Susanna Kempe (She/Her)

CEO, Laidlaw Foundation
Zoe Gardiner

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi everyone! My name is Zoe (she/her). I am from Co.Louth, Ireland. I'm in my fourth year studying Medicine at Trinity College Dublin. My Laidlaw research project is about exploiting the relationship between LPS and capsule for therapeutic benefit against E.coli UTI in sepsis. Sepsis has a mortality rate of 1 in 5 and the majority of sepsis infections originate in the urinary tract (from UTIs). I hope with this research to expand the available therapies for sepsis infections derived from UTIs. In my free time, I like to run, play gaelic football, and I also volunteer with Streetdoctors and Dublin Homeless Awareness. This year I am also the Chairperson of Trinity Med Day, a charity that aims to raise money for projects across our teaching hospitals. One thing about me that surprises people is that I'm slightly married to my Google calendar.  I'd love to connect with someone who is doing research in similar areas and is open to a collaboration! But also I'd love to connect with anyone and am so excited to meet new people! :)
Sindhu Sivasankar

Student, University of Toronto

My name is Sindhu Sivasankar, a student at the University of Toronto. I moved to Toronto from Delaware, US, and call both places my home. I was accepted into the Laidlaw Scholars Cohort for 2024. I am interested in psychology and UX research. During Summer 1, I proposed and conducted an independent research project on the cultural differences in growth mindset and how that relates to insight problem-solving accuracy. During Summer 2, I worked with a mental health nonprofit called batyr on improving their website and conducting user research for global impact. I am eager to improve my leadership skills while pursuing research.
Lauren Sayers

Student, University of Cambridge

Hello! I am a third year student of Human, Social and Political Science at the University of Cambridge specialising in politics and anthropology. My Laidlaw research project focused on what the presence of political microtargeting says about modern political engagement, and for my Leadership in Action project I spent 8 weeks volunteering at a refugee community centre in Serres, Greece!
Erin O’Connell

Student, University of Cambridge

Grace Carthy

Student , Trinity College Dublin

Nathan Li

Student, University of Toronto

Hi everyone, I am thrilled to be joining the 2024 Laidlaw Cohort. I am an incoming third-year undergraduate student studying Political Science and Psychology at the University of Toronto, and my hometown is Edmonton, Alberta. Some of my hobbies include music, volleyball, hiking, and making new friends. Shoot me a message and I would love to get in touch!
Houseen Shalabney

Student, EPFL- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Jannah Elgamal

Undergraduate Student, Georgetown University

I’m an International History major at Georgetown University in Qatar, also pursuing a certificate in Media and Politics. My academic focus lies in understanding the post-Arab Spring Middle East through qualitative research—examining revolutions, civil wars, and Islamist movements to uncover the human stories behind these events. I’m especially drawn to the intersection of academia, art, and journalism. I recently worked on a creative media project documenting the making of a Sudanese feature film during the ongoing conflict in Egypt, and I’ve explored the political culture of Syrian diaspora youth and the voices of Gazan evacuees in Qatar. This summer, I’m interning with Migrants Organise in London, supporting grassroots advocacy, community organizing, and storytelling projects with migrants and refugees. Across all my work, I aim to tell stories with empathy and depth—highlighting resilience, dignity, and the power of collective action.
Hi! I'm a physics student at EPFL and more particularly interested in biophysics and statistical mechanics. I also love climbing and running.
Helen Nicholls

Senior Programme Manager , Oxford SDG Impact Lab

Daniela Boquete Tudesco

Sr. Director, Partnerships Tech & Ops, Paramount

I am an accomplished entertainment industry professional with a global track record in product development and operations. I have expertise in leading cross-functional teams and leading complex projects such as the launch of digital products globally. Currently, I am responsible for the integration of Paramount’s streaming products with key partners in the UK market. I consider myself an inclusive and inspirational female leader. I am passionate about digital innovation and transformative business initiatives. I have a unique blend of operations proficiency, technical expertise and business acumen.
Isabel Fernandez-Mateo

Adecco Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School

Álvaro López-Acosta

Postdoctoral Researcher , Université de Strasbourg

They say you can't be an actor and a scientist. But what if the greatest role is leading the charge for change?  I'm a PhD chemist with a flair for the dramatic (and public speaking!). Research is my forte, but my passion lies in using science to create a positive impact. Academia's a great play, but I'm itching for a bigger stage. The Laidlaw Network? My backstage pass to a world of impactful leaders I can learn from.  Can I combine my love for science with the thrill of leadership? The curtain is about to rise on my next adventure. Let's connect! Countries I lived: 🇪🇸 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇹🇿 🇮🇱/🇵🇸 Passionate about ✈️ and 👨‍🔬. Love 🧳, 🎾,  🎭 and 🌐🇪🇺 interpreting.
Carmen Marleen Schliesser

Student, London Business School

Phoebe Joel

Student, London Business School

Deon Chan

Senior Programme Manager, HKU

Simeen Kaleem

Co-founder, Gramhal

Trinity College Dublin joined the Laidlaw Network in 2018. The Laidlaw Programme offers undergraduate students at Trinity the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience to become active global citizens and future leaders. Laidlaw Scholars work with an academic supervisor on a self-directed, independent research project and take part in a suite of integrated leadership development activities which culminate in a challenging applied leadership experience. Laidlaw Scholars join a community of learning, driven by curiosity and collaboration, which enables diverse voices to make a meaningful impact. The Laidlaw Programme at Trinity is open to undergraduates in the second year of a four year programme or the second/third year of a five year undergraduate/integrated masters programme.
Rachel O'Kelly

Student of Philosophy and Religion , Trinity College Dublin

Hello, I’m Rachel and I am currently in Trinity College Dublin studying philosophy and religion. When I am not in college you will most likely find me on a basketball court. Playing, refereeing or coaching. I have been involved in sport for the majority of my life, from playing to coaching and refereeing in many different areas, including with the Special Olympics, Nationally and locally.  I am a qualified Healthcare Support Worker and have always had a passion for caring for the elderly in society. I have worked in nursing homes and enjoyed my time with the activities team! Off the court I love to hike and swim. I have walked along the Camino de Santiago over the past years, returning every year to walk more and volunteer in hostels along the way. Meeting incredible people from all over the world was an incredible time in my life learning not only about myself but other cultures as well.
Ben Oldham

Head of Global Opportunities, University of Leeds

It’s my role to oversee the portfolio of global opportunities and experiences available to students at the University of Leeds. These opportunities include our undergraduate leadership programmes that empower students to become active global citizens and future leaders. One of the most interesting parts of my roles is the chance to work with our local, regional and international partners. Working with people based all around the world on a daily basis broadens my perspective, exposes me to diverse cultures, and has enabled me to foster a global network. I am passionate about working with others to develop collaborations that provide the knowledge, skills, and experiences to prepare our students for leadership roles and contribute to positive change in the world. I am currently studying for the Leeds Executive Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship. Undertaking the apprenticeship alongside my day job gives me the chance to enhance my leadership skills, understand the latest business theories, and apply them effectively to my work.