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.
2025 ASO Leadership:
Alyssa Guarino, Co-Editor-in-Chief.Alyssa is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry Department. Her research focuses on studying cellulose synthesis in plant cell walls using techniques such as mass spectrometry and other biochemical analyses. Outside of the lab, Alyssa can be found outside in her garden, hiking and exploring the North Georgia mountains, or spending time with her cat.
David Stein, Co-Editor-in-Chief.
Kendall Clay, Associate Editor. Kendall Clay is a 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.
