Luis Caseñas
Editor-in-Chief
Major: Psychology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Pelham, NY
Hello everyone! My name is Luis and I’m a senior majoring in Psychology. I hope to pursue a dual MD/PhD degree and a career as a physician-scientist. I’m most interested in psychiatry and neuroscience, and outside of YIR I do research in cancer neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory!
Loy Hashimoto
Head of Cabinet
Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hello! My name is Loy, I am currently a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Applied Math. I joined SBYIR because I wanted to contribute to the effort to communicate science to our Stony Brook community and learn more about current research! Outside of SBYIR, I am the President of the Japanese Student Organization and a member of the Women’s Leadership Council. I’m also working as a research assistant in a biophysics lab studying cataracts. Some of my hobbies include reading, baking, and listening to true crime podcasts!
Ethan Gibbons
Chief of Layout
Major: Health Science Minor: Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies
Class of 2027
Hometown: Rhinebeck, NY Hello! My name’s Ethan and I am a junior Health Science major with a WGS minor. I am so excited to be the Chief of Layout this year. I love being able to increase scientific literacy across our campus and find creative ways to do so. Outside of SBYIR, I am involved in SB C-CERT and enjoy playing guitar, watching/playing basketball, running, and playing video games.
Michele Yu
Head of Cabinet/Social Media Manager
Major: Health Science & Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor: Asian and Asian American Studies & Japanese Studies Class of 2027
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
My name is Michele Yu, and I am a Health Science B.S. major on the pre-med track with a double major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and minors in Asian and Asian American Studies & Japanese Studies. I hope to pursue a career in medicine, with interests in women’s health and imaging. Outside of SBYIR, I am involved with the Center for Prevention & Outreach’s Pet Away Life Stress program, the USG Audio-Visual Department, and KBS Dance Team.
Kang Lai
Head of Cabinet/Event Coordinator
Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY My name is Kang, I’m a senior and a biology major. In the future, I want to attend medical school. Outside of SBYIR, I work in a lab studying endocannabinoids and FABP5s.
Shane Callaghan
Webmaster
Major: Electrical Engineering
Class of 2028
Hometown: Queens, NY Hello! My name is Shane, and I am a sophomore electrical engineering major. I hope to pursue an MBA after I graduate. Outside of SBYIR, I like to work out, read different books, and play chess in my free time.
Sean Krivitsky
Managing Editor
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2026
Hometown: Lynbrook, NY
Hello everyone. My name is Sean and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry. I plan to pursue a PhD and a career in scientific research. I joined SBYIR to help make scientific research more accessible and help others develop their ability to communicate science effectively. I am most interested in biochemistry and structural biology and, outside of SBYIR, I do cancer metabolism research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Shiya Lin
Managing Editor
Major: Biology
Class of 2027
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Hey! I’m Shiya Lin, and I’m a Junior Biology major. I’ve always wanted to work for a school publication, and I liked SBYIR’s mission to make research more accessible for SBU’s community of students and faculty. Apart from SBYIR, I am a Lieutenant Governor for New York Circle K. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, writing letters, and watching dramas!
Charlene Chen
Assistant Chief of Layout
Major: Chemical Engineering
Class of 2028
Hometown: Saint James, NY
Hello! I’m Charlene, a second-year Chemical Engineering major. I first heard about this club when I participated in their summer essay contest and joined when I arrived at SBU. I admire their mission to make scientific knowledge more accessible to the general population and wish to be a part of their efforts. Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy drawing, cooking, and sleeping 😀
Amelie Bass
Assistant Chief of Layout
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD
TBD
Natalie Eng
Review Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD
TBD
Becky Zhu
Interview Writer
Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Hi! My name is Becky and I’m a fourth-year Biology major. I’m planning to apply to the 2026 medical school application cycle and will be taking a gap year to continue my research and expand my community service. Outside of SBYIR, I work as a clinical assistant at the student health center and a research coordinator for various heart failure studies. I also participate in animal research, assisting in the development of aneurysm treatment models over at Stony Brook Medicine’s Cerebrovascular Center for research. On my free time, I enjoy going on spontaneous adventures, getting active, and developing my professional writing skills, which is why I decided to join SBYIR!
Daniel Chen
Review Writer
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2029
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hey everyone! I’m Daniel, majoring in Biochemistry. I joined SBYIR because I wanted to learn the inner workings of a student-run research journal, and also, the club seemed cool during the Club Fair. Outside of SBYIR, I do Flow at SBU (cool glowsticks!), enjoy playing Pokémon Showdown while waiting for classes, and grind Anki cards at the library.
Ara Kim
Review Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2027
Hometown: TBD
TBD
Sophie Van Order
Review Writer
Major: Marine Vertebrate Biology Minor: Environmental Studies
Class of 2028
Hometown: Chauriat, France
Hi! I’m Sophie. I’m majoring in Marine Vertebrate Biology and minoring in Environmental Studies. I first heard about SBYIR through a friend and was immediately interested in helping to communicate scientific research to fellow students. I plan to pursue research as a career, and being a part of SBYIR is my way of gaining experience in analyzing and writing scientific literature. Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, and scuba diving.
Maegan Diep
Highlight Writer
Major: Health Science
Class of 2029
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi, my name is Maegan, but I also go by Mae! I am majoring in Health Science and am planning to go into nursing. Outside of YIR, I love to do art, fence, and hang out with friends!
Antonia Truta
Highlight Writer
Major: Biochemistry Minor: Philosophy
Class of 2028
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi! 🙂 My name is Antonia, and I’m a WISE student studying Biochemistry. I hope to pursue a PhD and work in research and patent law. I love reading and writing, mostly fiction and poetry! I also love traveling and fashion. My specific science interests would be in radioactivity, cancer, and medical research, especially women’s health.
Katherine Santos
Primary Research Writer
Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Pachogue, NY
Hey hey! I’m Katherine, and I’m a senior majoring in biology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I joined YIR in hopes of learning how to succinctly write and dissect scientific literature, as I hope to pursue an MD/PhD program in the future. Outside of SBYIR, I’m a research trainee at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, researching the effects of cellular behavior in response to the deletion of specific transcription factors in neurodevelopment, and I work as a medical assistant in a pediatrics office. In my free time, I love to go to the beach and read a good book!
Judy Zhao
Review Writer
Major: Biology Class of 2029
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Hi! My name is Judy Zhao, and I’m a freshman majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. I joined SBYIR because I love to showcase and understand different perspectives, and I wanted to be a part of the research community at Stony Brook! Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy trying new eats around town and watching movies 🙂
Diego Javier
Highlight Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2026
Hometown: TDB TDB
Alexis Weng
Review Writer
Major: Chemistry Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hello! My name is Alexis and I am a senior studying chemistry. Previously, I created layouts and graphics for a stem cell research foundation and I was apart of the layout team at SBYIR, however, I have always been interested in the writing side of science communication. I am excited to be a review writer this semester to help communicate research to a diverse audience! I am also apart of the Chinese Association at Stony Brook and I enjoy music production and DJing in my free time.
Faiz Shaikh
Review Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Samuel Li
Technical Interview Writer
Major: Biology and Psychology
Class of 2028
Hometown: Jackson Heights, NY
Heyo! I’m Sam, a sophomore majoring in bio and psych. I’m pursuing a MD/PhD in neuroscience, and outside of SBYIR I like to play table tennis!!
Katie Au
Review Writer
Major: Biology and Psychology
Class of 2029
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi, my name is Katie and I am a double major in Biology and Psychology. I am hoping to become a future neurologist, specifically in addiction medicine. Outside of SBYIR, I am the president of my hall council, and I love to play volleyball!
Sajia Athai
Highlight Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2026
Hometown: TBD TBD
Christine Zheng
Review Writer
Major: Respiratory Care
Class of 2028
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Hello! My name is Christine and I’m a sophomore majoring in respiratory care. I joined SBYIR because I would be able to explore different areas of research and write about it such that others can find out about it too. Outside of SBYIR, I’m the events coordinator of Pre-Health APAMSA. I also like to go rock climbing or do arts and crafts in my free time.
Jaenai Tercius
Technical Interview Writer
Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Music
Class of 2028
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hello, I’m Jaenai! I’m majoring in Biochemistry, minoring in Music, and on the Pre-Med track. My future goals are to become a physician-scientist to practice medicine in and research women’s reproductive health, as well as maintaining a connection to music whether it be performing for my local community or teaching others about it. Outside of SBYIR, I like to play instruments, workout, sing, dance, and draw.
Asher Agarwal
Review Writer
Major: Biology and Psychology
Class of 2027
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! I’m Asher. I am a junior and a Biology and Psychology double major. I am aiming to go to medical school and become a neuroradiologist. Outside of SBYIR, I am on a competitive dance team, Junoon, and also enjoy singing. I am the president for the acapella club Asha.
Emilyanne Riano
Review Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2026
Hometown: TBD
TBD
Amal Bilal
Highlight Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD
TBD
Eimaan Bilal
Review Writer
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD TBD
Avery Nix
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Kaitlyn Todd
Associate Editor
Major: Health Science and Creative Writing
Class of 2027
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn, and I’m a double major in creative writing and health science. I’ve always had an appreciation for both medicine and writing, and SBYIR is the perfect way for me to explore both interests simultaneously. I’m passionate about using writing to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and the general public, making complex research accessible to everyone. Apart from SBYIR, I am the events coordinator for Asian Students Alliance, and a writing intern at the SB Writing Center, where I help students with their academic essays, research thesis, grad applications, and much more. In my free time, I love reading, traveling, and discovering new and old music
Aberam Sriganesh
Associate Editor
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2028
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Hi, my name is Aberam, and I’m a sophomore biochemistry major. I would like to become a physician-scientist in the future, so that I can treat patients while also being able to conduct innovative research. Outside of SBYIR, I like to play soccer and tennis.
Sydney Giron
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Susmoy Kar
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Ananya Gupta
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Ian Miao
Copy Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Genesis Dixon
Copy Editor
Major: Biology
Class of 2029
Hometown: Buffalo, NY Hii, my name is Genesis and I am majoring in biology on the pre-med track. I joined SBYIR because I love to learn and I want to reach people who also do. I’ve known for a while that I want to go into adolescent psychiatry but I still enjoy learning about other specialties and shadowing other types of doctors when I can. Outside of SBYIR I like to draw and I am in the Gospel Choir at Stony Brook!
Sarah Wickes
Copy Editor
Major: English Minor: Writing & Rhetoric
Class of 2026
Hometown: Amityville, NY Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am a senior English major and Writing & Rhetoric minor. I am very grateful to be a copy editor for SBYIR, as I hope to become an editor in the publishing industry when I obtain my Bachelor’s in the spring. I’m currently a tutor at SBU’s Writing Center as well as a TA in the English Department. I love watching movies and reading literature of all kinds!
Alexander Wang
Copy Editor
Major: Biology Minor: Applied Mathematics
Class of 2028
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA Hi I’m Alex, a sophomore studying biology and applied math. I’m drawn to SBYIR because I want to be involved in an organization that helps communicate the research work and writing of undergraduates here at Stony Brook. Outside of SBIYR, I am a research assistant in the Zhu lab of the BME Department, and also am involved in ChinaBlue, Scholars for Medicine Society, and the Rock Climbing club. My hobbies include playing basketball, working out, cooking, and playing instruments.
Katherine Zhang
Copy Editor
Major: Biology
Class of 2029
Hometown: Queens, NY Hii I’m Katherine! I’m a freshman Biology major and I joined SBYIR because I’m interested in science and research, and encouraging students to dive deep into the why! I hope to learn more about what it’s like to write a research journal and explore ideas of my own. Outside of SBYIR, I like fashion, thrifting, and nature. I also like playing/watching video games!
Adil Ali Khan
Copy Editor
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2029
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh Hi! I’m Adil and I’m a freshman majoring in Biochemistry. I plan to go to medschool and hoepfully become a trauma surgeon. I love baking and traveling!
Kimberly Quach
Associate Editor
Major: Biology l
Class of 2026
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hello, I’m Kimberly! I am a current junior majoring in Biology. I aspire to pursue higher education after graduating and eventually work in the healthcare field. I joined SBYIR to work with like minded members and learn more about research projects on our campus! Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy working out at the campus rec, going for runs, and cooking!
Katherine Alayon
Copy Editor
Major: Biology & Psychology
Class of 2029
Hometown: Patchogue, NY
Hello! I’m Katherine Alayon, and I’m a Pre-Med student majoring in biology and psychology. I am currently pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist. My love for science extends beyond my professional goals, so I’m glad to be a part of the SBYIR mission that makes research accessible to all individuals at an understandable level. Outside of SBYIR, I love keeping myself busy with volunteering and logging films onto my Letterboxd account!
Fiana Lin
Associate Editor
Major: Psychology
Class of 2027
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi everyone! My name is Fiana, and I’m currently a junior majoring in Psychology. I joined SBYIR because I wanted to contribute to their mission in sharing and highlighting scientific research and to learn more about all the incredible work that students and faculty have done on campus. I was also drawn to SBYIR’s inclusivity of all fields of science and support for student works. Outside of SBYIR, I’m the fundraising chair of Friends of MSF, a research assistant in Lab-CAN and the Social Memory and Cognition Lab, and a general body member of PUSO. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, doodling/drawing, and building puzzles.
Julian Namerow
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2026
Hometown: TBD TBD
Luis-Joshua Casenas
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Eiki Shido
Associate Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Rebecca Xie
Copy Editor
Major: Biology Minor: Chemistry
Class of 2027
Hometown: Queens, NY
I’m Rebecca and I’m a junior majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I joined SBYIR because I enjoy being a part of an effort to make scientific research more accessible to the general public. I hope to be practicing medicine in the future. Outside of academics, I love to go rock scrambling, hunt for my new favorite teas, and Citibike across the city!
Aria Mukhopadhyay
Copy Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD TBD
Vienna Zhao
Peer Reviewer
Major: Biochemistry and MBA
Class of 2027
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hello! I’m Vienna Zhao, a Biochemistry B.S. and MBA student at Stony Brook University on the pre-med track. I aim to become a physician-scientist specializing in Pediatric Oncology. I hope to bridge the gap in patient care, supporting both physical and mental health. Outside of SBYIR, you’ll find me baking new dessert experiments, hiking, and watching rom-coms. I am the president of the Pre-Gentics Counseling Club, a UCEP intern, and I am researching acute myeloid leukemia. ヾ(＾∇＾)
Enkhlen Duinkharjav
Peer Reviewer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2028
Hometown: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Hello, I’m Enkhlen/Enk. I’m a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. I hope learn more about mechatronics and possibly attend graduate school focusing in material science. I like making graphic designs/illustrations as well as small cute robotics projects in my free time.
KJ Fung
Peer Reviewer
Major: Anthropology and Human Evolutionary Biology
Class of 2028
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! My name is KJ, and I am a Anthropology and Human Evolutionary Biology Major. I love research, and I am on the pre-dental track. Outside of SBYIR, I do lung cancer research at the Cancer Center, am treasurer for Stony Lions, and love to garden.
Claire Zhang
Peer Reviewer
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: New York Hello! My name is Claire and I’m a Biomedical Engineering student at Stony Brook University. I hope to pursue a career in medicine or biotechnology. In SBYIR I’m a peer reviewer and I assist in designing the layouts of the writing pieces. Outside of SBYIR I’m usually helping the WISE SLC plan events, hanging out with friends or studying for my classes.
Rebecca Bover
Peer Reviewer
Major: Biology, Minor: English
Class of 2028
Hometown: North Hills, NY
Hi! My name is Rebecca and I’m a sophomore majoring in biology! I joined SBYIR because I wanted to be a part of a community that is passionate about scientific research. Outside of SBYIR I like to read and spend time with friends and family.
Fatema Dehpanah
Peer Reviewer
Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Hi, my name is Fatima and I’m a senior majoring in Biology (B.S.). I’m excited to pursue a PhD in the future and keep working in a research setting. When I’m not busy with school or research, I love swimming, gardening, and painting, it’s my way of staying active and creative.
Daniel Chen
Webmaster
Major: Information Systems
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD, NJ
Madelaine Mak
Assistant Event Coordinator
Major: Undeclared
Class of 2029
Hometown: Scarsdale, NY.
Hi, my name is Madeleine! I am a freshman on the pre-law track. I joined SBYIR to grow my understanding of communication and to connect with like-minded students interested in scientific literature and research. Outside of SBYIR, I am a News Writer for The Statesman and an intern for a legislator in Westchester County. I am excited to work with the SBYIR team and contribute to its cause!
Maya Lima
Layout Editor
Major: Undeclared
Class of 2029
Hometown: Flushing, NY Hi! I’m Maya, a class of 2029 student. I’m an aspiring forensic scientist and am undeclared for now but intend to go into biochemistry. I write poetry, sing, and love volunteering!
Lisa Elbrish
Layout Editor
Major: Chemical Engineer
Class of 2029
Hometown: Fairfield, CT Hello, I’m Lisa, and I’m currently a freshman studying chemical engineering. I joined SBYIR due to my interest in research, but also because I like to have it all presented nicely! Making science accessible is important to me, so I’m happy to be a part of the team. Outside of SBYIR, I’m a member of JSO, and I love art, hiking, and music!
Sidrah Ashrafi
Layout Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD TBD
Janice Kong
Layout and Graphic Editor
Major: Chemistry
Class of 2029
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Hi! I’m currently a chemistry major, class of 2029. I hope to be a healthcare provider, and I see myself pursuing a non-traditional path. Outside of SBYIR, I’m deeply passionate about women’s health and volunteering. I also love art, so you can find me supporting my local artists at art fairs and conventions.
Nayab Khan
Graphic Editor
Major: TBD
Class of 2027
Hometown: TBD TBD
N
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Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
N
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Major: TBD
Class of 2029
Hometown: TBD TBD
Young Investigators Review 