Rachel Kiser

University of South Carolina — Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Rachel is a fourth year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student at the University of South Carolina. At USC, she is doing a thesis on dye sensitized photoelectric chemical cells and hopes to extend that research into a PhD. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking in the NC mountains and reading nerdy books about science.

Karen Bruce

University of California, Irvine — Earth System Science

Karen is a second-year student at UC Irvine studying Earth System Science, with a background in journalism and a passion for science communication. She hopes to pursue a weather-related career that bridges research and public understanding. In her spare time, she enjoys train travel, making matcha, and exploring local bookstores.

Abby Kane

DePaul University — Animation

Abby is a senior at DePaul University working toward a BA in animation and a minor in screenwriting. She also works at the university’s Writing Center as a tutor and student manager, and is a content editor for the Honors Program newsletter Honorable Mentions. Additionally, she is a part of DePaul Dance Company’s musical theatre team. Originally, she is from Northern Kentucky, and she is obsessed with cats, writing and reading, and trying to learn new crafts.

Gunjan Kumar Sah

University of Southern Mississippi — Computer Science & Mathematics

Gunjan is a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics. He loves working with tech-based startups and is looking forward to building a career in AI, ML, and Deep Learning. Some of his passions include writing, coding, traveling, and playing cricket, volleyball, pingpong, and soccer.

Em Acuña

Appalachian State University — Psychology

Em (they/she) is a senior at Appalachian State University studying psychology, with a concentration in social science and a minor in media studies. Em currently works as an editor and social media manager for App State’s “Honors Wednesday Memo.” After graduation, Em plans to pursue a graduate degree to continue exploring the intersections of psychology and media. Outside of school, Em is either somewhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a camera and book close by.

Ella Stott

Utah State University — English & Business

Ella is a senior at Utah State University studying English and business. She currently works as the copy editor for the student-run newspaper The Utah Statesman, a Writing Fellow, and a student researcher. When she isn’t reading or writing, Ella can be found watching sitcoms, playing music, or missing her parents’ dogs.

Justin Severson

Graceland University — Biology, Chemistry & Transformational Leadership

Justin is a junior at Graceland University studying biology, chemistry and transformational leadership. He is widely active on campus as the Vice President of the Sexuality and Gender Equality club, a board member of the Academic Student Council, a member of the Graceland Choir ensemble as well as many other activities! When he isn't studying cellular mechanisms, he loves listening to music, singing, and dancing.

Chloe Kelly

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo — English

Chloe is a fourth-year English student at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. In addition to her major, she is currently pursuing a Technical and Professional Communication certificate, a TESOL certificate, an Ethnic Studies minor, and a Linguistics minor. She hopes to pursue a career in technical writing after graduating. In her free time, she loves trying new restaurants and jamming out to some mid-2000s emo music.

Megan Stiffler

University of Lynchburg — English & Business

Megan is a senior at the University of Lynchburg studying English and business. At Lynchburg, she currently works as a supervising tutor at Wilmer Writing Center, plays on the university's field hockey team, and is a member of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega. After college, she hopes to pursue a career in editing. She loves reading, baking, music, and traveling. Megan is excited to work with UReCA this year!

David Hopfer

Graceland University — Business Management & Marketing

David is a third-year Business Management and Marketing student at Graceland University. He is a defender for the GU Soccer Team. After his time at Graceland, he wants to build a career in Consulting or International Relations. He was born and raised close to Munich, Germany and enjoys music, art, and skiing in his free time. He loves to build connections and be surrounded by inspiring people from all over the world.

Renee Sandoval

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — Chemistry & French

Renee is a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She’s pursuing majors in Chemistry and French as well as a certificate in Chinese. With her schooling she hopes to work on an international scale as an analytical chemist. Some of her hobbies include all things marching band, reading and writing sci-fi, learning new things, and rock climbing. Renee has always held a love for the editing process and is so excited to work with UReCA!

Nandita Kumar

University of Portland — Accounting & Writing

Nandita is a junior at University of Portland studying accounting and writing. She currently works as a staffer on her school newspaper, “The Beacon” and editorial board members of the Writers Literary & Arts Magazine on campus. Outside of school, Nandita loves to bike to scenic places, and take care of plants.

Seleen Al Horani

Appalachian State University — Chemistry

Seleen studies Chemistry with a Certified Chemist concentration at Appalachian State University. An Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Chemistry department, she conducts research in computational chemistry and has presented her award-winning findings at conferences. She is an active member of Appalachian Chemical Society (ACS) and International Appalachian (INTAPP). Outside of school, Seleen enjoys drawing, reading and writing.

Hannah Frederick

Bowling Green State University — Communication

Hannah is a Presidential Scholar at Bowling Green State University, where she studies Communication with double minors in Spanish and Marketing. She serves as Lead Fiction Editor for Prairie Margins, BGSU's premier literary journal, and holds leadership roles on campus as Vice President of Honors Ambassadors and as a Life Design Ambassador. Passionate about storytelling, she is especially interested in amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connection through language and research.