Susanna Kempe (She/Her)

CEO, Laidlaw Foundation
Katrina Eilender

Student, University of Toronto

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. 
Maria del Carmen Martinez Meza

Student, Tufts University

Muhammad Mbowe

Intern, Brown University

Bhadra Panicker

Law and Business Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hello! My name is Bhadra, and I am a third-year Law and Business student at Trinity College Dublin. I am part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars. My Summer 1 research topic was 'Motherhood on Trial: A Comparative Analysis of the Miscarriage of Justice in Infanticide Cases', and I took an inter-jurisdictional perspective in examining three notable cases - those of Joanne Hayes, Sally Clarke and Kathleen Folbigg. I look forward to spending this summer working on Makesense Americas' Central LiA in Mexico City with Genera Territorios AC. The organisation works on financial empowerment, social inclusion and gender equity, and I am excited to support their aims. Through my work, 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!
Adetoye

Student , Tufts University

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!
Olivia Hofman

Student, University of Toronto

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!
Isabella Tabora

Student, Tufts University

Viktoria Springer

Student Researcher, University of Toronto

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!
Dawit Negasi

Laidlaw Scholar, University of Leeds

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.
L'Anijae De Leon

Undergraduate Student, Tufts University

Arjun Ratan

University Student , Columbia University

Aashvi Bist

Student, Georgetown University

Matvey Bondarev

Electrical Engineering Student, EPFL

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. 
Joaquin Escudero Legoas

Student, Durham University

Milla Li

Laidlaw Scholar, Laidlaw

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!
Thomas Cave

N/A, London School of Economics and Political Sciences

Peter Tarson

Student, University of Oxford

Shengxin Chen

Laidlaw Scholar, Trinity College Dublin

Long Ning Chan

Student, University College London

Hi, I'm Angel, a first-year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at UCL. My current Laidlaw research project explores the use of fire in modern Chinese history with a particular focus on the burning of the old Summer Palace and the military use of fire during the 1911 Revolution. This project brings together my passion for Chinese history and literature with an analytical approach to understanding how these events have been interpreted by later generations and in secondary scholarship. Outside of research, I’m a rock music enthusiast and electric guitarist — and I’m always on the hunt for great restaurants. Feel free to reach out at angelchanln@hotmail.com. I always enjoy a good conversation!
Florrie Crawford

Student , University of Leeds

Hi, I’m Florrie, an undergraduate Neuroscience student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 Cohort of Laidlaw Scholars. I’m from a seaside town in Essex and my hobbies include playing volleyball, cooking and socialising with friends.  Academically I’m interested in biological research into disease prevention and management with my part-time job working in a pharmacy I see many different conditions and hand out many different medications daily - so I take great interest in understanding these drugs. This summer I will be pursuing this interest through research into cardiovascular disease.  I’m so excited to be a part of the Laidlaw community and would love to connect! My email is qmwv8834@leeds.ac.uk