Brain Matters Vol. 8 No. 2 Edward Lin Edward is a Sophomore at the University of Illinois majoring in Neural Engineering. Through his studies, he aspires to implement biological mechanisms/systems into computers and explore AI- neural network connections. Some of his interests include playing volleyball, filming, and going on road trips. After graduation, he hopes to attend graduate school. Tanisha Mandal Tanisha Mandal is a freshman at the University of Illinois, studying Neural Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Her interests in neuroscience include computational neuroscience, specifically its applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases, and internal causes of severe brain lesions, such as brain cancer. She also enjoys going skiing, playing cards, and listening to music. Tanisha was interested in being a writer for Brain Matters to have the opportunity to practice writing her own research papers in the future and explore new neuroscience topics in depth. Outside of Brain Matters, Tanisha is involved in research programs such as NeuroTech’s Cortex Codex and UR2PhD, and fun RSOs such as The Cooking Collective and UIUC’s Book Club! Sylvia Merz Sylvia Merz is a junior majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience and minors in Public Health and Statistics. On campus, she is involved as a research assistant within the Laboratory for the Emotion and Stress Assessment, a course assistant for STAT 212 (Biostatistics), and a member of Girls Next Door (an a cappella group). She also serves as a community representative for the Alzheimer’s Association, through which she has integrated her passion for global health and psychology to contribute to aging research. In her free time, Sylvia loves to hike, thrift, and sew! 85 Brain Matters Writers Siwon Park Siwon is a pre-medical student majoring in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a strong interest in the intersection of research and clinical medicine. Passionate about understanding the molecular basis of disease and pharmacology. At UIUC, Siwon is engaged in research involving cell culture and cellular differentiation, with a focus on inducing stem cells to become muscle and neuron-like cells. Additionally, Siwon has contributed to research at the Feinberg School of Medicine, studying corneal damage and repair mechanism. Siwon plans to pursue a career in medicine that integrates both clinical practice and biomedical research. Through this dual path, he aims to help bridge laboratory discoveries with therapeutic advances that improve lives. Emily Aldrich Emily Aldrich is a Freshman majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Linguistics and Psychology on the pre-med track. Emily joined Brain Matters to gain a deeper understanding of the brain through exploring current research topics in neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends. 86 Leah Rupp Leah Rupp is a freshman at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign studying Molecular and Cellular Biology within the honors concentration. Leah joined Brain Matters to get the opportunity to learn and write about new neuroscience research. Leah is also a Stress Management Peer with McKinley Health Center and a volunteer with the Food Assistance and Well- being Program. In her free time, Leah enjoys running and playing the piano. Her career aspiration is to become a physician. Ananya Sampathkumar Ananya Sampathkumar is a sophomore, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Public Health. Outside of Brain Matters, Ananya is an assistant editor-in-chief for Double Helix Digest, a member of Starcourse, a volunteer at Carle Hospital, and works at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a tour guide and student ambassador. In her free time, Ananya likes to read books, make jewelry, watch movies, and hang out with her friends. Alexa DiVito Alexa DiVito is a freshman at the University of Illinois. She is currently an undeclared major on the Pre-Nursing track and plans to declare as a Psychology major next year. Alexa became part of Brain Matters to develop her knowledge of the brain and share her new knowledge with others. Apart from writing for Brain Matters, Alexa is involved in Greek life, RSO’s, and is working on getting her CNA license. 87 Meha Goswami Meha Goswami is a sophomore majoring in Psychology, with an interest in double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and is on the pre-med track. Outside of Brain Matters, she is involved with Phi Chi, Delta Kappa Delta, and Illini Sheltering Hands Society, and she works as a research assistant in the Vision Lab. In her free time, Meha enjoys painting, listening to music, and spending time with her friends! Kathryn Kennedy Kathryn Kennedy is a freshman studying Biology with minors in Health Technology and Spanish. She joined Brain Matters to learn more about neuroscience, psychology, and improve her writing and editing skills. Outside of the journal, she is involved in Global Medical Training and Education and Training 4 Health. She also dances with PSA Barkada, sings with the St. John's church choir, and plays guitar in her free time. Her career goal is to be a pediatrician. Meredith Kremitzki Meredith Kremitzki is a junior at the University of Illinois, majoring in psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience and a minor in integrative biology. She became involved with Brain Matters to learn more about the different topics in neuroscience. Along with writing for Brain Matters, Meredith is a laboratory teaching assistant for the chemistry department. She hopes to become a doctor and continue learning about the brain and body. Lily Kushnick Lily Kushnick is a freshman at the University of Illinois majoring in neuroscience. Lily became involved in Brain Matters to learn more about the process of writing scientific articles and about current neuroscience research and innovations. In addition to writing for Brain Matters, she is a member of Healthcare Book Club and volunteers at Carle Hospital. Brianna Mae Huner Brianna Mae is a Junior at the University of Illinois majoring in Clinical/Community Psychology. She became involved in Brain Matters to gain more experience researching and writing about the current research in Neuroscience. When she is not writing for Brain Matters, she is also involved in Dr. Kwapil's Project on Life Experiences Lab, and is the Treasurer for the Psychology Research and Community Club (PRACC). Brianna Mae is hoping to pursue a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology and conduct research about the neurological basis behind different clinical disorders. Ruchi Prakash Ruchi is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. She joined Brain Matters to explore her passion for the brain and stay connected to cutting- edge research in the field. In addition to writing for Brain Matters, Ruchi serves as the Vice President of NeuroTech@UIUC, a project- based organization focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology. She looks forward to pursuing graduate studies and expanding her experience in research and innovation. 88 89