Our Staff

Executive Board

Aryan Patel: Editor-in-Chief

Major: Psychology
Class of 2025
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! My name is Aryan and I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology. SBYIR is a great organization because it makes scientific research accessible to a general audience. Outside of school, I enjoy skateboarding, drawing, and playing the guitar.

Kristen Phung: Head of Cabinet

Major: Chemistry
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bethpage, NY
Hi! I’m Kristin Phung and I am a Sophmore student majoring in chemistry on the pre-dental track. Joining SBYIR made me feel comforted that I could connect with those with similar goals and beliefs as I do, especially in the sense that scientific research should be more accessible to the general public. Outside of SBYIR, I perform K-Pop and Korean Hip-Hop dances with the KBS Dance Team and I love to bake, embroider, and watch my favorite shows.

Ishmam Khan: Assistant Head of Cabinet

Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2025
Hometown: Queens , NY
Hi! I’m Ishmam. I’m a Junior studying biochemistry. I was drawn to SBYIR for its mission to increase scientific literacy. I figured that I could combine my two hobbies into creating something bigger than myself. I like to read and play video games in my free time.

Layout:

Major: Biology and Globalization Studies / Health, Medicine, and Society
Class of 2024
Hometown: Bethpage, NY
I’m a senior studying biology and globalization studies. I’ve been a part of YIR since my first semester here at Stony Brook, and I’m one of our journal’s first graphic designers. I’ve always had a passion for art and science, and I love being able to combine the two. Outside of YIR, I work in research, healthcare, and retail!

Major: Health Science / Minor in Women’s gender and sexuality studies
Class of 2027
Hometown: Rhinebeck, NY
My name is Ethan and I am a health science major with a women’s gender and sexuality studies minor. I love this club because it really helps spread scientific knowledge and research to people who might not regularly read these types of scientifically in-depth articles. It also allows me to be creative in a field which I love. I am also a member of SB C-CERT and I enjoy playing guitar, skateboarding, crocheting, and watching/playing basketball and football.

Major: Marine Vertebrate Biology
Class of 2025
Hometown: Alexandria Bay, NY
My name is Uriel Peguerra and I am studying Marine Vertebrate Biology. I am completely new to SBYIR and I don’t know what to expect, but all the members are nice and welcoming! Outside of SBYIR, you can find me in the Rec Center working out, at South Campus volunteering in research regarding cetacean photo ID, and in my room drawing.

Editorial

Major: Biology BS and Psychology BS
Class of 2025
Hometown: Albany, NY
Hi, my name is Marie Collison and I am one of the Co-Managing Editors for the 2023-2024 academic year! I am very passionate about the importance of scientific writing and the ability to convey scientific concepts to individuals outside of the field of study. Young Investigator’s Review is a unique club that gives students exposure to several aspects of publishing in the scientific world, and we offer opportunities for people no matter their field of interested. Outside of SBYIR I am a sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the President of the Order of Omega Honor Society, and I am a member of University Scholars. I am currently a research assistant in a developmental genetics lab and I am a TA for BIO 201. I am very excited for the coming semester and I can’t wait to showcase the hard work of our team!

Giancarlo Mainardi: Managing Editor

Major: Physics & Astronomy
Class of 2024
Hometown: Auburndale, NY
I’m Giancarlo Mainardi, a third-year physics and astronomy major and math minor. I was inspired to join SBYIR because it resonates with some of my prior writing experiences and affords the opportunity to share scientific research with a broader audience. I’m also part of the University Scholars program and a member of the Stony Brook Astronomy Club and the Society of Physics Students. During my free time, I enjoy reading science on my own, watching soccer, visiting museums, and playing jazz guitar.

Major: Biology and Creative Writing Minor
Class of 2025
Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Hi! I’m Hanora and I’m a junior Biology major here at Stony Brook. I think SBYIR is an amazing opportunity to increase the availability of scientific knowledge to the general public, so I’m thrilled to be editing for it! Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, and cooking. I’m also the Treasurer of Smash Bros at SBU!

Major: Psychology/Spanish Language and Literature
Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! I’m Sydney, a current sophomore majoring in Psychology and Spanish Language & Literature. SBYIR’s mission to reach out to a general public audience coincides with my belief that scientific research should be readily accessible to anyone who wishes to indulge. Outside of SBYIR, I’m working towards my EMT certification as well as crocheting, cooking, and binging Survivor. ^_^

Major: Biochemistry and Sociology
Class of 2024
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! My name is Tiffany, and I am a Senior double majoring in Biochemistry and Sociology. I joined SBYIR because I want to help contribute to a platform guided towards scientific accessibility. Outside of SBYIR, I am an Editor for the Humanology Project and enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix and traveling with my dog.

Major: Biology
Class of 2027
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Hey! I’m Shiya Lin, and I’m a Freshman 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, as well as the Freshman Representative at PUSO. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, writing letters, and watching dramas!

Major: Biology
Class of 2027
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! I’m Rebecca and I’m a first-year majoring in biology. I joined SBYIR because I’ve been on the board and as a writer/editor of a science journal club in high school and wanted to continue that in college. I’m inspired by the mission of making science research more accessible by the general public. Outside of SBYIR, I pursue outdoorsy hobbies such as hiking and cycling and my interests in women’s health through Planned Parenthood Generation Action.

Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hello! My name is Jun Lin, I am part of the class of 2026 at Stony Brook University. I am a Biology B.S. major with a passion for research and life sciences. SBYIR is a wonderful platform to connect scientific literature to the public without spreading misinformation. I love playing chess and learning new things!

Aryan Patel: Peer Reviewer

Major: Psychology
Class of 2025
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! My name is Aryan and I’m sophomore majoring in Psychology. SBYIR is a great organization because it makes scientific research accessible to a general audience. Outside of school, I enjoy skateboarding, drawing, and playing the guitar.

Cabinet

Kristin Phung: Assistant Head of Cabinet

Major: Chemistry
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bethpage, NY
Hi! I’m Kristin Phung and I am a freshman student majoring in chemistry on the pre-dental track. Joining SBYIR made me feel comforted that I could connect with those with similar goals and beliefs as I do, especially in the sense that scientific research should be more accessible to the general public. Outside of SBYIR, I perform K-Pop and Korean Hip-Hop dances with the KBS Dance Team and I love to bake, embroider, and watch my favorite shows.

Ishmam Khan: Assistant Head of Cabinet / Webmaster

Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2025
Hometown: Queens, NY
Hi! I’m Ishmam. I’m a sophomore studying biochemistry. I was drawn to SBYIR for its mission to increase scientific literacy. I figured that I could combine my two hobbies into creating something bigger than myself. I like to read and play video games in my free time.

Major: Biology / Health, Medicine, and Society
Class of 2025
Hometown: Roslyn NY
My name is Alexander and I’m a Junior majoring in Biology. SBYIR is a great way to extend the findings of scientific research available to the general population. Outside of school, I enjoy playing games, riding my bicycle, and being active.

Major: Health Science / Health, Medicine, and Society Minor
Class of 2027
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Hi! My name is Samaira Pawa and I am a freshman majoring in Health Science. I joined SBYIR because of my interest in science and writing, and I’m excited to be part of such a warm and welcoming group as an event coordinator! Outside of SBYIR I am a writer for the SBU Humanology Project. Some of my hobbies include writing, dance, and spending time with friends.

Writers:

Major: Chemistry
Class of 2026
Hometown: New York City
My name is Stephanie Chen and I’m a sophomore majoring in Chemistry. As a writer for SBYIR, I love being able to discover and write about interesting, niche topics that exist in science! Being a part of this incredible team encourages me to stay curious and motivates my passion for science. Outside of SBYIR, I enjoy singing, playing ukulele, hitting at the badminton courts, and rock climbing!

Major: Psychology and Philosophy
Class of 2026
Hometown: Pelham, NY
Hey y’all! My name is Luis and I’m a Psychology and Philosophy double major on the pre-med track. I believe being part of SBYIR is the perfect for me to be able to further my own knowledge in Psychopathology, while sharing my learning with you all! Alongside SBYIR, I’m the Historian of PUSO, was the VP of Dodgeball Club, and will be Bridge Counselor for the upcoming Simons Scholars. Outside of school you can catch me doing pretty much anything and everything, but I especially enjoy playing chess, working out, and singing!

Major: Biology
Class of 2026
Hometown: Queens, NY
My name is Angel and I am a current Biology major interested in mysteries of the mind- the brain is the least understood organ in the human body! Outside of my role at SBYIR I work as a Medical Assistant and conduct research with CUBIT.