OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Editor in Chief

Evelynn Bagade ‘26 is from Old Tappan, NJ, and a Neuroscience & Behavior and Mathematics double major on the pre-med track. She was inspired to join Grey Matters due to her interest in making topics about neuroscience and medicine accessible and is very excited to be conducting outreach for the journal! Outside of Grey Matters, Evelynn is interested in the intersections between the life sciences and mathematics and is currently involved in math research. On campus, she can be found studying next to the stained glass windows in the library, spending time with friends in Jewett House, or making a cup of tea at the Retreat. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and playing guitar.

Senior Managing Editor

Laurel Obermueller ‘26 is from Waltham, Massachusetts, and is pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Drama. In all her efforts, Laurel strives to find the intention and connection that enable effective communication. She is passionate about Grey Matters’ mission to make innovative science accessible and engaging. On campus, Laurel interns for the EMT class, as well as for Research Methods in Physiological Psychology. Beyond typing away on her computer, Laurel can be found listening to a good audiobook, walking about with her friends, and geeking out about everything she loves.

Senior Managing Editor

Alexis Earp ‘26 is from Marblehead, Massachusetts, and is double majoring in Neuroscience and French. She joined Grey Matters as a freshman, and after studying abroad in Paris at the Sorbonne University, she is excited to continue working with the incredible GMJ team as they strive to make science accessible. Alexis works as an Interlibrary Loan Assistant and leads a conversation section in the French department. Additionally, she volunteers with VELLOP and does research in the Newman lab. In her free time, she enjoys talking with friends, starting crafting projects, and sitting down with a good book.

Production Manager

Chloe Bilger '28 is from Dallas, Texas and (potentially) pursuing a major in Science Technology and Society alongside a correlate in Philosophy! Eager to find her fellow science nerds, Chloe Joined Grey Matters to connect with Vassar's neuroscience community and fine tune her editing skills. Outside of GMJ, Chloe can be found playing intramural volleyball and soccer, and working in the dance thater. In her free time she loves going to the gym, watching theatrical performances, playing pool, and late night chats!

Treasurer

Ren Nicolau ‘28 is from Elizabeth, NJ and is a Biology and Drama double major, studying chronic disease and light design. They were drawn to Grey Matters’ mission of making science accessible, and contributes to this through their work on the Lay Editing team. On campus, Ren can be found up on the grid of the Powerhouse Theater hanging and focusing lights, fixing up bikes and dirtying her hands in the bike shop, or practicing her polyglot skills. In their free time, she enjoys deep diving into random topics, going to her friends’ performances, taking care of their numerous plants, woodworking, and crocheting.

Outreach Coordinator

Daniel Wunschel ‘26 is from Winslow, NJ and a biology major on the pre-med track. He joined Grey Matters because he was interested in reporting on Neuroscience in an accessible way, allowing for others to be as interested in Neuroscience as himself. Outside of Grey Matters, Danny is in Professor Colin Aitken’s research lab and volunteers with VC EMS. In his free time, he can be found in the lab, hanging out with friends, and listening to new music.

Senior Editor - Lay Review Division

Alyssa Gu ‘26 is from Paramus, NJ, majoring in Psychology with correlates in Biology and Creative Writing. She was interested in Grey Matters for its mission to make neuroscience accessible and enjoys contributing to that through lay editing. Outside of GMJ, Alyssa can be found writing for Portrait magazine, watching (but not doing) sports, and reading good books that make her cry.

Senior Editor - Lay Review Division

Kate Billow '26 is from Bow, New Hampshire, and is double-majoring in Neuroscience & Behavior and Film Studies at Vassar. As such, she enjoys the culmination of science and art that is shaped through Grey Matters, making important events in science accessible to the wider public. At Vassar, she is involved in research with Professor Zupan's and Professor Holloway's labs and aspires to continue research on animal behavior after graduation. In her free time, she can be found making, enjoying, and analyzing movies and/or coffee, with the same amount of enthusiasm.

Senior Editor - General Editing Division

Kyle Benson ‘26 is from Bronx, NY and is a pre-medical student pursuing a major in Biology along with a correlate in Economics. Kyle was drawn to Grey Matters through his fascination with the brain and passion for enhancing the comprehensibility of interesting scientific concepts. When he isn’t overreacting about a spliced comma or syntax error at Grey Matters, Kyle can be found playing for Vassar’s Varsity Squash team, volunteering with Vassar EMS, and scrambling around campus for athletics events with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In his free time, Kyle enjoys hanging out with friends and learning new songs on the guitar. 

Senior Editor - General Editing Division

Julia Fallon ‘28 is from Mansfield, Massachusetts, and is pursuing a major in Neuroscience & Behavior on the pre-med track. She is passionate about accessibility in scientific research and communication, which first drew her to Grey Matters Journal. Julia hopes to inspire others with the journal’s mission to make complex neuroscience both engaging and understandable for a wide audience. Outside of GMJ, Julia can be found exercising in the gym, studying in a quiet corner, or soaking up the sun while listening to music

Senior Editor - Scientific Editing Division

Maxx Martinez ‘26 is from Muncie, Indiana, and is pursuing a major in Neuroscience & Behavior with a correlate in Computer Science on a pre-med path. He joined Grey matters as a freshman, and was drawn to join due to his passion for neuroscience and a drive to make it more accessible to the layman. After spending last semester studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh, he is excited to be back on campus and get working on Grey Matters once again. Outside of the journal, Maxx can be found working in the Newman lab, playing any and every intramural sport available, playing the piano or guitar, and reading around campus.

Senior Editor - Scientific Editing Division

Eden Lanham ‘26 is from Columbus, Ohio, and is a Chemistry Major on the Pre-Med track. She was eager to join Grey Matters as a scientific editor because she enjoys reading scientific articles and loves that Grey Matters' mission is to make emerging science accessible to everyone. She spends most of her time on campus in the Chemistry Lab researching with Professor Tanski or drinking excessive amounts of Red Bull in the library basement. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and crocheting/knitting. 

Art Executive

Elsie McKendry '26 is from Boston, MA, and is majoring in Psychology with a correlate in Studio Art. They have been involved in Grey Matters as both an artist and author, and are specifically passionate about using art as a means to improve accessibility to neuropsychology. Outside of the journal, Elsie can be found working in community mental health spaces, sewing with Vassar's costume shop, or training for her next marathon! 

Art Executive

Alexandra Adsit '27 comes from sunny San Diego, California, and is pursuing a major in Neuroscience and Behavior with a correlate in Studio Art. She joined Grey Matters as an artist to help make neuroscience more engaging and accessible to everyone, because sometimes the brain understands best when words and visuals work together. Outside of Grey Matters, Alexandra is an avid reader who loves everything from psychological thrillers and mysteries to immersive fantasy worlds. When she’s not lost in a book, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun at the beach in the summer or cozying up with a good TV series during the colder months. After Vassar, Alexandra hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery. 

Layout Executive & Website Manager

Sophia Sklar ‘26 is from Westchester, NY, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior. Her passion for merging art, design, and science to create accessible learning drew her to Grey Matters. In her free time, Sophia can be found conducting research in Dr. Zupan’s laboratory, singing in the Vassar College Choir, or playing NYT games.

Assistant Layout Executive

Olivia Pocat '27 is from Saratoga, California and majoring in Mathematics & Statistics. She is passionate about website design and learning about science, leading her to join the Grey Matters layout & website team. Outside Grey Matters, Olivia is on the Women’s Golf Team and can often be found out on the quad on a nice, sunny day!

Social Media Manager

Brooke Berbeco '27 is from Scottsdale, Arziona. In addition to serving as the Social Media Executive, she is actively involved in writing for the spring 2024 term, aiming to enhance accessibility to neuroscience. Brooke is pursuing a double major in Biology and English, reflecting her passion for both scientific inquiry and literary expression. Outside Grey Matters she is on the Vassar Women’s Tennis Team and is Vice-President and Social Media head of a mental health organization called Calming Couch. Her dream after college is to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon!

Graduate Student Executive

Shawn Babitsky graduated from Vassar in the class of 2025 with a major in Neuroscience and Behavior and a correlate sequence in Russian studies. He now conducts research at Stanford Medical School focusing on better understanding the various roles that glial cells play in postnatal neural development. While at Vassar, Shawn dedicated much of his time to various science communication efforts across campus and served as the Editor in Chief of the Vassar GMJ chapter for two years. When he is not in the lab or working on his medical school applications, Shawn enjoys exploring his new city, trying new recipes, and reading a good book.

Graduate Student Executive

Eve Andersen graduated from Vassar in 2025 with a major in Neuroscience and Behavior. Currently, she is working as a research associate in the Addy Lab at the Yale School of Medicine studying the impact of tobacco product additives on nicotine reinforcement and addiction. While at Vassar, she served as the Senior Managing Editor of Vassar GMJ for two years, and she now carries that strong foundation in accessible science communication into her current and future work. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, and sampling the many pizzas of New Haven.