Victoria Lynn (She/Her)

Student, University of Leeds
Katherine Fox

Sustainablity and Environmental Management Student , University of Leeds

Shehnaz Sheikhdon Salad

Islamic Relief Regional Desk Intern, University of York

Hi, I'm a 2021 Laidlaw Scholar Economics and politics 2023 graduate from University of York.  I'm from Somalia and spent most of my life there. I'm passionate about Leadership and Research in social development. My 2021 summer research was on how the sustainable Development Index correlates with other Economic measures such as Economic growth and Inequalities.  Hobbies: Reading,adventure and trying out new outdoor sports.  Would love to connect with everyone, so don't hesitate to say Hi . 
Hazel Maris

Penultimate Year LLB Law Student, University of Leeds

Hi, I’m Hazel and I’m studying Law at the University of Leeds- this year i'm specialising in International Human Rights Law and Sustainability in Companies! I chose to study Law because, on top of it being an interdisciplinary and interesting subject, Law is a deeply flawed system in the United Kingdom and many other states. My passion involves analysing aspects of the law and how it represents historical prejudices; it’s up to our generation to replace such outdated structures for an adaptable representative model. My research project is called “Friendship as a Method” and ventured to understand how alternative learning styles help student engage with meaningful subjects, specifically centering around pedagogical research of colonial archives. I will take this further to reflexively investigate how the archive itself can be “decolonised” by documenting events in conjunction with indigenous voices into an online space. My research supervisor Professor Anna Grimaldi is helped me to travel to the Spanish and Portuguese national colonial archives to compare how different languages document colonialism. (If you are working with archives in any of these places please contact me and I would love to discuss our projects!)
Angelos Koutsoukos

Student, University of Leeds

I'm currently a first-year student at the University of Leeds, studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering.  My research project is on Electric Vehicle charging point infrastructure planning, addressing a critical aspect of the transition to sustainable transportation. It seeks to optimize the design of EV charging infrastructure in public spaces. Through the evaluation of diverse charging configurations and the application of local/regional datasets, I will generate optimal location and capacity guidelines. These findings will aid local government authorities in establishing efficient and equitable public EV charging infrastructure.
Soluna Stojanovska

student, University of Leeds

I am a student at the University of Leeds studying Civil and Environmental Engineering 
neil sadarangani

student , University of Leeds

My interest in disability law, more strictly from a jurisprudential standpoint, stems from my commitment to the enforcement of more holistic disability rights. Working with the HK Equal Opportunities Commission has given me a better understanding of both medical and social constructs of ''disabilities'' and the lack of infrastructure, unjustified but necessary for society to flourish.  In 2022 The Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations (GAATO) published a long-list of 39 Assistive Technology (AT) Outcome ‘Grand Challenges’. This research project is concerned with the measurement of assistive technology outcomes and their impact at the individual level. 
Rebecca Shaw

Laildaw Scholarship Programme Manager, University of Leeds

Poppy Davey

Undergraduate LLB Law Student, University of Leeds

Hi, my name is Poppy and I am a University of Leeds Law Student. This undergraduate study has developed my passion of how the law applies to different groups of invididuals with a particular focus on the inadequate treatment of women. This interest led me to propose a self-defined research project which I am completing this summer (yay!). This surrounds how women who have been domestically abused from various social groups are treated differently by the criminal justice system. I am focusing on England and Wales since this is my jurisdiction. The social groups that I am considering are BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled women and effectively contrasting this to the experiences of the white heterosexual woman. I am so excited to start this research and be able to inspire positive societal change through hopefully flagging up areas for further governmental emphasis.  Alongiside this, I am so excited for next summer and completing my LIA. I can’t wait to meet and connect (whether it is in-person or virtially) with all the other scholars and develop my leadership skills.  Outside of the scholarship, my hobbies include working out, running and finding fun ways to exercise alongside reading and journaling. 
Amarni Newman

Biological Sciences undergrad, University of Leeds

Hello there! I’m Amarni, and this is where I will be documenting the most exciting opportunity of my life.  I am originally from Essex, UK and am currently studying Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds. I thoroughly enjoy my degree, and have developed a fascination with bacteriology. I will be specialising in infectious disease in my second year. Although my degree is focused on molecular and cellular biology, I am interested in dipping my toes into marine biology - no pun intended! That is why I am over the moon to begin my project about mussels and crayfish this summer. My favourite animal is the octopus, because I believe they have endless knowledge for us to uncover.   Outside of my studies, I am part of the hiking society, and plan to join the scuba society in my second year. I also keep up a textile design practise, including knit, crochet and sewing, which I developed in my Art & Design Foundation Diploma at Leeds Arts University. I am also an avid reader of anything and everything!
Aditya Jindal

Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar, University of Leeds

Hello there! I'm Aditya Jindal here, an international undergraduate student at the University of Leeds pursuing my degree in Economics and Finance. My research project is based on cultural diversity with broader aspects of business and employability. My first summer is focused on a literature review and I'm excited about this new experience. I'm a big sports fan with a knack for playing Table Tennis, Basketball and Cricket in particular. You could also find me regularly sitting in a library studying Business, Psychology, German, or anything else. Always available to connect, feel free to contact me if you're interested in my research project or just want to talk in general.
Catherine Amburgey

Research Assistant, Purpose and Identity Process Lab

Hello! I am a Human Development major interested in translational research, specifically pertaining to educational settings and mentorship programs. As a Filipino-American, I am  passionate about focusing my research on my cultural identity and targeting gaps of knowledge within psychology in POC communities. My project involves the development of purpose workshops for educators and youth programs within Manila, Philippines. Would love to chat! 
Billy Ly

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hi! I am a 3rd year student in Trinity College Dublin, studying Management Science and Information Systems. My research project will focus on the area of disinformation, specifically the features of disinformation that lead it to being spread online. 
Mallika Khathuria

Student, University of Leeds

Law student at the University of Leeds, with a passion for Human Rights Law.
Adrianna Montgomery

Adult Nursing , University of Leeds

Hi, I am Adrianna and 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 women’s 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 to people’s lives.  I am working on a pre-defined research project: ‘Evaluating Interdisciplinary 'Welcome, Induction, and Transitions' Support in the Undergraduate Curriculum.’ I will be working alongside academics and other students to understand the outcomes associated with successful transitions, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. I am excited for this project as I will be able to develop further knowledge outside of healthcare. The project allows us to build on leadership skills due to being student-led.   Outside of my studies I love to paint and have a huge passion to attend galleries & exhibitions. I enjoy spending time walking 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 myself, my course or the research project then please reach out 😊 
Juliet Leigh Cabraja

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Hello! I am an undergraduate studying Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, and Sociology (PPES) at Trinity College Dublin and am specializing in Sociology and Philosophy. I am passionate about using research to promote equity and to celebrate participants' unique perspectives and experiences. I am particularly interested in topics related to belonging, mental health, neurodiversity, and community formation. I am looking forward to learning and developing throughout the Laidlaw Program! 
Hannah Viljoen

Student, Trinity College Dublin

Law student at Trinity with a passion for human and environmental rights! Love cooking and developing recipes in my free time. 
Marcus Hill

Owner, Marcus Hill Consulting

I am the leadership developer for the University of Leeds. I am passionate about learning and ways in which we can all bring more of our true selves to work. I am keen to open dialogues about how leadership can be both effective and human in the 21st Century. My influences include a quote I learnt whilst studying to be a teacher at university "there is no liberating influence than the knowledge that things have not always been as they are and need not remain so." (Simon. B.) So, you can see that as leaders of the future Laidlaw Scholars can bring about positive and lasting change - and how great that is! My qualifications include: BEd Hons,, MSc, CIPD Dip, ILM L5 Coaching & Mentoring, PG Cert Counselling, FHEA. I am accredited to run Quintax personality profile, PPA, TMSDI Team Profile, EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence.
Keir Chauhan

Student, University College London

I am a History Undergraduate at University College London and a Laidlaw Scholar. My research project was on a conservation NGO in the UK and my follow-up worked with the American Bird Conservancy to produce a chapter for an upcoming eBook on People and Birds. I am interested in how to make our connections to nature stronger through Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work. I am fascinated by the power of being grounded in a place. That is the stories that we tell ourselves and the power of those narratives on how we act.
Tess Hornsby Smith (she/her)

Education Enhancement Officer, University of Leeds

I've been looking after Research Scholars in the Arts and Humanities since 2008, and have been involved with the Laidlaw Network since it was established.  I'm passionate about increasing diversity and making opportunities available to more. I'm a proud Loiner (someone from Leeds) and particularly love to work with students to engage with the city and the amazing cultural and creative industries that we have here. 
Gabriel Rowland

Student, University of Leeds

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds studying BSc Environmental Science. I am particularly interested in climate change - the science behind it and its impacts, biodiversity and ecology, and sustainable development. I am also currently partaking in a Year in Industry placement at Network Rail working for the Environment and Sustainable Development team. My Laidlaw Research was on the reintroduction of beavers in Scotland, looking at attitudes towards them and trying to understand why they are illegally killed. This particularly interested me as it is vital to understand local opinions on wildlife to succeed in reintroductions and rewilding schemes. For my Laidlaw Leadership Development, I was lucky enough to spend a summer with Think Pacific on an Environment and Sustainable Development project in Fiji. Outside of work and study, I enjoy food (cooking and eating it), as well as sports like powerlifting (which allow me to eat lots without any negatives!), and exploring new places and nature sites.