The Athens Science Observer writing staff is composed of a dedicated group of volunteers from Athens, Georgia and abroad. Most of us are doctorate, masters, and undergraduate students at the University of Georgia and though we have backgrounds in a variety of scientific fields we all share a vision to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement.
Current Leadership:
Guppy Stott, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Guppy is a third-year bioinformatics Ph.D. student. They have a master’s degree in statistics from NC State University, an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Clemson University, and spent a few years working for TIAA as a data scientist before heading to UGA. Their research focuses on studying the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 and highly pathogenic avian influenza using statistical and computational methods. Outside of the lab, Guppy can be found bouldering at Active Climbing, reading science fiction and history, going on hikes with their puppy, Zoya, roasting and drinking coffee, or playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Sammi Surber, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Hi! I am Sammi. I am a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Georgia working with Dr. C.J. Tsai. I am interested in stress response related to climate change in Poplar trees, specifically involving sulfur transport and orphan genes. I am originally from Nebraska (Go Big Red!) where I grew up and also obtained my B.S. in Biochemistry. I love hiking the north Georgia mountains since moving here and volunteering with shelter cats! In my free time I read, play Switch, attempt to teach myself how to crochet, facetime my sister to see her puppy, and explore Athens!
Kendall Clay, Associate Editor. Kendall Clay is a second-year Neuroscience PhD student in the Roberts-Galbraith lab. She studies genes responsible for the function and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons in planarians. Her main interests include genetics, disease, and regeneration. Outside of the lab, Kendall enjoys singing, embroidering, and hanging out with her cat, Baby.
Riley Thoen, Associate Editor. Riley is a PhD student in the Department of Plant Biology. He received his B.A. in honors biology from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN. Riley’s research aims to understand how habitat fragmentation and climate change influence plant conservation through effects on the ecology and evolution of populations. Currently, his research highlights how climate change is affecting stress-adapted plant populations on Georgia’s granitic outcrops. If he’s not in the field doing his research, you’ll find Riley watching marble races.
Ben Long, Associate Editor. Ben Long is a Ph.D student in the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia studying both the population genetics of yaupon holly, a naturally caffeine-containing plant native to the American southeast, as well as the microbiomes of plant hosts and their pathogens. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing his ukulele, foraging wild medicinal plants and homebrewing various beverages.
