Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program
“The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage and develop future leaders in any field of activity. Looking around the world’s business and political leaders I can’t recall a time when better leaders were more urgently needed.” – Lord Laidlaw
The Laidlaw Scholars Undergraduate Leadership and Research Programme, also known as the Laidlaw Scholars Program, provides students with funding to pursue research in any area of interest at U of T, or anywhere in the world. It aims to develop a new generation of leaders who are skilled researchers, and believe it is a moral imperative to lead with integrity. The program invests in talented and motivated undergraduate students, giving them the knowledge, skills, and experience to become active global citizens and future leaders. To date, more than one thousand passionate change-makers have completed the program all over the world.
The Scholarship Program funds up to 25 academically strong and motivated undergraduate students per cycle and provides 16 months of programming that begins in the winter term of your first scholarship award year and ends in the fall term of your second scholarship award year. During the two summers of the program students have an opportunity to focus on Independent Research and Leadership-in-Action (LiA) components of the program.
The Leadership component of the program has been significantly developed, and scholars now receive bespoke leadership training both during the semesters leading up to, as well as during the months of their summer research. Please note that it is also expected that all students have one global/overseas experience at some stage during the program.
Benefits of becoming a Laidlaw Scholar
Students who participate in the program will:
- work alongside leading researchers to develop their academic potential
- receive a generous stipend to engage in summer research, as well as many opportunities to expand leadership abilities
- receive mentoring from a specialist supervisor
- actively learn from participants and teams while managing projects
- develop transferable skills pertaining to decision-making, planning, and communicating
- explore potential careers while building confidence and breadth of knowledge
- gain access to a network of like-minded peers across the University and beyond
Selected scholars will conduct research on a topic they propose for 6 weeks. The research period will usually begin around June 1st, but could begin later. All research must be concluded by August 15th. This research will be carried out in Canada or internationally (if approved) with a research advisor to supervise scholars from U of T or any international institution.
(Teaching assistants and graduate students are not eligible research advisors)
Scholars will receive leadership training in sessions held throughout the year including a leadership training retreat in the winter term, to develop problem-solving and communication skills.
The program will focus on the importance of developing leadership skills, understanding teamwork, and applying lessons to day-to-day challenges. In addition, all scholars will also be required to participate in an online Ethical Leadership Masterclass led by a leading faculty member at the London Business School along with all other Laidlaw Scholars from other universities in the program.
Please note that due to the fact that the Leadership component of the program extends through the entirety of the Fall and Winter terms, scholars are required to be available for in-person programming in Toronto and so, cannot participate in Exchange during this time.
The LiA component is a 6-week immersive project that will take place in the second summer of the program. This, in a variety of different aspects, will be a key focus of the program and will encourage scholars to partake in an experience that is in a new and challenging environment, working with communities in need, and developing leadership skills. An international or global opportunity either through the Leadership in Action experience, or at a different point in the program is highly encouraged. There are three ways in which an LiA summer can be planned, and the planning for this will be discussed with program administrators as well.
- Implement your research findings (6 weeks long)
- Work with a university approved program (could be self-proposed) implementing your leadership skills, while ideally working with an NGO or organization on a project that may have impact in a community in need (6 weeks long)
- Participate in a Leadership-in-Action experience through a centrally offered partner project- more details on this will be available after your first summer in the program.
Scholars will work with staff and faculty to grow peer and career networks both at U of T as well as through partner institutions during and after their time with the Laidlaw Programme.
Scholars will also join and participate through the Laidlaw Scholars Network, an online community for scholars to learn from one another. This network will allow for scholars to discuss research projects and interest, publish research papers and reflections, and engage in a multitude of discussions around leadership and its application in the real world. The scholars network also showcases a variety of opportunities available to Laidlaw Scholars outside of the Laidlaw Scholars Program.
All scholars in the program will present their research findings to faculty and staff from across the university at a symposium organized by the Laidlaw Scholars Program.
All scholars will also be required to write a final research paper outlining the findings of their work and produce a report on the work that they carried out in the second summer of the program.
Up to 25 academically strong, motivated students are selected annually. If you are selected as a Laidlaw Scholar, here is what to expect:
- Summer 1: up to $5000
- Summer 2: Funding will be determined based on the student’s opportunity during the Leadership-in-Action summer period, but no more than $5000.
Extra funds: you are also eligible to apply for up to $2,500. This funding can be applied to travel expenses, which are dependent on global travel restrictions and all University of Toronto guidelines, as well as extra lab funding (up to $1000 out of the $2500 mentioned above) that cannot be covered by the main research amount. This extra fund covers the entirety of a scholars’ engagement in the program.
Eligibility
Applicants will be assessed for their passion, drive, enthusiasm, and ambition, while also keeping in mind their academic background and achievements.
You are eligible if you are:
- A first or second-year undergraduate student in your first program of study at the University of Toronto
- Maintain full-time status for the entire duration of your enrolment as a Laidlaw Scholar. You must inform the program of any change in your status if selected
- Studying in any of our three campuses
- Enrolled in any fields of study and from any background.
You are not eligible if you are:
- A visiting student
- A graduate student
Applications
Applications for the 2023 cohort will be available on October 14, 2022. Access the program and application by clicking on the Experiential Learning Module in CLNx . Select “View Available Programs/Courses” and apply to the 2023 Laidlaw Scholars Programme (program name: Laidlaw Scholars Programme Recruitment and Application).
Document Guidelines
For details on how to submit an application for the 2022 Laidlaw Scholars cohort, please read the application guidelines and follow the instructions.
Important Dates
Please refer below for important dates related to the program.
- Friday, October 14, 2022 – Application available
- Thursday, October 27, 2022 – Information Session (12.00PM – 1.00PM EST)
- Please register here.
- November 9, 2022- Laidlaw Scholar Office Hours (4.00PM-5.00PM EST)
- Please register here.
- Wednesday, November 2, 2022 – Information Session (12.00PM – 1.00PM EST)
- Please register here.
- Thursday, November 17, 2022 – Information Session (4.00PM-5.00PM EST)
- Please register here.
- November 24, 2022- Laidlaw Scholar Office Hours (11.30PM-12.30PM EST)
- Please register here.
- January 19, 2022- Laidlaw Scholar Office Hours (12.00PM-1.00PM EST)
- Please register here.
- Monday, January 30, 2023 – Application DUE by 9.00AM
- February 20, 2023 – March 3, 2023 (tentative) – Laidlaw Scholars Interviews
- Monday, March 6, 2023 (approximately) – Candidates notified of acceptance
- Thursday, March 16, 2023 – Leadership Session 1 (5.00PM – 7.00PM)
- March 16, 2023 – March 30, 2023 – Individual Check-In meetings
- Saturday, March 25, 2023 – Leadership Session 2 (9.30AM – 4PM)
- Summer 2023 – Research Summer I
- September 2023 to April 2024 – Leadership Program
(Finalized schedule will be released in September 2023) - Summer 2024 – Leadership-in-Action (LiA) Summer
All information sessions will be held online using Zoom.
UTSG students should register through the CLNx link above.
UTM and UTSC students – Please email laidlaw.scholars@utoronto.ca to be added to the registration list.
The history
Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay used his vision and commitment to create this program, which is now offered at 14 universities around the world. The long-term vision for the Laidlaw Scholarship is to create a wide-reaching and diverse international network of leaders who will reinvest their skills, knowledge and experience to help students, peers and colleagues.
For more information about the history and vision of the program, please visit the Laidlaw Scholars website.
Laidlaw Scholars Bios
2023 Scholars
Alazne Qaisar
University of Toronto – St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – University College
Major: Peace, Conflict & Justice Studies; Double Minors: Political Science and South Asian Studies
Research Topic: What factors contribute towards the cultivation of rape culture among young male students in India? Investigating the sources of misogyny and sexual violence in schools and colleges through a case study of Delhi.
Alice Ferguson-O’brien
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Trinity College
Double Majors: Cognitive Science and Philosophy
Research Topic: Is Uncertainty at the Core of Conspiracy Theory Belief and Cognitive Pathologies?
Andy liao
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Woodsworth College
International Relations Specialist
Research Topic: The Impact of the War in Ukraine on Food Insecurity in Developing Economies: A Case Study of the Effects of Food Inflation on the Urban Population in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Augustine wong
University of Toronto St. George
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Architectural Studies Specialist; Minor: Forest Conservation (Arts)
Research Topic: How can learnings from the evaluation of company town developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries be applied to modern corporate-dominated settlements?
Bavan Pushpalingam
University of Toronto Scarborough
Major: Public Policy; Double Minor: French and Food Studies
Research Topic: Urban Food Insecurity and Scarborough’s Racialized Youth.
Benji jacob
University of Toronto Mississauga
Double Major: Psychology & Biology for Health Science; Minor: Biomedical Communications
Research Topic: Giving Voice: Understanding Personality Development & Well-Being in Queer People of Color at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Bhavana akilan
University of Toronto Scarborough
Double Majors: Neuroscience and Human Biology
Research Topic: Exploring the feasibility of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease through Deep Learning associated with open source EEG datasets.
boluwatito mafikuyomi
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – St. Michael’s College
Major: Global Health; Minor: immunology minor and physiology
Research Topic: Comparing sex differences in post-concussion mental health symptoms among world rugby athletes.
cooper price
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Major: Social Sciences
Research Topic: Sustainable Development and Paris 2024: Evaluating Perceptions of Olympic Sustainability among the Public and Civil Society.
Emma Hwang
University of Toronto St. George
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Architectural Studies Specialist; Major: Human Geography, Focus in Planning
Research Topic: The Invisible City: A Spatial Analysis of Public Infrastructure & Foreign Investment.
Fatima Qureshi
University of Toronto Scarborough
Mental Health Studies Specialist
Research Topic: The far-right extremist memes on Instagram and the recurring and dominant messages being conveyed through them: A qualitative analysis.
Gabrielle Dumé
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Trinity College
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Double Minors: Immunology and English
Research Topic: Community-Led Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiatives in Barbados.
George eilender
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Math and Philosophy Specialist
Research Topic: Right Wing Youtube as a Case Study in the Continuous Mapping of Online Political Communities.
Hannah katherine
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Innis College
Specialist: Literature and Critical Theory (Cultural Stream); Minor 1: Practical French; Minor 2: Creative Expressions and Society, Certificate: Sustainability Pathways
Research Topic: How Can Climate Fiction Inspire Climate Action in Canadian Environmental Politics?
jake barton
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – New College
Major: International Relations and Public Policy; Minor: History
Research Topic: Worker-Owned Businesses in Ontario: Why and How They Should Be Encouraged.
Jackie ko
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Major: Criminology & Sociolegal Studies; Minors: Sociology and Writing & Rhetorics
Research Topic: Future of Nuclear Regulatory Regimes: Risk & Liability in South Korea.
kalaishiga kalaichelvan
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Major: Sociology, Minors: Philosophy and French
Research Topic: What role, if any, do hiring practices play in maintaining gender inequality, particularly for women of colour, in accessing health care leadership positions?
mathula muhundan
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Biochemistry Specialist; Major: Chemistry; Minor: Statistics
Research Topic: Stable isotope labelling of transplanted BAT (brown adipose tissue) to trace metabolites produced by transplant tissue and elucidate a mechanism for BAT regulation of glucose homeostasis.
mridula sathyanarayanan
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Victoria College
Intended Major: Neuroscience; Intended Minors: Philosophy, Buddhism, Mental Health, Psychology
Research Topic: The Internal Dimension of Buddhist Meditation Practice.
pritika vij
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Innis College
Double Major: Economics and International Relations
Research Topic: Community-led Childhood Obesity Prevention in Barbados.
rebeca alarcon delgado
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Trinity College
Work and Organizations and Political Science
Research Topic: Assessing the impact of technological skills training initiatives on employment outcomes for women from non-traditional backgrounds: Coding Bootcamps in Latin America.
valentina bravo
University of Toronto Mississauga
Major: Biology for Health Sciences; Major: Political Science; Minor: Biomedical Communications
Research Topic: Carrión’s Disease: Neglected Diseases of Neglected People.
vishweswar eswaran
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Wearable System for Remote CPR Guidance: Integrating Haptic and Audiovisual Feedback.
youness robert tahiri
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty of Arts and Science – Woodsworth College
Psychology Specialist
Research Topic: How do kind emotions and behaviour develop across the early years? Do early emotional experiences affect behaviour trajectories? How does exposure to adversity, such as poverty, family conflict, and community violence, affect pathways of kindness?
Zoë Reichert
University of Toronto St. George
Faculty Arts and Science – University College
Major: Political Science and History; Minor: History and Philosophy of Science and Technology
Research Topic: How Canada can help promote democratic discourse online— Using legislation to combat digital transnational repression.
2022 Scholars
Amy Mann
University of Toronto – St. George
Victoria College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Research Topic: What is the trajectory of sea ice in the Last Ice Area? How has it moved and what are the implications?
Jolie Gan
University of Toronto – St. George
Trinity College
Political Science & Health Studies
Research Topic: How do systemic forms of discrimination influence access and, to a lesser extent, quality of healthcare for ethnic minorities in Malaysia? What actionable steps can be taken to reduce institutionalized prejudice towards minorities within healthcare?
Je Ho Cho
University of Toronto – St. George
New College
International Relations, and Peace, Conflict, and Justice Studies
Research Topic: How have liberal and illiberal states differed in their use of contact tracing applications and what accounts for this potential difference?
Daniel Corredor Llorente
University of Toronto – St. George
Trinity College
Economics & International Relations
Research Topic: The policy response of South American countries to the Venezuelan migrations crisis. He will examine the effectiveness of granting Venezuelan migrants a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in Colombia, and whether such a policy could be implemented in Peru and Chile, the second and third largest refugee-hosting countries after Colombia. Daniel will be interviewing policymakers from these three countries throughout the summer of 2022.
Isha Dinesh Sharma
University of Toronto – St. George
HBA Architectural Studies specialist, Energy and Environment science minor
Research Topic: Public spaces and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative analysis of the use of sidewalks in Downtown Toronto
Ajantha Nadesalingam
University of Toronto – St. George
Victoria College
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, double minor in Environmental Studies and Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health
Research Topic: Do mobile application-based mindfulness meditations improve mental, neurological, and cognitive wellbeing in university students? If so, which meditations within Calm and Headspace applications utilize a mindfulness meditation-based approach?
Emma Hopkins
University of Toronto – St. George
Woodsworth College
History and English
Research Topic: For my research topic, I will be investigating equity and diversity studies within the Ontario high school curriculum. My research will delve into how people of diverse backgrounds are represented within English, History, Law, and other Humanities courses in high school, what requirements are in place for diversity studies, and areas of the curriculum that may not represent marginalized groups.
Ruhani Walia
University of Toronto – St. George
Victoria College
(Intended) Financial Economics Specialist, Statistical Science Minor, Psychology of Economics and Management Certificate
Research Topic: What aspects of observation (e.g., a larger audience, an observer of perceived higher authority) serve
as the most influential nudges towards pro-social behaviour and decision-making?
Anuj (AJ) Manchanda
University of Toronto – St. George
University College
Rotman Commerce
Research Topic: Investigating the impact of environmental corporate responsibility initiatives on consumer behaviour in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
Serena Honekin
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Innis College
Psychology Specialist and Sociology Major
Research Topic: What is the effect of a majority group’s judgement on bicultural Canadian’s ability to identify a criminal suspect, given that their visible minority status has been made salient?
Shiri Yeung
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Victoria College
Sociology and Urban Studies
Research Topic: An investigation of the relationship between professional media’s portrayal and individual perceptions of Indigenous homelessness
Mariela Torroba Hennigen
University of Toronto Mississauga
Double-major in Communications, Culture, Information and Technology (CCIT) and Professional Writing and Communication (PWC)
Research Topic: This research project aims to investigate how social media’s diffusion of information about COVID-19 influences individuals’ perceptions of their pandemic-related behaviors. Additionally, the research project will also aim to gain insight into how other people’s behaviors, in turn, shape individual’s self-perception of their pandemic-related behaviors. This investigation will happen across the following three different countries: Canada, Brazil, and the United States.
Derek Yu
The University of Toronto Scarborough
Life Sciences
Research Topic: Is impulsive behaviour a contributing factor that increases the risk of suicide ideators attempting suicide?
Taha Bin Aamir
University of Toronto Mississauga
Economics and Mathematical Sciences
Research Topic: Cost of Economic Relief: An analysis of how the IMF bailout program fosters socio-economic inequality in Pakistan.
Isabel Sternthal
University of Toronto – St. George
Victoria College
Life Sciences
Research Topic: My research will investigate the effectiveness of a hospital working group as a mechanism by which to address cancer care disparities affecting LGBTQ+ patients and their caregivers.
Vinay Malik
University of Toronto – St. George
St. Michael’s College
International Relations and Political Science
Research Topic: How and to what extent does the influx of Syrian migrants contribute to the rise in nationalism and xenophobia in modern Turkey?
Victoria Liu
University of Toronto – St. George
Trinity College
Daniels Faculty
Research Topic: My research aims to investigate methods to improve East Asian communities’ mental health amid the Anti-Asian racism during Covid-19. This involves examining the existing structural, and cultural barriers, which prevent East Asian populations from accessing mental health services.
Joseph Boyce
University of Toronto – St. George
Victoria College
Philosophy and Ethics, Society, and Law
Research Topic: How does our conception of the university differ from that which was dominant at Oxbridge from 1880-1920? What can we learn from past understandings?
Meerab Anwar
The University of Toronto Scarborough
Human Biology and Population Health Double Major
Research Topic: Exploring the relationship between eating behaviours in the 21st century, mental health and wellbeing, and the concept of time scarcity
Ali Eren Kaya
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
New College
Computer Science, Mathematics
Research Topic: Can any form of AI be an artist?
Noor Al-Sehail
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Specialist in Architectural Studies
Research Topic: In the wake of the climate refugee crisis, how can architects redesign temporary shelters using biomimicry, a sustainable and intelligent design approach that emulates nature and utilizes its evolution to withstand and survive climatic factors?
Anna Lysenko
University of Toronto- St. George Campus
University College
International Relations Specialist
Research Topic: To what extent do cyber-attacks on the US decrease American public confidence in democracy?
Madeleine Luntley
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance
Research Topic: What explains the failure to produce research on neglected tropical diseases in low and middle income countries?
Gerd Bizi
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Victoria College
Specialist in Biochemistry and Computer Science
Research Topic: How can we use Computer Vision to efficiently analyze protein-to-protein interactions through fluorescence microscopy?
Yu Xin Li
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Engineering Science
Research Topic: I wish to investigate how surface electromyography (sEMG) can be used to retore the motor skills of amputees. More specifically, using machine learning to classify sEMG datasets, to better understand how the electrical activity within the muscle is connected with movement. The purpose of my project is to focus on extracting new features from data by applying neural network architectures. The ultimate goal of my research is to allow amputees to control their prosthetic limbs through neuro activity.
2021 Scholars
Abhay Sachal
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Global Health & Peace, Conflict, and Justice
Research Topic: An investigation on the impacts of climate change on the mental health of youth climate activists in Canada.
Ahmed Moslehi
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Research Topic: Defining structural and functional features of the intestinal organoids and determining how intestinal microbes are capable of making alteration that may be conducive to neurodegenerative disease.
Aly Sayani
University of Toronto Mississauga
International Affairs Specialist
Research Topic: Linking Political orientation and Environmentalism: An analysis of changing environmental attitudes and subsequent party support in Canada
Asha Mior
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Life Sciences
Research Topic: Do colonial legacies affect the attitudes of Indigenous peoples in Canada toward the COVID-19 vaccine?
Claire Parish
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Environmental Studies and International Relations
Research Topic: My research centers around bison reintroduction efforts in the North American West. More specifically, I plan to systematically examine the motives, methods, and efforts toward collaboration of bison-related actors in Montana and Alberta, with the goal of understanding how diverse interests have interacted during reintroduction work.
Dalal Mahir
University of Toronto Mississauga
Psychology major
Research Topic: My research seeks to investigates if the emotion of awe can promote empathy in politically polarized settings.
Ecem Sungur
St. George Campus
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Architectural Studies
Research Topic: Underground Architecture Typology as Crisis Management: An Analysis Through Derinkuyu Underground City
Fatima Formuli
University of Toronto Scarborough
Specialist in Mental Health Studies Co-op
Research Topic: A review of mental health frameworks among minorities to inform mental health research for Muslim Canadians
Iman Lalani
University of Toronto Mississauga
Double Major in Environmental Management and Geography, Minor in Environmental Policy and Law
Research Topic: What challenges does sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face in responding to the effects of climate change? An analysis of the region’s environmental, financial, technical, institutional, social, and cultural barriers.
Jenny Liu
St. George Campus
Molecular Genetics & Microbiology (Major), Immunology (Major), Creative Expression & Society (Minor)
Research Topic: My research aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3) expression within early proprioceptor development. Ultimately, I hope to inform neurogenesis studies and contribute potential clinical applications for approaching ataxias and peripheral neuropathy disease modelling and treatment.
Keah Sharma
St. George Campus
Victoria College, Faculty of the Arts & Sciences
Political Science & International Relations, Minor: Literature and Critical Theory
Research Topic: Analyzing and producing written work on South Asian diasporic literature with the aim of deconstructing the phenomenon of “model minorities” and providing visible leadership pathways for immigrant communities.
Nhu Huynh
St. George Campus
Victoria college
Double major in Neuroscience and Health Studies
Research Topic: In my research project, I will explore the relationship between substance use disorder and factors that predict offending (termed “criminogenic needs) in a forensic population in the context of Canada’s Youth Justice System. In addition, I will examine the extent to which youths are matched to appropriate service(s) while on probation and what impacts this has on their recidivism outcomes.
Peter Ma
St. George Campus
Victoria University
Math and Physics Specialist
Research Topic: My research pertains to developing a high performance machine learning algorithm to run on both the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa and the VLA telescope in New Mexico. The goal is to use this algorithm to survey the nearest 1 million stars in our galaxy for signs of life beyond Earth.
Priyansh Parakh
St. George Campus
Computer Engineering
Research Topic: Analysing the performance of different ML algorithms against various optimisation tasks
Rachel Kim
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Computer Science, Mathematics
Research Topic: How have sentiments and discussions around the idea of a UBI changed on Reddit over time? Do the UBI discussions on Reddit parallel the UBI discussions in academic literature?
Salma Ragheb
St. George Campus
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design
Double major in Visual Arts and Neuroscience
Research Topic: My project aims to characterize the phenotype of the rare leukemic stem cells of a HOXB4 transgene-dependent leukemia model hosted in mice.
Samraggi Hazra
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Currently in Social Sciences, hoping for a double major in International Relations and Ethics, Society, and Law, with a minor in Political Science
Research Topic: I will be researching health policies and health inequities in developed nations. I will analyze Canada, the United States of America, and Denmark to outline socioeconomic and political factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes.
Shaina Sharma
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Economics major, Statistics and Political Science minors
Research Topic: How did the governments of Hungary, India, and Brazil use pandemic-related restrictions to expand their own political powers at the cost of their countries’ democracies? (Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global democracy)
Shysta Sehgal
St. George
Victoria College
Cognitive science and computer science
Research Topic: Evaluating the drivers of women in STEM in the academy and doing a comparison of these drivers in Sweden and Hungary.
Tung Kwan Nathan Ching
St. George
Victoria College
Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, Public Policy, Political Sciences
Research Topic: How Self-Defence is used to protect Domestic Abuse Victims in Canada and other Common Law Countries.
Roxanne Angel Bella
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Major in Peace, Conflict & Justice Studies, Double Minor in Environmental Science and Creative Expression & Society
Research Topic: My research seeks to fill the literature gap in the sociological and cultural aspects of the sachet economy in the Philippines. Through interviews and Photovoice, I hope to create a body of accounts from Filipinos, themselves, about what the sachet economy means to them and how they think it can be improved to cater to their needs while mitigating its negative impacts on the environment.
William Lloyd
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Peace, Conflict, and Justice – American Studies
Research Topic: Does climate change serve as a threat multiplier for ongoing U.S. security concerns in the Lake Chad Basin of Western Africa?
Yusra Shafi
St. George Campus
St. Michael’s College
Psychology Specialist
Research Topic: Challenging Perceptions : ‘Positive’ Universities – Exploring student experience through Positive Psychology
2020 Scholars
Aanya Bahl
St. George Campus
University College
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, Spanish
Research Topic: Studying the anthropogenic impact of the growth and spread of invasive species in the Galápagos.
Anne Field
St. George Campus
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Bachelor of Arts, Specialist in Architectural Studies: Design of Architecture, Landscape, and Urbanism
Research Topic: Exploring the historic and ongoing intersections of architecture and music.
Areesha Siddiqui
University of Toronto Mississauga
Double major in Psychology and Anthropology with a minor in French
Research Topic: Studying homeless women in Toronto and the social and cultural processes as well as policies that affect how women are re-integrated into society.
Ashley Mutasa
University of Toronto Mississauga
Neuroscience Specialist and double minor in Statistics and Biology
Research Topic: The Friendship Bench: Grassroots intervention and the opioid crisis in Zimbabwe.
Asma Behery
University of Toronto Mississauga
Honours Bachelor of Life Sciences Program (Double Major in Biology for Health Sciences and Psychology)
Research Topic: The Synergistic Effects of Mindfulness and Relaxation Response Meditation on Perceived Stress Levels.
Avril Wang
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Molecular genetics and microbiology specialist, ecology and evolutionary biology major
Research Topic: Effects of urbanization on parasite assemblages of foxes and coyotes.
Ben Xu
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
Research Topic: Using human pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR gene-editing to investigate the role of alternative chloride channels in Cystic Fibrosis personalized medicine.
Brandon Yu
University of Toronto Scarborough
Department of Biological Sciences
Specialist in Human Biology
Research Topic: Elucidating the effects of N-acetylglucosamine on B cell activation, in hopes of better understanding the role of aberrant B cell activation in autoimmune disease.
Hend Wahdan
University of Toronto Mississauga
Double Major in Anthropology & Psychology
Research Topic: Patterns of gendered pragmatics in Egyptian Arabic: how does the preference for masculine linguistic forms differ across generations in Egypt?
Joel Ndongmi
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Political Science and English Literature
Research Topic: Researching American newspapers’ portrayal of veiled Muslim women.
Joelle Weir
University of Toronto Scarborough
Journalism
Research Topic: Looking at the Paradox of Plenty and why countries with an abundance of resources generally have lower GDPs and stunted economic growth.
Lara Wulandari
University of Toronto Mississauga
Financial Economic Specialist and Mathematics Minor
Research Topic: My research aimed at estimating Indonesia’s value of statistical life, society’s willingness to pay for a fatal risk reduction
Lucas Penny
St. George Campus
St. Michael’s College
Biochemistry and Computer Science major
Research Topic: Understanding HIV self-testing acceptability in priority populations: an analysis of integrating mobile health solutions with linkage to care in Canada
Lucy Stark
St. George Campus
University College
History and Economics
Research Topic: The implementation of “Housing First” and homelessness prevention initiatives in an international context.
Melody Chan
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Double Major in Peace, Conflict & Justice and Urban Studies
Research Topic: Filipino Migrant Domestic Workers and their Hong Kong-born Children on Home Country Return.
Michelle Wang
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Criminology and Political Science
Research Topic: Examining the political systems in China and Singapore and how their management of social media platforms shape citizen activism at the grassroots level.
Raquel Serrano
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Research Topic: Rise of the adolescent fertility rate in Ecuador
Saeeda Saeed
University of Toronto – Scarborough
Neuroscience and biochemistry
Research Topic: Factors affecting change blindness in real-world situations.
Vamika Jain
St. George Campus
Woodsworth College
International Relations, Contemporary Asian Studies and Political Science
Research Topic: From Benevolence to Harsh Refoulment: Access to Legal Rights for Refugee Populations in India.
Yeshodha Vasanth
St. George Campus
New College
Human Geography (Major), Urban Studies (Minor) and Art History (Minor)
Research Topic: Analysis of the Livelihoods of Waste-workers across the Global South.
2019 Scholars
Ali Sajid
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Economics, Statistics, and Mathematics
Research Topic: Elder Sibling Spillover Effects on Academic Achievement
Alykhan Jetha
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Economics and Mathematics
Research Topic: Deradicalization Programs for Western Islamic Terrorism
Ameer Sarwar
St. George Campus
University College
Graduate Student (Masters) Philosophy
Research Topic: Neuroscientific views of the mind
Celine Simone
St. George Campus
Daniels Faculty of Architecture
Specialist Degree in Architecture, Major in History
Research Topic: Architecture’s Role in the Rise of the Nazi Regime
Christine Sutcliffe
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Music and Art History
Research Topic: “Opera’s ‘Influencers’” The Dissemination of Opera in the Internet Age
Denise Lee
St. George Campus
University College
Economics & Environmental Science
Research Topic: The Scalability of Direct Air Capture Technologies
Emma Guyonnet
St. George Campus
New College
Physiology and Nutritional Sciences
Research Topic: Development of Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP) scores with different food groups and biomarkers
Katie Kwang
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Psychology Specialist
Research Topic: how does Islamophobia manifest and spread on Chinese social media platforms
Keenan Krause
St. George Campus
Trinity College
International Relations, Diaspora and Transnational Studies, African Studies
Research Topic: Analysing Ontario’s education policies for newcomers, focused on language learning, and exploring whether the policies adhere to Ontario’s goal of multiculturalism
Kelly Cao
St. George Campus
Woodsworth College
Rotman Commerce
Research Topic: Correlation between education and entrepreneurial intentions
Leonardo Pinna Cosenza
St. George Campus
University College
Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies
Research Topic: The influence of partisan politics in the Brazilian Bolsa Familia Program
Nubaira Forkan
St. George Campus
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Research Topic: Identifying Diagnostic Biomarkers for Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Ryan Marten
St. George Campus
Trinity College
Computer Science
Research Topic: Computer Vision
Sanjna Ullal
St. George Campus
Victoria College
Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies and Global Health
Research Topic: My work looked at the access-to-justice obstacles for Dalit women in urban centres in India.
Zoe Chen
St. George Campus
Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Engineering Science
Research Topic: Oxidative potential analysis of CHILD house dust.
The work of current and former Laidlaw Scholars can be found on the Laidlaw Scholars Network. For more information, please visit:
Laidlaw Scholarship – Laidlaw Scholars Network (https://laidlawscholars.network/)
Arts & Humanities (https://laidlawscholars.network/channels/2072-arts-humanities)
Medicine & Health (https://laidlawscholars.network/channels/2075-medicine-health)
Social Sciences (https://laidlawscholars.network/channels/2073-social-sciences)
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who participate in the program will:
- work alongside leading researchers to develop their academic potential
- receive a generous stipend to engage in summer research, as well as many opportunities to expand leadership abilities
- receive mentoring from a specialist supervisor
- actively learn from participants and teams while managing projects
- develop transferable skills pertaining to decision-making, planning and communicating
- explore potential careers while building confidence and breadth of knowledge
- gain access to a network of like-minded peers across the University and beyond
It is possible to participate in PEY / another co-op at the same time as being a Laidlaw Scholar. However, one of the most important considerations is time over the summer. The Laidlaw Scholars Program requires that you reserve 6 weeks of the summer to conduct full time research. This research can take place at any point of the summer as long as it is done in a single stretch of time. If your co-op/PEY can work around this timeline, it is possible for you to do both.
Due to the nature of the leadership program, it is not possible for selected scholars to engage in international exchange/learning abroad opportunities while participating in the Laidlaw Scholars Program.
No. The Laidlaw Scholars Program Research Funding is a standalone funding opportunity for summer research and cannot be combined with any other scholarships or funding during the program. If you receive more than one scholarship, you will need to choose which one to accept.
Yes. It is possible for you to reach out to a research supervisor from an institution other than U of T. You will still need to follow all U of T guidelines as it pertains to summer research as you begin planning your research proposal.
No. The program is designed to encourage students in their first and second years at U of T explore their interest in independent research. While some selected scholars may have some prior experience with research, within our program, most of our scholars are first-time researchers.
Laidlaw Scholars carry out research in a variety of academic disciplines. Past research examples can be found at the Laidlaw Scholars Network website.
For any questions about the scholarship or to discuss any specifics of your research idea, please contact us at laidlaw.scholars@utoronto.ca to set up a meeting.