Brain Matters Vol. 8 No. 2 Andrew Hamilton Andrew Hamilton is a junior with a major in Neuroscience and minors in Spanish and Chemistry. One thing he enjoys about editing is that he gets to read so many interesting articles about science-related discoveries every day! Outside of the club, he pursues research regarding optimization with on-tissue chemical derivatization. Michelle Bishka Michelle Bishka is a senior majoring in Specialized Chemistry and minoring in Computer Science. Outside of Brain Matters, she is an undergraduate researcher in the Silverman Lab and a member of American Chemical Society. She later hopes to pursue graduate studies in chemistry. President Brain Matters Board Chief Editor Vice President 73 Praise Kim Praise Kim is the Vice President of Brain Matters and an undergraduate researcher pursuing a BSLAS in Brain and Cognitive Science. Currently, as a research assistant in the Gratton Lab, she studies the Fronto-Parietal Network in cognitive control tasks across different mental states. In the past, she has also presented work on the infant parasympathetic response and maternal depression with the Interdisciplinary Lab for Social Development. She is broadly interested in cognition in the brain and throughout development, also presenting work on social cognitive development at Stanford University. Outside of research, she lifts weights, reads fantasy novels, and spends time with her church. Her future goals are to continue researching the brain—whether as a post-bacc, doctoral student, post-doc, or professor. Krisha Agarwal Krisha Agarwal is a junior in MCB Honors with a minor in Informatics. She is the Editor-in-chief of Brain Matters and a member of American Medical Women’s Association. She is also an undergraduate researcher at the KV Prasanth Lab in Cell and Developmental Biology. In the future, she hopes to attend graduate school and work in the biotechnology industry. In her free time, Krisha enjoys crocheting, reading, sketching, and spending time with friends. Macy Hoeveler Macy Hoeveler is a sophomore in the Brain & Cognitive Science program at UIUC. She is pursuing a double minor in Integrative Biology and Music. Aside from being the Editor-in-Chief of Brain Matters, she is a writing consultant with the Writer’s Workshop. In addition, she is a Beckman Fellow with the Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and a lab assistant at the Dolezal Bee Research Lab. In her free time, Macy is a violinist in the Philharmonia Orchestra and enjoys reading, listening to music, and collecting bugs. She hopes to continue pursuing biology in graduate school, studying behavioral genetics and neurobiology. Vraj Patel Vraj Patel is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Vraj joined Brain Matters to learn about more niche topics in neuroscience and research in the field. In addition to being treasurer for Brain Matters, Vraj is an undergraduate researcher in the Sweeney Lab, which studies neuroscience in the context of feeding and related behaviors. He is also a volunteer for Avicenna Community Health Center, a course assistant for STAT 200, and a peer mentor for first-year students in the neuroscience major. Vraj hopes to explore more in the field of neuroscience from a medical perspective in the future! Assistant Chief Editor Assistant Chief Editor Treasurer 74 Erin Ford Erin Ford is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and painting. She hopes to help others increase their knowledge about neuroscience through her writing in Brain Matters. Isabelle Afshari Isabelle is a sophomore at the University of Illinois majoring in Neuroscience. Isabelle became involved in Brain Matters to learn more about writing scientific articles and innovations in neuroscience. In addition to writing for Brain Matters, Isabelle is involved in McKinley Health Stress Management Peers, LAS Leaders, and Women’s Glee Club. In the future, Isabelle hopes to attend medical school and continue reading and writing about new scientific innovations! Social Media Chair Social Media Chair Social Chair Vani Sharma Vani Sharma is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) with an honors concentration, alongside a minor in Public Health and a Neuroscience certificate. As a writer for Brain Matters, she investigates the intricate interplay between the brain and diverse phenomena, including the neural foundations of gratitude, the influence of music on cognitive processes, and the complexities of neuroanatomy and neurological disorders. Through her work, she blends rigorous scientific research with engaging narratives to illuminate the brain’s extraordinary intricacies while promoting scientific literacy and making complex concepts accessible to a broader audience. 75 Sarah Masud Sarah is a junior studying Psychology and Information Sciences with a minor in Art & Design. Some of her academic interests include cognition, human-computer interaction, and treating psychiatric disorders. She enjoys drawing, finding new music, and crocheting as well! Outside of Brain Matters, Sarah is also involved in Design Innovation Illinois and Psi Eta Mu, a professional information sciences fraternity. She hopes to continue furthering her understanding of neuroscience and exploring topics she’s passionate about through the journal. Social Chair Design Head Kaitlyn Tuvilleja Kaitlyn Tuvilleja is a junior in Bioengineering with a Statistics minor. She is an undergraduate research assistant for Bhargava Lab and I^2 Lab. Besides Brain Matters, Kaitlyn is involved with SWE, WIE, and BMES. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and running with her friends. 76 77