Hi all! My name is Rachel, and I am a junior in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. I am majoring in International Politics with a concentration in Security Studies. I am also pursuing a minor in Justice and Peace Studies and a certificate in Diplomatic Studies. Originally, I am from Michigan, and in my free time I enjoy painting, swimming, and reading.  This summer my faculty mentored project is titled Geopolitical Analysis for Maps of the Modern World, and I have conducted my research under the supervision of Mark Giordano, who is a Professor of Geography and the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at Georgetown. The project focuses on Central Asia, and the ways in which the region is increasingly becoming a center of international politics and trade. It explores this phenomenon by investigating increasing foreign interest in the region through mapping. Ultimately, this project seeks to understand the causes, signs, and impacts of increasing foreign influence in Central Asia.

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. 

Hello! My name is Bhadra, and I am a second-year Law and Business student at Trinity College Dublin. I have an interest in criminal law, in particular feminist criminology. My Summer 1 research topic is 'Motherhood on Trial: A Comparative Analysis of the Miscarriage of Justice in Infanticide Cases'. I aim to take an inter-jurisdictional perspective in examining three notable cases - those of Joanne Hayes, Sally Clarke and Kathleen Folbigg.  Overall, my overarching goal is to highlight how women exist and are perceived within inherently oppressive social systems. If you have any questions or would like to reach out, please feel free to do so on panickeb@tcd.ie!

Hey! My name is Toye Adebayo, and I am a rising sophomore at Tufts University majoring in Computer Science. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am working with Professor Laura Gee in the Department of Economics on a research project exploring how measurement methods impact perceived disparities in labor market outcomes. I'm especially interested in how research can be used to drive more equitable systems and decision-making. I’m excited to be part of the Laidlaw community and to learn from others' research and leadership journeys!

Hello! I am Olivia, an International Relations and Ethics, Society, and Law student at the University of Toronto. I am interested in how states relate to one another, how international diplomacy functions, and decision-making in states. This is why this summer I'll be looking at Legal Barriers to Self-Determination in Disputed Territories. This study looks at how states interact with independence movements, for example, to see if an overseas territory is worth retaining in the midst of claims for independence.  For fun, I like playing video games (come talk to me about Nintendo games!!) or reading, biking or walking through my neighbourhood, and browsing research. I love learning, I'm trying to read more non-fiction books, so please recommend any interesting research or novels! I am so excited to be a member of the Laidlaw community. I hope to learn more about all of you, and read as much of your work as possible! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, either through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, or on LinkedIn. Let's talk!

Hello! My name is Viktoria, and I’m a third year student at University of Toronto pursuing a Human Biology major and double minor in Immunology and Physiology. In my research, I'm investigating how immune dysfunction contributes to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathogenesis, a condition that has immensely impacted my family. My work integrates computational transcriptomic analysis of patient data with experimental validation in a preclinical mouse model. This integrative approach aims to uncover immune-related biomarkers that could inform precision-based, disease-modifying immunomodulatory therapies that slow or prevent PD progression.         My fascination with the immune system began with my own experience navigating everyday life with my anaphylactic allergies. Early exposure to the immune system’s complexity inspired my ongoing commitment to understanding how immune dysregulation underpins disease. PD is close to my heart, and I’m motivated to have my work contribute to better diagnostics and treatments for patients worldwide.         Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue graduate studies; either an MSc or PhD in immunology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences. I’m passionate about translating academic research into real-world solutions and hope to build a venture that leverages immune insights for targeted, accessible therapies. I’m also a language enthusiast; I love learning new languages and immersing myself in different cultures, and I believe cross-cultural communication is essential for global health innovation and leadership.          When I’m not in the lab, you can find me studying in new cafes and trying new restaurants around Toronto, reading psychological thrillers or philosophical literature, hiking with my dog, or travelling abroad!                 The Laidlaw Scholars Programme has been an incredibly meaningful part of my academic journey thus far, empowering me to ask bold questions, build hands-on research skills, and connect with a vibrant community of change-makers. If you’re curious about Parkinson’s research, immunology/neuroscience/biotech, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out on my LinkedIn. I’d love to hear from you!

Hello! I am a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar from the University of Leeds, currently studying Biomedical Science. My research explores the role of alpha-synuclein charge in synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release using mass spectrometry approch. As a naturally curious and interdisciplinary thinker, I’m passionate about learning from diverse perspectives and connecting with others who are driven by purpose, innovation, and leadership—whatever their field may be. I’d love to connect, collaborate, and grow together as part of this dynamic global network.

I'm an undergraduate student in electrical engineering at EPFL. Formerly a student in biomedical engineering, having switched after my first year, I am passionate about the intersections of engineering, life sciences, and computer science. 

Hello! I'm Milla, a rising third-year student at Trinity College Dublin! I am originally from Sweden, but grew up in Seattle! As an Economics major and Political Science minor, my passions are rooted in macroeconomic policy in relation to immigration and environmental justice.  As such, my research seeks to contextualise the shortcomings in the economic integration of immigrants in Stockholm through an analysis of respective wealth profiles between first-generation immigrants and native Swedes. It additionally cross-references the economic evaluation to their relative access to quality green spaces, assessing the sophistication level of integration as it pertains to public goods. I am excited to connect and learn about all the fascinating research conducted by my fellow Laidlaw scholars! Feel free to reach out-- I'd love to connect!

Hi! I am Aimaan. I am Year 2 MEng Chemical Engineering in University of Leeds. During my leisure, I am listening to music, watching films and writing. My recent project is submitting poetry collection book called Naskhah Seorang Kera, in translation, Letter by Humbled for publication. I also have travelled to more than 10 countries across Europe within my first academic year in Leeds. I am keen to pursue PhD in circular economy aspects of pharmaceutical industry after graduation. I am also passionate in working in pharmaceutical industry applying my experience from university to actively participate in Research and Development (R&D) sector. I have been involving in variety of projects; academic and extra curricular activities since high school. Currently, I am School Representative in School of Chemical and Process Engineering (SCAPE) bridging communication gap between students and academic staff by collecting feedbacks, raising concerns, facilitating interdisciplinary discussion and hosting events. I am also former assistant secretary for Malaysian-government sponsored student society called JPA Scholars Association (JASA) that aims to mitigate circumstances experienced by JPA Scholars across UK and build collaboration among international connection to bridge perspective gap. I am also active organising committee of Malaysian Student Community Leeds (MSCL) where I am be able to expand my networking with Malaysian permanent residence and other Malaysian students in Leeds to get provide cultural space exactly the same as what happened in Malaysia!