Susanna Kempe (She/Her)

I am a second-year student at Harvard College double concentrating in Chemistry and Economics, driven by a desire to explore how scientific innovation and economic structures must align to expand global access to medicine. This summer, as a member of Harvard's inaugural Laidlaw Scholar cohort, I am conducting faculty-mentored research in the Richard Liu Group, focusing on the design and synthesis of light-activated molecules (photocages) to improve the efficiency of drug delivery in water. Through the Laidlaw program, I am combining this rigorous laboratory research with leadership development and an upcoming international Leadership-in-Action project, all to build a foundation for a career bridging the pharmaceutical, biotech, and finance sectors.  Beyond my research, I love exploring foreign languages, skiing, and traveling. I am also an avid sports fan and player, particularly when it comes to volleyball and soccer (football). I look forward to connecting with fellow Scholars who are passionate about combining scientific discovery with leadership to drive real-world healthcare and economic solutions.

Hey, fellow Laidlaw scholars! I'm Maria Clara! I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to the US in 2025 to start my academic journey at Harvard University, where I am studying Economics and Political Science! As a MUN and debate kid during high school, I became passionate about studying and creating solutions for the world's issues early in life. I can say that I am a very impact-driven person: I love to lead teams and work with inspiring groups to think about problems and their possible innovative solutions.  As part of Harvard's inaugural cohort of Laidlaw Scholars, I am doing research in the area of development economics with a team of economists and political scientists. At Harvard, I also do research with the Government department, I am involved with the Brazilian community on campus, various MUN groups, conferences, and mentorship initiatives, serving as a Peer advising fellow for incoming first-year students, and helping to lead the first-year international program in our school!   One of my defining characteristics is that I am passionate about travelling, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. I have already visited many places in South Africa, Europe, and some in Asia! If you want to connect with a fellow Laidlaw scholar who wants to make a difference in this world, please reach out to me and let's connect! I am genuinely so happy to be part of this community! Please, have a look at my LinkedIn or email if you want to reach out and talk about bold ideas, projects, laidlaw, research, life, or anything:) 

Ellis Schroeder is a student at Harvard from Atlanta, Georgia, passionate about health equity. He is studying anthropology alongside art history, exploring how science and visual culture shape understandings of health, illness, and care. Before Harvard, he led the nonprofit DermaTeens and various initiatives for skin cancer prevention and health equity across Atlanta, working with city government and public health officials to install IMPACT Melanoma sunscreen dispensers, promote access to preventative healthcare and sun safety, and educate youth on skin health. He advises the first National Skin Cancer Prevention Youth Council, an initiative he founded, and mentors youth across the country on public health community impact projects. At Harvard, Ellis researches LGBTQ+ population health, eating disorder epidemiology, and medical sociology. Inspired to understand the growing mistrust in healthcare and science in a post-COVID-19 world, as a Laidlaw Scholar, he researches how LGBTQ+ young adults come to trust or distrust healthcare systems, using mixed methods to trace how real experiences shape engagement with care and impact health outcomes. Ellis hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health leadership.

I'm a second-year at Harvard College concentrating in Neuroscience with a secondary in Psychology, on a pre-med track. My research at Massachusetts General Hospital focuses on cerebrovascular diseases and the early detection of Alzheimer's Disease. As a member of Harvard's inaugural Laidlaw Scholar cohort, I'm combining faculty-mentored independent research with leadership development through Oxford's Ethical Leadership Programme and an international Leadership-in-Action project — all in service of becoming a physician-leader who approaches healthcare with both scientific rigor and ethical grounding. A core conviction of mine is that lifestyle and nutrition are underutilized tools in chronic disease prevention. I hold a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from eCornell, serve as Treasurer of Harvard Undergraduate Plant-Based, and am a Fellow of Harvard's Food Literacy Project. Outside academics, I'm a Board Member and Company Dancer with the Harvard Ballet Company, continuing a 13-year classical ballet background. I also founded Taylor Bears Inc., a DFW-based 501(c)(3) that donates teddy bears to children at Cook Children's Medical Center and supports pediatric cardiovascular units. Looking forward to connecting with fellow Scholars who are thinking boldly about science, leadership, and meaningful impact.

Hello! I'm Thomas, a student of Modern Languages (French) and English at the University of Leeds. I have just carried out my Summer Research Period on Professor Nina Wardleworth's project: 'Telling the Stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through Self-Guided Heritage Walking Tours'. Having completed this project, I am increasingly interested in a career in government or the civil service, particularly in areas related to culture, heritage, and social inclusion. As of now, I'm currently on my year abroad in the Loire-Atlantique, France, working as an English Language Assistant with the British Council. My other academic interests include language pedagogy, educational equity and French literature. Outside of my studies, I enjoy running, reading and travelling! Feel free to reach out if any of this resonates with your own research or interests :)

BEng Biochemical Engineering Student at UCL

Hi! I am working at the University of Hong Kong this summer and would be happy to connect with others in the area.

Hi, I'm Asli, a first-year Computer Science student at Durham University. I'm excited to be spending this summer working on my research project and further developing my skills. I look forward to progressing through the programme, meeting new people, and learning from the experience along the way.

Hi! My name is Leslie and I am currently at student at Georgetown University in Qatar, majoring in International Economics. I am passionate about many subject areas including African Politico-Economy, Climate Change, Mental Health and many more! This summer, with the help of Prof Mendenhall from GU and Dr. Bosire from Aga Khan University in Kenya, I will be conducting research that explores ways in which climate related events like flooding affect the wellbeing of residents of informal settlements in Kibera, Kenya. 

I love Economics and Finance ,that's actually what i learned in school. But above everything, i love people and i'm here to meet people that will make a difference.

Hello I'm Ameesha, I study BSc Sociology at LSE. I quite enjoy reading, and my favourite genres are historical fiction, postcolonial texts in West Asia and mystery thrillers. I have a specific developmental interest in child safety and sexual health.