Editor-in-Chief (2022 - 2023) - Lorena Tran
Lorena is a junior studying biomedical engineering. She currently researches pulmonary pathogens at the Pezzulo Lab in the Department of Internal Medicine. In addition to Stemosphere, Lorena works as a biology tutor and TA for the Latham Science Engagement Initiative. As a former Latham Fellow, Lorena is passionate about communicating science to the public sphere. Lorena hopes to spend her time as Editor-in-Chief modernizing the appearance of Stemosphere and publishing new content.
Editor-in-Chief (2021) - Bhavya Vats
Bhavya is a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering on the cellular engineering track with a minor in International Studies. She is currently doing research in Dr. Harata’s lab in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and tutoring biology at the TRiO SSS center. Bhavya has always been passionate about making connections and learning about novel scientific breakthroughs. As the editor-in-chief, she hopes to share her admiration for science with people from diverse backgrounds!
Social Media Coordinator (2020) - Allison Rowe
Allison is a senior studying mechanical engineering with a minor in English. She has always been excited by the interplay between science, art, and writing, and she hopes to facilitate these connections through her role as Social Media Coordinator. When she’s not publishing content and creating infographics for the Stemosphere pages, you can find Allison rock climbing, practicing hot yoga, or working in the research lab.
Editor-in-Chief (2019-2020) - Michael Westphal
Michael is a junior pursuing a degree in Human Physiology, with a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management and minors in Chemistry and Microbiology. He currently works in the Dr. E. Dale Abel Laboratory, and is researching mitochondrial stress and its relation to diet-induced diabetes and obesity. As Editor-In-Chief, Michael wants to create content and recruit classmates to contribute to Stemosphere. He plans to attend medical school after graduation in 2020.
Social Media Coordinator (2019) - Tim Nguyen
Tim is fascinated with the increase of Internet and social media usage across all demographics. As a push for STEM, Tim aims to promote the student-run blog Stemosphere through the use of social media platforms that allows audience to enjoy, laugh, and learn about science and technology. Tim is a senior graduating in Spring 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and is pursuing a PhD. in Genetics at the University of Iowa.
Editor-in-Chief (2018) - Torrie Hook
Torrie Hook is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in Human Physiology on a pre-medical track. She is currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for Iowa City Hospice in addition to being a full-time student. Her research in Dr. Melissa Bates Laboratory of Pulmonary and Developmental Physiology aims to understand the consequences of administering highly concentrated oxygen to premature infants. As the Editor-in-Chief of Stemosphere, she aims to share scientific breakthroughs and information with the readers in an interesting and understandable way.
Social Media Coordinator (2018) - Camille Jaime
Camille is the Social Media Coordinator of Stemosphere, finding new ways to engage the public through different platforms and extend the science publication’s reach. She helps promote all Stemosphere content as well as making her own content in the blog’s various social media accounts, in hopes of making science accessible and fun to all audiences. In her free time, she loves to read and watch superhero movies. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology and hopes to be involved in STEM research after she graduates.
Editor-in-Chief (2017) - Cassandra Poulo
As part of the Latham Science Engagement Initiative, Cassandra became the editor-in-chief of Stemosphere, building on the strong foundation laid by the science publication’s founder. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Biology and hopes to attend Physician Assistant’s school in the future.
Video Director (2017) - Stephen Huang
Steve is a junior undergraduate, pursuing a B.S in Human Physiology and Biochemistry. He is currently working in the Fuentes Lab. His current project focuses on characterizing the ligand-binding profile of a Staphylococcus Aureus chemoreceptor that is linked to toxin production. In his free time Steve is an avid gamer, and a martial artist. As the Video Director of Stemosphere, Steve aims to create a more immersive blogging experience through videos and vlogs.
Founder - George Murray
George created Stemosphere in 2016 as part of a self-directed outreach project associated with the Latham Science Engagement Initiative. He graduated with a BS in Biology in May, 2016.