Our Staff

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

Copy Editor

Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi, my name is Becky! I’m a fourth-year Biology major on the pre-medical track 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

Copy Editor

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: Biology
Class of 2028
Hometown: TBD TBD

Vienna Zhao

Peer Reviewer

Major in Biochemistry, Minor in Health, Medicine, and Society, and MBA
Class of 2027
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! My name is Vienna Zhao, and I’m majoring in Biochemistry while pursuing an MBA. I hope to earn an MD/PhD so I can work in pediatrics and stay involved in research. In my free time, I love baking, watching rom-coms, and playing my guitar.

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

Iris Tan

Review Writer

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2029
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hi! My name is Iris and I’m pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. My ultimate goal is to work in the aerospace industry while pursuing research specialized in algebraic number theory. I’m excited to be join SBYIR this semester and explore scientific research alongside those who share similar interests and goals. Outside of SBYIR, I’m in WISE, SASE, ASME, and I enjoy playing guitar and reading!

Alyssa Palackal

Layout Editor

Major: Biology B.S and Human Evolutionary Biology B.S.
Class of 2029
Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa, and I am currently a freshman double-majoring in Biology and Human Evolutionary Biology. I am currently on the pre-med track, and I am incredibly passionate about STEM literacy/education as well as advocating for healthcare disparities. Outside of SBYIR, I am a member of SB C-CERT, and I am also interested in pursuing research and clinical experience. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching dramas, and going on random side quests. During my time in SBYIR, I am excited to bond with my peers, develop professional writing/artistic/outreach skills, and work toward increasing science accessibility.

James Xia

Copy Editor

Major: Health Science
Class of 2029
Hometown: Queens, NY Hi! I’m James, and I’m majoring in Health Science. In the future, I hope to pursue an MD program. Outside of SBYIR, I like to play games.

Bing Lei

Review Writer

Major: Economics
Class of 2029
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hello! My name is Bing and I am a freshman majoring in economics. I hope to further develop my writing and research skills in Young Investigators Review! Outside of SBYIR, I am a member of SBU-TV and Photography Club, where I engage in media production and visual storytelling.

Samantha Libbey

Highlight Writer

Major: Health Science
Class of 2027
Hometown: East-Northport, NY
My name is Samantha, and I am a third-year student majoring in Health Science. I applied to SBYIR because its mission of making scientific research more accessible resonated with me. Outside of SBYIR, I volunteer as an ESL tutor and work as a research assistant in women’s health. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin and spending time with family and friends. This semester, I hope to strengthen my own skills in analyzing and summarizing scientific literature as a highlight writer.

Kristen Delim

Review Writer

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class of 2028
Hometown: Bayside, NY
Hi! My name is Kristen and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and hoping to work towards a Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor. I joined SBYIR because I was attracted to it’s goal of making science more accessible. Outside of SBYIR, I work in a Cell Dynamics Lab and I am involved with the Philippine United Student Organization (PUSO).

Leo Huang

Copy Editor

Major: Data Science
Class of 2029
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hello! My name is Leo, I’m a freshman majoring in Data Science, and I hope to become a Data analyst in the future. Outside of SBYIR, I play for the competitive tennis and badminton team for Stony!

Izzy Chu

Graphic Editor

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class of 2029
Hometown: New Hyde Park NY
Hello! My name is Izzy and I am a Biomedical Engineering major with a specialization in Molecular and Cellular Engineering. I want to work towards breaking the barriers that make pursuing research intimidating and show that it can be fun and creative! You can catch me on campus repping KBS Dance Team as their current President! I’m excited for this next semester!