different kinds of outdoor sports, which always allow me to jump from one thought to another. Feel free to ping me if you want to talk about something interesting!
Alixe Kirbihler

Bioengineering Student, EPFL

Hello :)  My name is Alixe Kirbihler and I am a 2023 Laidlaw scholar. I am currently a third-year Life Sciences engineering bachelor student at EPFL & an exchange student at KTH in Stockholm. I am really interested in neurosciences, the biomedical field and, more generally, anything related to engineering.  Confirmed enthusiast of any outdoors activities, I am willing to discuss with you about any subjects, should it be STEM or climbing-hiking-skiing-diving related ;)  My research during 2023’s summer focused on characterising a novel D.Melanogaster mutant that perturbs synapse arborisation. It took place in Professor McCabe’s laboratory (for more information: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/mccabelab/research/).  My leadership in action last summer consisted of developing and implementing projects aimed at supporting emerging local cooperatives, women’s entrepreneurial initiatives, educational excellence, and improving the employability and mental health of young people. I am really glad to be part of this community that gathers such inspiring and dedicated scholars and can’t wait to meet you !
Jolan Bonny

Maths Student, EPFL

Hello! I’m Jolan, a second-year mathematics student at EPFL in Switzerland. I’m passionate about nature, mountains, and sustainability, and I enjoy challenging myself with sports like mountaineering and trail running. For my research project, I worked in applied statistics and loved using advanced mathematical techniques to connect theory with real-world questions. I found it fascinating and would like to keep exploring this in the future. Happy to chat or connect anytime ;)
Olamide Obadina

Global Business student , Trinity College Dublin

Hi! I am a 4th year undergraduate scholar at Trinity College Dublin studying Global Business, and I am currently on my study abroad in ESCP Paris. My research project centres on the importance of female leaders from ethnic minorities in the business C-suite & the necessity for better racial and gender diversity on executive boards worldwide.  I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things on this journey!
Mattheo Yang

Mathematics Student, EPFL

Hello ! I am Mattheo, a 17 year old French mathematics student at EPFL. Besides doing maths, I love cooking (@grosporc77 on Instagram) and I play the electric guitar. Don't hesitate to contact me !
Bruno Siniciali

Life Sciences Engineering Student, EPFL

Hi! I’m Bruno, an undergraduate in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL, and I am from in Hungary, France, and Italy (to simplify). I’m passionate about many things, from Classical Rome and Greece to mountain bike, psychology, neuroscience, medicine, physics, and engineering. I’m still exploring whether my path will lead more toward medicine or engineering, so if you have any thoughts or advice, I’d be very happy to hear from you!!
Fabio Carron

Physics Student, EPFL

Hi, I am Fabio, a Physics student at EPFL, in Switzerland ! I am passionate about discovering how the universe works and how we can use this knowledge to improve our lives. In my free time, I love playing music, of all kind (jazz, orchestral, brass, ...), and improvising, I also enjoy reading, writing and being in nature. Feel free to reach out to me, if you want to talk :)
Théo Lo Giudice

Life Sciences engineering student, EPFL

I’m Théo, a Life Sciences Engineering (similar to bioengineering) student at EPFL in Switzerland, with a background as a former Chemistry Lab Technician from the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg. I’m especially interested in computational biology and biomedical engineering, where I can apply my passion for science and technology to improve human health. My focus is on understanding complex biological systems and developing new solutions through computational methods. Outside of studies, I’m an endurance sports enthusiast; cycling, running, and lake swimming keep me active. I also enjoy learning languages (fluent in French and English, basic German) and exploring everything from biology to philosophy and art. I’m looking forward to opportunities where I can combine my scientific background and curiosity to contribute to impactful projects.
Hello! I’m Thomas Delaloye, a Mechanical Engineering student at EPFL. I’m passionate about robotics, mechanical design, and hands-on projects that combine theory with real-world impact. Always eager to learn, share ideas, and meet people who challenge and inspire me!
Sara Vaccino

Computer Science Student, EPFL

Hello! My name is Sara, and I'm a soon to be second-year computer science undergrad student at EPFL, in Switzerland. I am passionate about technology, and how it can be used to help communities. My research this summer is in system security, a branch of cybersecurity. I will expand, and improve the accuracy of, Magma, a benchmark for fuzzers - a software testing technique using randomized input (data) to reveal the faults in the program. This technique helps finding bugs (errors) that would not  have been reached using other popular tests. My goal is to find and implement Proof-of-Concepts - files that prove that a specific faulty part of the code can be reached and can trigger an error (a crash).  Besides coding, I enjoy all kinds of sports (currently (beach) volleyball and basketball), as well as reading. I also enjoy spending time in nature, be it on a hike or just in a park, or by a lake. I love traveling, discovering new places and cultures, and meeting new people. I am enjoy meeting new people and sharing perspectives, so please don't hesitate to contact me!