OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Editor in Chief

Shawn Babitsky ‘25 is from Los Angeles and is eager to join the effort of making scientific innovation accessible to the public. Shawn is pursuing a major in Neuroscience and Behavior and a minor in Russian studies. Outside of Grey Matters, Shawn can be found volunteering as an EMT or conducting neuroscience research trying to figure out what drives social behavior. In his free time he enjoys iced lattes, walking aimlessly around campus, and playing nonogram on his phone.

Senior Managing Editor & Production Manager

Anshuman Das ‘25 is from Lawrenceville, NJ, majoring in Cognitive Science and pursuing a premedical track. Outside of Grey Matters, Anshu can be found doing research in Dr. Newman’s cognitive neuroscience laboratory or planning different events for the on-campus art museum, the Loeb. In his free time, Anshu enjoys experimenting with cooking new dishes and going for long bike rides on one of the many trails near Vassar.

Treasurer & Senior Managing Editor

Eve Andersen ‘25 is from San Francisco, CA. She is majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a possible correlate in Philosophy. She is passionate about public health. She volunteers as an EMT and works to shape drug policy on campus as part of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. She can also be found practicing for Quizbowl, learning the piano, or running around our beautiful campus.

Senior Editor - Lay Review Division

Julia Vitale ‘25 is from South Orange, New Jersey majoring in Biology with a focus in neurobiology. Her passion for science communications as a tool for public health is what brought her to Grey Matters. Outside of GMJ, Julia is involved in cognitive neuroscience research and theater lighting for student productions. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, drinking iced coffee, and going for walks at the Vassar Farm.

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.

Art Executive

Anna Bishop '25 is from Vestal, NY, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a correlate in Visual Arts. She was first involved in Grey Matters as an artist, and enjoys the opportunity to make neuroscience more accessible through artistic means. When she is not in the behavioral neuroscience lab, you can find her hiking on the Vassar Farm, playing clarinet with the orchestra, swing dancing, or hammocking on the Quad!

Art Executive

Iris Li ‘25 is from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, majoring in Psychology with a correlate in Japanese. She was originally drawn to Grey Matters due to the journal’s amalgamation of art, literature, and science—three of her greatest passions. Outside of GMJ, Iris can be spotted working in the Live Well Lounge, wrapped up in a video game, or taking a walk around scenic parts of campus. 

Senior Editor - General Editing Division

Frederica von Siemens ‘25 is from Los Angeles, California. She is pursuing a Drama major, along with correlates in Philosophy and German. She has always had an interest in neuroscience and a love of writing and editing, which is why she joined Grey Matters to help make neuroscience accessible to everyone. Outside of GMJ, Freddie can be found acting in productions on campus, leading sailing club outings, editing for Contrast magazine, and dancing whenever she can. Freddie loves iced coffee, early 00s rock music, and the New York Times daily mini crossword puzzle.

Senior Editor - General Editing Division

Laurel Obermueller ‘26 is from Waltham, Massachusetts and is pursuing a double major in Drama and Neuroscience. She joined Grey Matters to share niche scientific research with anyone. Beyond typing away on her computer, Laurel can be found walking around listening to an audiobook, going to theater productions, and trying to learn how to craft. 

Senior Editor — Scientific Review Division

Rileigh Chinn '25 is from Vancouver, Washington double majoring in biochemistry and Hispanic studies. She is passionate about making science accessible to a wide range of people, which drew her to Grey Matters in her freshman year. In her free time, Rileigh enjoys old woman hobbies like crocheting, doing crosswords and cryptograms, and spending time with her crusty white dog.

Outreach Coordinator

Alexis Earp ’26 is from Marblehead, Massachusetts, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior. She joined Grey Matters because of her interest in neuroscience and her passion for sharing science with others. In addition to Grey Matters, Alexis volunteers with the Vassar English Language Learners Outreach Program. When not working on articles or assignments, she enjoys crafting, reading, and listening to music.

Assistant Outreach Coordinator

Talia Roman ’25 is from Arlington, VA, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a correlate in Dance Studies. Talia has been involved with Grey Matters since her freshman year and has become incredibly passionate about the journal’s mission of making science accessible. In addition to Outreach, she has worked in the Scientific Review Division and has written for GMJ in the past. Outside of Grey Matters, Talia is President of Coalesce Dance Ensemble. When not studying or in the dance studio, Talia enjoys audiobooks, crafting, and hanging out with her dogs. 

Assistant Outreach Coordinator & Senior Editor - Scientific Review Division

Evelynn Bagade ‘26 is from Old Tappan, NJ and a prospective 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.

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!

Grad Student Executive

Daniella Lorman graduated in Vassar’s Class of ’22 with majors in Neuroscience & Behavior, and Russian Studies. She conducts research within the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Medical Center. A staunch advocate for accessible science communication, Daniella has previously served as both Editor in Chief of the VC chapter and Chair of the national Journal council. In her free time, Daniella enjoys mixing new DJ sets, spending time with her sheepdog, and adding clay to her wardrobe in the ceramics studio.

Grad Student Executive

Kevin ‘24 is from Beijing, China. He majored in Psychology and Cognitive science with an Economics correlate. Currently, he is working as a postgraduate associate in the Levy Decision Lab at Yale School of Medicine. Most of the projects in the lab are associated with decision-making under risk and ambiguity as well as individual differences in decision-making using a combination of behavioral studies and neuroimaging techniques. Due to his passion for helping others to better present their research ideas, during his time at Grey Matters, he worked as a science editor. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys drinking cold brew and Chinese green tea, watching horror movies with his dog, trying different drinks, and listening to a wide variety of music including R&B, post-punk, acid jazz, etc.

Art Grad Student Executive

Iona Duncan ’24 is from Seattle, WA and graduated from Vassar with a major in Neuroscience & Behavior. She now works at the University of Texas Medical Branch as a research associate in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. Iona has previously been an artist, author, and art executive for Grey Matters VC and loves being a part of the intersection between science communication and art. In her free time, Iona enjoys baking, reading plenty of non-fiction, playing with her cat, and volunteering at the Galveston Grace SUD Clinic.