William Banner (He/Him)

Economics Student, Durham University
Li Chuqi, Catherine

student, The University of Hong Kong

Joel McKeever

Student Employability Officer (Laidlaw Programme Coordinator), Trinity College Dublin

Joel is the Student Employability Officer with the Trinity Careers Service. He manages a range of co-curricular student development projects, including the Trinity Employability Awards and the Laidlaw Programme. As the Laidlaw coordinator for Trinity he manages leadership development activities, student coaching, programme design, and the day-to-day support of the Laidlaw Scholars. Prior to joining the Careers Service, he worked in Trinity's Academic Registry as a Team Manager (Communications and Human Resources) with a focus on developing modern and inclusive support services for students and staff. He has previously worked with Trinity's Office of Global Relations to develop the Global Room and Campus Visit initiatives for international students. He is a founder and current Co-Chair of Trinity's LGBT+ Staff Network and is committed to Trinity's mission of fostering excellence by empowering accessibility and diversity in higher education. A graduate of Trinity, he holds a B.A. (Mod.) in English Studies, a Special Certificate in Academic Practice, and a nominal Master in Arts (Dubl.) from the university as well as a CIPD Diploma in Learning and Development (CIPD). 
patrick hughes

Student , Durham University

Hi there, my name is Patrick and I am a part of the 2022 cohort of Laidlaw scholars at Durham University. In Durham, I am currently in my 4th year of biosciences (Mbiol) which subsequently focuses on biology and cell biology. Finally, I have just finished an amazing experience with the Timothy Smith Network in Boston so if there are any questions regarding my subject or experience please don't be afraid to contact me!
Cici Zhou

Laidlaw Scholar, Cornell University

Mukhambetzhan Berikuly

Student, Durham University

About Me My name is Muhammed and I'm currently studying for my Bachelor's degree in Economics with Management at Durham University. Sustainability is a lifelong passion of mine, and I'm especially interested in exploring circular economy solutions. Areas of Focus For my final year research project, I'm analysing circular business models being adopted by small and medium enterprises across the UK. I'm looking specifically at capabilities in areas like supply chain management, manufacturing techniques, waste reduction strategies, and designing for the long-term. Research Goals By highlighting real case studies of circular SMEs, my aim is to identify best practices that can help more companies make the transition. I want to provide actionable insights for policymakers and businesses seeking to build a stronger, greener local economy. Additional Interests In my spare time I enjoy learning about new technologies like AI and blockchain that could enable greater circularity. I'm also passionate about spreading awareness of sustainability issues to help drive societal change. Get In Touch I'd love to discuss circular innovations with anyone interested in supporting this growing movement. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat or have any feedback on my research. I'm always looking to learn more!
Samuel Allen

Chemistry and Physics Student, University of St Andrews

I study Physics and Chemistry, and undertook research in synthetic and analytical inorganic chemistry. The aim of my project was to optimise the carbon dioxide adsorption behaviour (by optimising pore structure changes, gating effects and pore sizes) of merlinoite (zeolite) molecular sieves, for use in carbon capture in industry. This included development of reliable synthetic routes for merlinoites and developing an analytical model for their kinetic adsorption behaviour. The work will hopefully lead to further work, producing practical results which can be implemented to make gas purification in industrial processes, natural gas upgrading and waste processing more environmentally friendly. My Leadership in Action programme involved working with Grupo PROMESA on the circular economy by working on their "Recilcando x un Techo" recycling scheme in Mexico City, partnered with Make Sense Americas. My future research interests lie at the interface between physics and chemistry, particularly in solid state chemistry and in developing and using novel analytical techniques. I am interested in materials engineering, particularly within the energy sector, for example in carbon capture, nuclear fusion energy, and renewables. I also have a recent interest in patent law. Outside of studying and research, I have keen interests in writing fiction, amateur rocketry/aeronautics, cookery and philosophy. I play tennis, football and chess.
Panagiota Zacharatou

Student , 000928371

I am currently at Durham University studying Combined Honours in Social Sciences focusing on Politics, IR and French. My foremost interests are in the politics of identity, inequality and polarisation, reflected in my research project exploring Durham's colonialist history and the ongoing effects today. This is titled "Absence/presence of Durham’s Black history: Exploring the Black and/or colonial history of Durham University". I am Head of Events for 'Walk On ', Durham's sustainable and diverse student fashion show raising money for FareShare NorthEast which helps tackle food poverty. I have also been a SolidariTee representative, fundraising for the non-profit organisation which provides legal aid to refugees. I am a keen debater and also enjoy playing the piano, cello and singing.  Following completion of my degree, I am looking to do a law conversion course.
Isabelle Rosher

BSc Economics Student , University of Leeds

Hey! I am Izzy and I am part of the 2022 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds. I study BSc Economics and I am interested in mental health, health economics and health policy. I am excited to have a career that allows me to explore my interests further and I am always open to chat! My research project involves undertaking a literature review and analysing responses to surveys completed by students on their sense of belonging and engagement at university. I hope my research can help students settle into university better so that they can reach their potential :)
Think Pacific is a UK social enterprise and registered Fijian charity. We work with the Fijian government and a network of local charities to achieve the aims of the Fiji National Development Plan with a focus upon empowering rural communities. Upcoming projects for Laidlaw Scholars in 2023 can be found here: https://thinkpacific.com/laidlaw2023
Grace Lee

Geography Student, Durham University

Hi, I'm Grace, a first-year Geography BSc student at Durham University, To me, sustainability is not just about maintaining an ecological balance, but also achieving a social one. I want to be a part of the movement to achieve this.  Before starting university, I knew I wanted to have a career in agroecology, as it combined two industries that fascinated me. As a rapidly growing field, it has the potential to help secure the future and make sure that sufficient nutrition is available in all corners of the world. It is important to me that my future career has an active role in innovating resilient agricultural practices and creating a sustainable food production system, whilst advocating the importance of sustainability and mitigating the impacts of global warming. With that being said, I knew that being part of the Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme would give me an incredible opportunity to develop my leadership skills. Feeding off the passion and enthusiasm that fellow scholars also embrace I'll be able to further my knowledge in a structured and beneficial practice whilst undertaking my research project. I am excited to begin my journey as a Laidlaw Scholar and to see what destinations the coming years present me. Please feel free to reach out, I would love to chat!
Axel Morgan

Student, Durham University

Hey! I am a current leadership & research scholar, focusing on homelessness and democracy. Before beginning my degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Durham University, I volunteered for homelessness organizations, working alongside public and private sector to tackle homelessness and health inequalities. Alongside this, I have worked in construction, and have maintained my interest via gardening at university, and my woodwork business KarhuKraft. I love all things sport (especially table tennis), nature, and history! Feel free to get in touch. 
Hannah Lawless

1st Year Biological Sciences Student, Durham University

Hi, I'm Hannah and i'm a first year Biological Sciences student at Durham University. I can't wait to start my research project which is looking at the differences in how bumble bee species interact with flowers based on differences in sensory systems. During my free time I love reading, improving my level of Spanish and learning how to code.
Stephanie Ormond

Student , Durham University

I'm currently a final year history student at Durham University from West Sussex with a particular interest in connections between the modern and medieval worlds, and soon to be specialising in early modern-modern history. For my research, I investigated the use of the Crusades within far-right organizations and what it reveals about the readings of crusade history. During my second summer, I was a part of the ThinkPacific Youth and Community project in Fiji from June to July 2022. If you have any questions about my research, LiA, or history stuff in general feel free to contact me here! Also, I like music, video production, and photography.
Joseph Grealy

Student, Durham University

I am currently studying towards an integrated Master's in Mathematics and Statistics at Durham University. I am interested in pursuing a career in mathematical modelling and data analytics, ideally related to climate change, an area I am passionate about.
Phoebe Cook

Student , Durham University

Hey everyone, I'm Phoebe !  I am an undergrad for Durham in the 2021 cohort.  My field of research is sociology looking at access to higher education programmes and widening participation. 
Karina Maria Piotrowska

Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) Undergraduate Student, University of Durham

My project involved investigating the effects of methylphenidate on a Parkinson's disease model in Drosophila melanogaster. Broadly speaking, my academic interests include the molecular mechanisms of addiction, and how we can use biochemical and genetic techniques to investigate this.
Kunj Kapur

Student, Durham University

Hello! I'm Kunj and I am a fourth year student studying Integrated Masters in Chemistry at Durham University. My research project was evaluating how slight changes in the structure of the solid state electrolyte and cathode can impact the ionic conductivity of lithium and sodium-ion batteries and using my research findings to develop NASICONs of high energy density, with maximum compatibility.
Paulina Isabel Bartolome

Student, University of Durham

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Durham reading Psychology, with an interest in cognitive and biological psychology. My research with Laidlaw aims to contribute to the process of diversifying psychological research with the development of a translated visual perception screening test, using data from South-East Asian participants. 
Zoe Adlam

Student , Durham University

Hi everyone! I am currently a LLB student at Durham University.  My research is focusing on whether the Bar Training Course (the vocational component on the path to becoming a barrister) sufficiently prepares prospective barristers for online advocacy and an increasingly digitalised workplace. This research project stems from my interest in the future of the legal profession, and also my questioning of why there is not much research done into the future of the English Bar more broadly.  Interestingly, my research is a blend of law and business as my supervisor is an academic within the Business department.  Hopefully bringing in this different perspective will help to open up my research further and help me to approach the law from a different perspective.  Please feel free to reach out to discuss anything related to law or business or just to have a general chat because I'm really looking forward to getting to know more Laidlaw scholars! 
Rachel Clarke

Student, Durham University