Hi! I'm Radiyat, a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Leeds. I'm extremely interested in healthcare inequality and what it compromises, patient advocacy, and improving experiences within the UK healthcare system.
My research focuses on Catgorical thinking (the tendecy to make assumptions based on race, diagnosis, or racial stereotypes) as an issue in the treatment and lived experience of those with Sickle Cell Disease within the UK healthcare systems and wider society. I aim to centre the voices of patients themselves, exploring how bias, misunderstanding, and systemic inequalities can affect pain management, trust in healthcare professionals, and access to quality care.
Outside of research. I love staying active through badminton and going out on walks/hiking with freinds. I enjoy playing videogames and discussing politics š!
Please reach out to me If you'd like to talk about health equity, and ensuring underrepresented communities are genuinely heard within medical research and policy discussions. Or even to speak about new videogames or places to walk!
Hi everyone! Iām a first-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in biomedical engineering, particularly at the intersection of sustainability and healthcare. Iām also passionate about environmental and energy-related challenges, and Iām eager to explore how engineering and innovation can contribute to more sustainable systems. Iām looking forward to connecting with fellow scholars through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, exchanging ideas, and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and ambitions. š
Aidan Ogawa
Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Student, The University of Leeds
Hi, I'm an undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at the University of Leeds. I have a nascent yet keen interest in AI ethics and the green economy, and I am fascinated about how these will shape the global political landscape in years to come.
My research focuses on how to make community voices truly heard ā placing them at the heart of discussion and providing them with the tools to champion and facilitate local projects. I am proud advocate for community power: with the world at times feeling as alienated as ever, our communities and networks grow even more vital. I am indebted to the communities I grew up in, and they undoubtedly shaped who I am today.
I have a passion for filmmaking and run music events in Leeds and London, collaborating with some of my favourite DJs. I also love running and the outdoors, and want to see as much of the world as I can.
Hi there!
Iām Claudia, a second-year undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a proud member of the 2026 cohort. I study Biology, History and Philosophy of Science which takes a holistic lens to science. This allows me to explore and question our current knowledge, and its objectivity.
This summer Iāll be setting off my Laidlaw experience researching at The University of Hong Kongās School of Biomedical Sciences. With Professor Sugimura, I aim to transdifferentiate myeloid progenitor cells to Natural Killer cells, an essential part of our innate immune system. NK cells identify and destroy cancerous cells, thus constructing them in vitro could provide a useful treatment to cancer.
Alongside learning I feel the happiest outdoors with other people. I love being active, running and going on long walks, or being more relaxed, doing yoga and exploring new places with friends (especially love if a cafe is involved).
Iām really excited to be part of this incredible opportunity and hope to learn and connect with as many scholars as possible. Please reach out to talk about research or anything else at all!
Hi! I'm Emma and I'm a second year undergraduate student at the University of Leeds studying French and Italian.
This summer I will undertake research for the project 'Listening to Feminist Art Histories: Researching and Sharing Voices from the FAMH Oral History Archive'. The Feminist Art Making Histories digital archive consists of interviews with artists, curators, and writers in the UK and Ireland from the 1970s onwards, exploring the relation between feminism and art. My findings will form part of Dr Elspeth Mitchell and the FAMH team's wider work of foregrounding the experiences of women artists in an engaging and accessible way to the public. My interest in intersectional feminism and of the importance of representation drew me towards this project, and I'm looking forward to engaging with feminst art histories with the FAMH.
As a Modern Languages student and a native Welsh speaker, I'm passionate about languages and cross-cultural communication. I'm particularly interested in the way languages shape identities and build communities. Outside of my studies I enjoy reading, running, baking and travelling.
I'm excited to begin my journey of research and leadership as a Laidlaw Scholar as well as connecting with other Scholars across the Global Network!
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 :)
Hello! I am Juliet Scott, an undergraduate BA History student at the University of Leeds, UK. Currently studying a wide range of historical topics ranging from Medieval religion and culture to Global Decolonization in the 20th century! In which I have developed my writing skills and knowledge for the world around us.
My first-year research project is āRe-creating the People and Communities of Medieval Wakefieldā in which I am researching about the lives of people in the Wakefield Manorial Court Rolls, taking creative liberties on how these people lived to bring them to life and introduce the public to what life was like in medieval Wakefield and the surrounding suburbs. As I was born in Dewsbury and have a Wakefield postcode my project resonates with me a lot with brining research to life and tailoring it towards public consumption.
As a Leeds local I enjoy volunteering at the Royal Armouries Museum and WOSM, as well as appreciating Emley Moor Mastās beauty as a prominent landmark of West Yorkshire (I highly recommend taking a trip outside of Leeds to see the telly tower!) I am also learning Dutch in my spare time, I would love to practice with someone if anyone is able to help me!
Academically I am interested in Medieval Daily life, mostly based on looking at objects with 13th century ivory and the recurrent religious themes and the ācastle of loveā motif as well as modern history of empires, specifically the British Empire (and its economy) and global decolonization with its impact on 20th century politics!
Please contact me! I love a good natter and connecting with people! My email is julietscott17@hotmail.com and my linkedin is my name!
Hello!
I am Lottie Knee, a Philosophy and Politics undergraduate student at the University of Leeds and a part of the 2025 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars.
Building on my background in normative ethics, international development and foreign policy, this summer I investigated Academic Freedom and Censorship in Biodiversity Conservation. My research explores how political pressures, freedom of speech and censorship influence conservation work, engaging with real incidents where knowledge and debate have been constrained. This project challenged me to enter a new area of study while strengthening the critical and ethical frameworks developed in my degree.
Outside of academia, I love to travel. I took a gap year before attending university where I solo travelled Australia, Indonesia and The Philippines. This was a fantastic opportunity for adventure, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.
I am always open to connect with others within the Laidlaw community!
Ciao! I'm Leonardo, a Laidlaw Scholar passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating meaningful change in this world. I come from Italy, and at 17, I took an uncomfortable step by moving alone to the UK to pursue my studies, determined to gain access to an English university, networks, and growth opportunities.
My research title is: "Using Points of Interest Data to Understand Retail Change in Great Britain, 2015 ā 2025", which deeply connects with my entrepreneurial objectives. Through Laidlaw, I'm excited to expand my leadership capabilities, refine essential entrepreneurial skills and find new people within this amazing network! I'm passionate about engaging with Laidlaw's diverse global community, exchanging perspectives, and fostering long-lasting connections. I look forward to contributing my experiences, collaborating with fellow scholars, and continuously growing as both a leader and an individual.
Please feel free to connect; Iām genuinely excited to share ideas, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions together!
Leonardo Linkedin leonardogareri05@gmail.com
Hi, Iām Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, Iām researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust ā a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics.
Outside of academia, Iām passionate about womenās rights, youth leadership, and community impact. Iāve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Womenās Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. Iām also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights.
I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do.
Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure ā I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and Iām always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface.
I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and Iām always open to connecting with others who share those goals.
Hi, I'm Sebastian, I'm a creative professional with experience in the communications field. I recently completed my leadership-in-action project in MedellĆn, Colombia, focused on supporting local non-profits with innovative funding and communication strategies. My Laidlaw research delved into the topic of mental health and communication strategies for older adult populations. I am passionate about community engagement and sustainable solutions, collaborating with diverse teams to drive impactful results. I am now onto my placement year at the University of Leeds, while also continuing my social volunteer work with local organisations such as @sasha_uol and @rainbowjunktion. I'm also always more than happy for a chat but the best results are reaching out on LinkedIn ā
Hi!
Iām Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort.
My research project topic in 2025 was titled āDistinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Regionā. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which enabled me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility in Leeds's poetry scene.
In the second year of the programme, I completed my LiA in Auckland, New Zealand, volunteering as a Community Engagement and Media Intern at Youth Arts New Zealand to amplify youth creativity through storytelling and community engagement. After that, I spent a month working as an Events and Marketing Intern at the Laidlaw Foundation.
Iām originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15, then to the UK at 19, and just completed an academic year abroad in Canada, so Iāve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories.
Outside of uni, youāll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next tripāIāve been to 36 countries so far and donāt plan on slowing down!
Hello!
I'm Eleanor, currently an undergraduate student of French and German at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My research project focuses on 'Telling the stories of Colonial Populations in the French Resistance through podcasts'. This forms part of Professor Wardleworth's larger ongoing research project to identify members of the French Internal Resistance in WW2 who were from the French Empire, in an effort to diversify and decolonise knowledge about this period. I am fascinated by the global impact of colonialism and inter-colonial perspectives, and aim to work in the politicial field in the future. I am incredibly excited to bring my interests alive through this project.
Outside of academia, I love to hike, travel and meet new people.
Feel free to get in touch!
Hi! I'm Phoebe, I'm a third year French and Italian student at the University of Leeds and a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar.
My research project was 'Mapping Colonial Subjects in the French Resistance' with Professor Nina Wardleworth. I've just finished my year abroad in Bologna, Italy and I am currently on my LiA with Serve the City in Brussels, Belgium.
My name is Stella and Iām a scholar of 2023/2024 Laidlaw cohort. As a French and History student, I am currently completing my Year Abroad in Paris working as a 'stagiaire' at ONaCVG where I deliver tours around memorial sites commemorating the Resistance fight in Paris 1941-44 (Fort Mont-ValĆØrien) and also the Holocaust and forced deportation operations in France (MĆ©morial des martyrs de la DĆ©portation).
I am interested in all things feminist, intersectional, (de)colonial and sociological. If you have any questions about my research or can recommend any new books or podcasts for a fellow culture vulture, feel free to get in touch with me (Linkedin works too!)
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 womenās 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 peopleās lives.
In Summer 2023, I worked on a pre-defined research project: āEvaluating Interdisciplinary 'Welcome, Induction, and Transitions' Support in the Undergraduate Curriculum.ā 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 š
Itās 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.
Hi! My nameās Isabel and Iām part of the 2023 cohort of undergraduate scholars. Iām really enjoying learning more about leadership and networking and challenging myself throughout this scholarship.āØ
I study English and Comparative Literature, from which an Intercultural Competence module inspired my self-defined research project that I undertook during the first summer: āTo what extent does multilingualism impact an individualās motivation to participate in global social action.ā I have recently completed my LiA, teaching English in a school in Buenos Aires with Voluntario Global. I am highly interested in diplomacy, culture and entrepreneurship, as well as literature and art, and look forward to meeting individuals with those same interests.