Hello there! I'm Presto, a first-year Environmental Science student at the University of Leeds. I am still immersing myself in different disciplines of Environmental Science, such as Hydrology, Ecology, Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, etc... but my self-defined research project stemmed from my upbringing in Myanmar.  Coming from Mandalay, Myanmar, I had been exposed to political conflict driving multiple humanitarian crises, including internal and external displacement, inflation, and human rights violations. However, my interest lies in how armed conflict can quietly accelerate environmental degradation, a relationship that remains poorly quantified in Myanmar.  My research is a spatiotemporal analysis to examine the impacts on the environment in Central Myanmar between 2020 and 2024, and to explore if these changes intersect with escalations of armed conflict patterns. Outside my academic pursuits, I feel at home practising music, from songwriting, playing instruments, to singing. I try to be an inspired and creative person by travelling. I have been privileged enough to travel to Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Qatar, across the UK, and have lived in Thailand and Vietnam since moving out of my country. I'd love to connect with fellow Laidlaw scholars. 

Supporting Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds For more than ten years, I’ve managed the Laidlaw Programme at Leeds, guiding scholars through transformative research projects and leadership development. I’m committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can explore their potential, challenge themselves, and grow as ethical leaders. I love working with scholars, academics, and partners across the global Laidlaw network to build a community that values curiosity, integrity, and positive change.