Hello! I'm Hannah Smith, a third-year student at Columbia University studying Film and Media Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures. My first summer research focused on the portrayal of Chinese-American immigrants in Golden Age Hollywood films, and my second summer project will involve working with filmmaking, production, or festival/distribution in Canada. 

Hello! I'm Tatum, a rising junior at Columbia University originally from Columbus, Ohio. I’m studying Biology on the pre-med track with aspirations of becoming a pediatric physician. My passion for pediatric cardiology stems from my own experience as a child with congenital heart disease. This summer, as my Laidlaw Leadership-in-Action project, I’ve traveled to Majuli Island in Assam, India, to conduct a community health initiative in partnership with Sunbird Trust, a local educational NGO. My project includes leading interactive health education workshops for adolescents across eight private schools, covering topics like nutrition, stress management, menstrual health, first aid, and sanitation. It has been an eye-opening opportunity to step into the role of educator, connect across cultures, and help empower students to take charge of their health. Last summer, I completed my first summer Laidlaw research project at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, where I built a database of over 700 pediatric cardiomyopathy patients and analyzed athletic restriction patterns for children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. That work is now being developed into a publication. Beyond the classroom and clinic, I’m a student-athlete on Columbia’s softball team, a member of Columbia Christian Athletes, and part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. I love exploring NYC, especially through food, performances, long walks, and bike rides! I also value time spent simply relaxing with family and loved ones. I’m incredibly grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for supporting both my research and leadership journeys. I look forward to continuing to grow as a scholar, leader, and future physician.

Hi, I am a member of Columbia University's Class of 2027. I am passionate about topics at the intersection between economics and political science, my scope is usually focused on the U.S. but I am excited to gain a more international perspective! I have lived most of my life in the South of the U.S. and I am very proud to come from a Hispanic cultural background. In my free time, I enjoy exploring New York City or relaxing in my room with a good book (my current favorite author is Ocean Vuong).  Please reach out if my work interests you! I would love to discuss it and any related topics. 

Hi, I am part of the 2023 Laidlaw cohort at the University of Leeds.    I am currently studying Adult Nursing. I am passionate about everything to do with nursing. There are many pathways that I will be able to explore throughout my career. However, currently, I am mostly interested in genomics and would like to explore this further throughout my studies. I also have a huge passion for women’s health, especially for different ethnic groups, to be able to provide education and break through the taboo barriers. Working as an adult nurse is challenging but satisfying. It is a vital role where you will make a real difference in people’s lives.    In Summer 2023, I worked on a pre-defined research project: ‘Evaluating Interdisciplinary 'Welcome, Induction, and Transitions' Support in the Undergraduate Curriculum.’ I worked alongside academics and other students to understand the outcomes associated with successful transitions, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The conclusion of my findings can be found on my page, so please have a read! The project and journey were exciting, and I developed a lot more knowledge about education policies and the huge impact it has on students, especially underrepresented groups. From the project, I have built on my leadership style and other skills due to being student-led.   In the summer of 2024, I worked on my LiA project, which focused on teaching health education to children in Bali. I developed a tailored program that could be implemented and sustained even after my placement ended, allowing the students to continue building on what they had learned. I was especially excited about this opportunity, as it allowed me to apply the skills I gained from my first project in a more practical and impactful way. It also gave me the chance to combine my passions for both education and healthcare in a meaningful setting.   Outside of my studies, I love to paint and am passionate about attending galleries and exhibitions. I enjoy spending time in nature and doing yoga. Also, I love to bake and find good places to eat with my family and friends.     If anyone has any interest in anything relating to me, my course or the research project, then please reach out 😊 

Laidlaw Scholar 2024/2025 Geography and Geoscience Student at Trinity College Dublin Research Project Title: Investigating how trace concentrations of fluorine impact the growth of the most important carbonate biomineral, calcite.

I'm a first year student at Columbia University studying Biochemistry. 

Hello! I'm Jacob, a Finance & Economics specialist at the University of Toronto. I'm passionate about Economic Growth and Sustainability, with a focus on the benefits and limitations of welfare states, a topic which I'm exploring in my research on the long-term viability of the welfare state in Israel in the face of demographic change.

Hi! My name is Kamala Karuppiah, and I am a rising third-year student at Cornell University. I am very excited and honored to be a part of the Laidlaw Scholars Network! I am majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations and minoring in Global Health and Health Equity.   In my free time, I love to dance, write poetry, and draw.

Ciao! I am Gio, a fourth-year student of Economics and Political Science at the University of Toronto. I hail from the country of Georgia, nestled between Europe and Asia, with a millenia-old culture and history. This Summer I am immersing myself in a small coastal town in Northern Japan to work together with local students in uncovering societal impacts of marine climate change. Global warming is a generational challenge and its effects are highly varied from community to community across the globe. I hope to engage in discussions with my fellow students in Japan and facilitate a series of ArcGIS workshops in order to map the implications of climate change on Sanriku coast. I would love to have a chat, especially if you also like food, geography, or world history!

2024/25 Laidlaw Scholar Psychology Student  Interested in Experimental and Cognitive Neuroscience  Title Project: Unravelling the Age-Related Dynamics of Facial Recognition

I am an Applied Math major, but I am also interested in Physics and Cognitive Science. I love Broadway musicals, theatre, and art. In terms of sport, my favorite one for both doing and watching is swimming and diving!

I am a final year undergraduate at Trinity College, Oxford. I am reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics, with a particular interest in global politics and international relations.