ABOUT US

Encompassing all areas of research in science and technology, JUST aims to provide an open-access platform for undergraduate students to share their research with UW-Madison and the Madison community at large.

  • JUST is dedicated to showcasing and disseminating undergraduate excellence in science and technology research.

    In strong support of the Wisconsin Idea, our mission is threefold:

    1. Make research and scientific achievement accessible to non-expert communities beyond academia.

    2. Foster continued support for exceptional undergraduate research.

    3. Garner appreciation and raise awareness of the contributions of outstanding undergraduate researchers.

  • JUST, the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology at UW-Madison is an interdisciplinary journal for the publication and dissemination of undergraduate research conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Our mission is to publish and share undergraduate research in various science and technology fields. Since our establishment in May 2016, we have distributed over 3000 printed copies (as of Spring and Fall 2023). As part of one of the country's top research institutes, UW-Madison has many undergraduates engaged in research and JUST provides a platform for them to showcase and publish their work. Our dedicated staff editors review and edit the submitted scientific literature, ensuring high-quality publications.

    In May 2016, JUST debuted its inaugural issue featuring a diverse collection of peer-reviewed research reports, reviews, and editorials. Since release, over 2000 printed copies have been distributed campus-wide and the digital publication has been made accessible to the public online. Looking forward JUST will publish biannually during the academic years for the foreseeable future.

    In addition to publishing undergraduate research, JUST emphasizes science communication. Our staff writers craft short-form editorials to explain intriguing scientific concepts to non-technical audiences in the form of a new blog! These positions are open to all interested undergraduates. By doing so, we aim to make scientific achievements accessible to broader communities and promote exceptional undergraduate research.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

  • Ivy Raya

    Editor-in-Chief

    Hi! My name is Ivy Raya, and I joined JUST during the Fall semester of 2023. I am a senior getting a B.S in Biochemistry with a certificate in Political Science. I absolutely love to spend my free time traveling both within the US and internationally, a favorite memory of mine is studying abroad in Paris.

  • James Cubbin

    Managing Editor

    Hi, my name is James, and I'm a junior studying Mechanical Engineering with a certificate in Energy Sustainability! I've been with JUST since Fall 2024, starting as a content editor before transitioning to managing editor in 2025. A few fun facts about me: I grew up in Brazil and Germany, play three instruments, and work part-time as a gardener!

  • Samantha Pope

    Managing/ Auditory Editor

    Hi! My name is Samantha and I am a junior majoring in Neurobiology with a certificate in German. I joined JUST in fall 2024, and this semester I am the Auditory Managing Editor for the club. I joined JUST because I love making concepts that seem difficult in science easy to understand. I also love writing and science in general. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends and love swimming, biking, and running!

  • Manal Aditi

    Head Writer

    Hi, I’m Manal, one of the Head Writers, and I joined JUST in Fall 2023. I am a senior majoring in both computer science and data science. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring our national parks, with my favorite being Zion National Park in Utah.

  • Shriya Kulkami

    Head Writer

  • Allen Zhao

    Director of Finance

    Allen Zhao, Junior, Biochemistry, Fall 2024, I like to ride motorcycles.

  • Alexa Dreyfus

    Director of Marketing

    My name is Alexa Dreyfus and this is my fourth year in JUST! I am currently a senior majoring in Biology on a Pre-Medicine track. I love spending time with my friends and family in my free time!

WRITERS AND EDITORS

  • Dhruv Aron

    Content Editor

    I'm Dhruv, a senior majoring in computer science. I joined JUST last year and like reading sci-fi/mystery in my free time.

  • LeAnn Aschkar

    Content Editor

    My name is LeAnn Aschkar and I am a junior. I am majoring in Biology with certificates in French and Health Policy. I joined JUST in the Fall semester of my freshman year (2023). A fun fact about myself is that I studied abroad in Singapore last summer with the Global Gateway Program.

  • Walid Lakdari

    Content Editor

    My name is Walid. I am a senior majoring in Global Health and Biology with certificates in Data Science and Health Policy. I joined JUST in Fall 2023.

  • Raghvi Sethi

    Content Editor

    Hi, my name is Raghvi Sethi! I am a freshman majoring in Biochemistry and Data Science, and I joined JUST in the Fall 2025 semester as a Content Editor. In my free time, I love to thread friendship bracelets, watch plane crash documentaries, play tennis and pickeball, and travel the world.

  • Mackenzie Twomey

    Content Editor

    My name is Mackenzie Twomey and I am a senior studying global health and microbiology with a certificate in Gender and Women Studies. I joined JUST my freshman year so this is my fourth year in JUST! In my free time, I love to read, hike, hang out with friends, and volunteer.

  • Riley Erben

    Short-form Editor

    Hi!! My name is Riley and I am a sophomore majoring in neurobiology and getting a certificate in public health. I joined JUST as I’m very passionate about science in the media and wanted to be apart of an org that explores a variety of different STEM topics. In my free time, I love to play volleyball, do yoga, try out new coffee shops and travel!!

  • Michelle Lyu

    Content Editor

    Hi everyone, I’m Michelle! I’m a junior studying Data Science and Economics. I first joined JUST in Spring 2025, stepped away for a gap year, and just returned this fall. Outside of spreadsheets and models, I spend most of my time sipping matcha, hunting for good music, and getting lost in creative writing. I’m really excited to write alongside everyone this semester and share some stories :)

  • Holly Larson

    Content Editor

    Hi! I'm Holly, and I'm a freshman in Genetics & Genomics, Nutritional Sciences, and the Freshwater and Marine Sciences Certificate! I joined JUST because I thought it would be good practice for my own research in the future. A fun fact about me is that I love sea slugs!

  • Amelia Harrison

    Content Editor

    Hi! My name is Amelia and I'm a sophomore majoring in Microbiology and Russian. I'm really interested in viruses and sea animals, and this year I want to learn how to fish :)

  • Cora Stark

    Staff Writer

    Hello! My name is Cora Stark and I am a junior studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Science Communication. I joined JUST in Fall 2026. In my free time, I love playing tennis, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Emily Claus

    Content Editor

    Hi! I'm Emily and I'm currently a freshman studying mechanical engineering. I'm from Boulder, Colorado and love to ski, hike, and ride my bike in my free time.

  • Aidan Harrison Lepien

    Staff Writer

    Hi, my name is Aidan and I’m a junior studying Engineering physics and Astronomy-physics. I joined JUST in Fall 2026. In my free time I love to read comic books, watch movies, and draw.

  • Kira Krook-Magnuson

    Staff Writer

    Hi, I'm Kira! I'm a sophomore majoring in Biology and English, and I joined JUST in Fall 2026. In my free time, I absolutely love to camp, hike, and read!

  • Bella Griffith

    Staff Writer

    Hi! My name is Bella and I am a junior studying biology hoping to get a certificate in genetics and honors in the major. This is my first semester working with JUST and I am really looking forward to this semester!