Our Team
Meet the team that makes it happen.
JOURney is a student-run organization with an editorial board and a publicity team. The Co-Editors-in-Chief manage and oversee all operations. Our field editors – Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities – get a first-hand look at the variety of exciting research UNC students do. Through a systematic process, editors review submissions in their respective fields and recommend select papers to be included in the journal. They also work with accepted authors to add finishing touches to the paper before publication. The Layout Editor keeps our journal fresh, working on all creative design aspects. As for our publicity team, they work the behind-the-scenes to spread innovative student research on campus. This includes implementing creative market strategies to promote JOURney, publicizing the recently released journal, and recruiting submissions.
This organization is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research at UNC.
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Roshni is a junior with research interests in genetics, oncology, and immunology, specifically on the development of non-standardized precision medicine treatments for cancers. Outside academia, she loves singing with the UNC Loreleis, hiking, and traveling. She is excited for another successful year at JOURney!
Riley has developed an interest in the fields of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, particularly in their application to statistical methods. He further develops this interest as a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Julieta Lischinsky in the Neurobehavioral Circuits Group of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Outside of his academic pursuits, Riley is deeply involved in entrepreneurial and leadership roles on campus. He serves as a technical chair for AI@UNC, a club dedicated to artificial intelligence for academic research. In this role, Riley serves as the project supervisor and head developer of the AI team under a Neurospark grant funded project, in partnership with the UNC School of Medicine, which seeks to integrate artificial intelligence with awake craniotomy procedures through the use of virtual reality.
Editors
Yasmine is a sophomore in Honors Carolina interested in genetics, cell signaling, and protein structures and interactions. Currently, she leads an independent research project in the Rob Dowen Lab at the UNC School of Medicine using C. elegans as a model organism to study the genetic basis of lipid metabolism. In her free time, she competes on the UNC Women’s Club Squash team, enjoys watching movies, listens to audiobooks to distract herself when running, and plays the violin at her church!
Rhea is a freshman passionate about exploring inclusive economics, focusing on how economic systems can promote equality and empower marginalized communities. She’s also intrigued by the intersection of finance and impact investing, aiming to drive positive social and environmental change through responsible investment. Outside of academics, Rhea enjoys playing basketball, keeping up with Formula 1, and discovering new music across genres.
Alex is a senior with research interests in connectomics, neurodegenerative diseases and the neuroscience behind mental illness. Currently Alex works as a research associate at the UNC School of Medicine Neuroscience Center Microscopy Core as a work study student. Outside of academia Alex enjoys art, music, exercising at the gym, and philosophy.
Veda is a freshman interested in neuroscience, biomedical research, and disability awareness. She is exploring autism research at the UNC School of Medicine and, in her free time, enjoys playing tennis, biking, and baking desserts.
Dani is a junior-year English creative writing student and one of our Humanities Editors. She has research interests in the Black Arts Movement and its contemporary legacy and primary language acquisition. Outside of classes, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading the latest novel on her list, and playing the flute.
Feng is a freshman majoring in economics and environmental studies. His research focuses on answering the following questions: (1) How does the process of economic development affect social and environmental outcomes? (2) How climate change and other environmental events impact the economy and society? (3) How do governmental policy and environmental disasters affect the well-being of traditionally underrepresented or socially vulnerable communities? Currently, Feng is an undergraduate research assistant at the UNC Flood Lab (under the supervision of Dr. Miyuki Hino). Outside academia, he enjoys playing pool and soccer.
Shivank is a freshman with research interests in orthopedics, musculoskeletal tissue, prosthetics, and the applications of nanotechnology in tissue and nerve repair. He is currently working on research at the Duke School of Medicine’s Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Regeneration Lab. Outside of research, he finds joy in photography, hiking, watching UFC, trying new foods, and always listening to music on spotify!
Mia is a sophomore interested in investigating and improving lower extremity walking biomechanics and the changes that occur after ACL injury and reconstruction. Currently, Mia works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Motion Science Institute analyzing the measurement properties of a low-cost marker less motion capture system that will help estimate biomechanics and its capacity to predict future injuries. Outside academia, she enjoys reading books, playing tennis, binging tv shows and spending time with family and friends.
Licza is a senior with an interest in using statistical science to address health disparities and conduct research in underserved communities. She’s currently a Biostatistics Intern at the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center and a Research Assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in the Jackson Lab. Outside of school and work, she enjoys lifting weights, going for runs, and trying out new restaurants!
Hannah is a senior with research interests in nutritional metabolism, cancer engineering, and health economics. She has extensive research experience through various research internships and is currently completing her honors research thesis in the Hursting lab. Outside of academia, she loves traveling, hanging out with her pet turtle, and watching the Great British Bake Off!
Vraj is interested in researching the brain’s addiction mechanisms and directly collaborating this information with public policymakers regulating alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries to help combat the recent surges in drug addiction. Currently, Vraj is an undergraduate research assistant at the UNC Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab. Outside of academics, Vraj enjoys playing flag football, going to the gym, and watching Boston sports!
Abby is a senior with research interests in late 17th, 18th, and 19th century diasporic literature, focusing specifically on the connections between poetry, colonial activity, and racial politics. Her most recent endeavor, “Tracking Venus: a trans-Atlantic comparative study of historical sites commemorating the slave trade” was funded by the Honors Carolina Lucius E. Burch Fellowship. Outside of academia, she is a Trial Manager and Research Operations Intern at Jury-X, LLC and enjoys stand-up comedy, live music, and studying to become a certified wine sommelier.
Marwa is a freshman and has previously done research on neuroplastic changes through addiction and interventions for people with Alzheimer’s disease. She looks forward to exploring more neuroscience and oncology research topics while here at UNC. Outside of academics, she enjoys creative writing, reading, and baking!
Lanye is a sophomore with research interests in neuropsychology, neurodegenerative diseases, and clinical psychology, especially in eating disorders. Currently, Lanye works as an undergraduate research assistant at the UNC Rodebaugh Lab and volunteers at the UNC School of Medicine’s Center of Eating Disorders. Outside academia, she enjoys dancing traditional Chinese dance, reading, and traveling.
Alexandra (Lexi) is a senior majoring in applied mathematics and quantitative biology with a minor in music. Her current research is in creating a mathematical model of intrinsic pathway-initiated blood coagulation with the Leiderman Research Group at UNC. In the future, she aims to achieve a Ph.D. and pursue a research career in mathematical biology. In her free time, she enjoys teaching piano lessons, trying new coffee shops, fishing, and competitive powerlifting.
Publicity Team
Micah is a sophomore who has research interests in North Carolina politics and American political psychology. Currently, she is a Zietlow Civic Engagement Fellow through Carolina Public Humanities. Outside of academics, she enjoys watching romantic comedies, going on runs, and trying new foods!
Emily is a senior interested in media and healthcare law, as well as UI/UX freelancing. Outside of class, she can be found skateboarding, re-watching the same show for the fifth time, or DJ-ing.
Brooke is a freshman interested in research concerning mental health of the adolescent mind, child psychology, and the developing implications of technology on future generations. Brooke is a member of the national service sorority Omega Phi Alpha and enjoys committing her time to the community at large. Outside of academia, she can be found watching a sunset, grabbing a coffee with a friend, or finding the closest beach!
Alysa is a sophomore with a growing interest in finance and law, aiming to build a strong foundation in finance before pursuing law school. Her academic interests are focused on understanding how financial systems operate and the role of law in shaping business and society. Outside of class, Alysa enjoys spending time with friends engaging in activities to build a balanced, healthy life. She also loves to travel, discovering new places and cultures, and finding inspiration from the world around her.
Alyna is a junior interested in global environmental justice research and policies. She completed directed research while studying abroad in Cambodia and is now interning at Seaside Sustainability on their Marine Science and Technology team. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends.
Layout Team
Alysa is a sophomore with a growing interest in finance and law, aiming to build a strong foundation in finance before pursuing law school. Her academic interests are focused on understanding how financial systems operate and the role of law in shaping business and society. Outside of class, Alysa enjoys spending time with friends engaging in activities to build a balanced, healthy life. She also loves to travel, discovering new places and cultures, and finding inspiration from the world around her.
August is a senior with interests in cell biology and healthcare systems. Outside of academics, she can be found 3D printing jewelry for her small business, spending time with her new kitten, or with family. Post-graduation August plans to move to Charleston, SC to pursue an MBA.
Catherine is a junior with research interests in drug development, medicinal chemistry and neurogenerative disease. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Structural Genomics Consortium in the UNC School of Pharmacy. When she is not doing science, she likes doing art and traveling. You might find her around Chapel Hill on a run, skating or taking pictures of people.
Ambassadors
Julia is a sophomore with research interests in environmental and health economics and risk management, specifically mitigating the impacts of hazards to public health. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking, going on hikes, and spending time with friends and family!
Khushi is a freshman with diverse research interests in labor, economics, and consumer buying behavior. She currently works in the behavioral lab at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Outside of academics, she is involved in UNC Holi Moli, Zeta Tau Alpha, and FBLA! She is excited to be part of the UNC community and looks forward to the year ahead.
Emma is a sophomore interested in studying world cultures and international politics. In the past she has done work surrounding religion and its effects on American politics. In the summer she interned with the North Carolina Democratic Party Senate Caucus as a finance researcher. Outside of academics, she enjoys being outdoors, reading, writing short fiction/poetry, and playing board games with her friends.
Aarini is a junior with research interests in immunotherapy, protein biochemistry, and cancer cell biology. Outside of academics, she enjoys dancing and hosting dance competitions, working with hospital patients, and having fun with her friends.
Chloe is a junior interested in utilizing data to explore how historical events influence today’s business landscape. Outside of academics, she can be found trying new restaurants, hanging out with friends, or practicing her Chinese calligraphy.
Adriana is a sophomore passionate about the intersection of law and innovation, with a particular focus on intellectual property and its role in fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. She is keenly interested in exploring how legal frameworks adapt to emerging technologies and global trends. Outside of academics, Adriana enjoys designing for her boutique clothing line, Valentina by Val, contributing to campus publications, and engaging in activities that promote community and cultural understanding.
Teresa is a junior who is currently researching Hispanic/Latinx mental health disparities at UNC as part of a Latinx Research Initiative. Her other research interests lie within the field of psychology while also integrating the media, such as studying the impacts of media representation on certain communities. In her free time, Teresa loves to travel, she enjoys playing soccer, and is always on the look out for music suggestions!
Ramya is a freshman with research interests in the fields of regenerative medicine, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic conditions like diabetes. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball, watching movies, taking long walks, and spending time with friends and family!
Jack is a freshman with research interests in neuroscience, genetics, and molecular biology. In his free time, he enjoys running with the UNC Run Club, spending time with friends, listening to new music, and going to the gym.
Kailee is a senior undergraduate with research interests in immigration policy, the causes of migration across Latin America, and the formation of social movements. Currently, she serves as the Community Outreach Chair for Semillas de Unidad and is a Senior Honors Thesis candidate in the Latin American Studies Department. Outside academia, Kailee also works at Sup Dogs on Franklin St, loves hip-hop music, and traveling!
Aida is a freshman interested in counseling therapy and research in the areas of addiction and trauma recovery. She is particularly interested in raising awareness and providing easier access to treatment resources. Outside of academics, she enjoys writing, playing the flute, and listening to music.
