Meet the 2023-24 Editors!
Jennifer Cheong
Editor-in-ChiefJennifer "Jenn" Cheong is a no nonsense individual that frequents visits to nearby eateries and feeds her rom com obsession with cheesy chick flicks. She can be found bopping to house or scribbling away in her journal. Outside of professionally sleuthing, Jenn loves to investigate and hopes to venture into the food and culture industry. She hopes to leave a lasting impression on the future of journalism at UCI and in hopes of progressing the paper into a daily publication.
Laiyla Santillan
Managing EditorLaiyla "Lai" Santillan is the Managing Editor for the 2023–24 school year. She is a second-year comparative literature major and political science minor. She joined the New University in the fall of 2022, working as a Campus News intern. She has previously been published in her high school paper, Lincoln Lion Tales, as well as the San Jose Mercury News. When she's not working, she can often be found taking photos, listening to music and dragging her friends into every bookstore she sees.
Avni Sinaga
Chief of Financial OperationsAvni Sinaga is an undergraduate pursuing degrees in Quantitative Economics and Sociology. She has met Adam Sandler and really likes his film "Billy Madison."
Makyla McLeod
Campus News EditorMakyla is a Campus News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. She is a third year International Studies and Literary Journalism double major. She joined the New University in fall 2022 as an intern before going on to be an apprentice with hopes of pursuing a career in communications following undergrad. Outside of writing and journalism, Makyla loves reading, listening to music, dancing, and feeding her pop culture obsession.
Helena San Roque
Campus News EditorHelena is a fourth year Literary Journalism Major and Campus News Editor UCI for the 2024 school year. She focuses on campus activism and affordability. She’s is also a CalMatters College Journalism Fellow for the 2023-2024 school year.
Leda Joy Abkenari
City News EditorLeda Joy Abkenari is a third-year pre-law student pursuing her bachelor's degree in Literary Journalism with a minor in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. During her studies, she currently serves as the City News Section Editor and Metro Section Editor for The NewU and The AntReader. In addition to her professional achievements, Leda Joy is an active competitor in UC Irvine's nationally ranked Mock Trial team and also engages in film acting, screenwriting, while also working as a podcast editor for EducationUSA. In this, she hopes to pursue a future multi-media journalism broadcasting and entertainment law.
Harleen Thandi
Sports EditorHarleen Thandi is a 4th year psychology major with a minor in biological sciences. She started off her New U journey as a sports intern her freshman year and has thus progressed into sports co-editor. She is also a part of other campus clubs/orgs like SSA, RDI, the Antreader, and BPSHI and in her free time she enjoys making friendship bracelets, working out, and spending time with friends. Harleen is looking forward to making the most of her senior year and bringing more attention to the campus newspapers.
James Huston
Sports EditorJames is a fourth year Business Econ Major with an LJ minor. Originally from Arizona, he is a huge Arizona sports fan! On the side, James also works for UCI Athletics, Orange County Soccer Club, the LA Rams, and the LA Galaxy. Any sports questions, James is your guy!
Jacob Ramos
Opinion EditorThis is Jacob's second year at UCI and with the New University. He focuses on Opinion writing and editing, but likes to dabble in pro sports commentary and would like to write at least one A&E article before he graduates. Outside of NewU, Jacob loves his family, sports, music, and food.
Karthika Nambiar
Graphic Design Managergraphicdesign@newuniversity.org
Karthika Nambiar is a New University Graphic Design Manager for the 2023-2024 school year. She’s been a part of the Graphic Design section since she joined UCI. Outside of the New U, Karthika is a junior Anthropology major and International Studies minor who can always be found with a pair of headphones on and a book in her tote bag that she promises she’ll get around to someday.
Leisa Komyo
Social Media Managerpublicrelations@newuniversity.org
Leisa Komyo is the Social Media Manager for the 2023-2024 New University. Currently, Leisa is a second-year student, double-majoring in Literary Journalism and Film & Media Studies, with aspirations to work in the media broadcasting field in the future. Outside of New University, Leisa is a part of Anteater TV as a news anchor, KUCI as a talk show host, and under ASUCI as an Academic Advocacy Intern. One of Leisa’s goals this year as the Social Media Manager is to contribute back to the team by growing the number of readers and helping her interns grow into social media stars!
Ishan Varshney
Video EditorIshan is a fourth year Data Science major and loves watching and analyzing movies and TV shows of different genres. He has an eye for detail and utilizes some of the skills from his major to holistically break down entertainment media for his reviews and articles. He also creates short videos and movies, which includes filming, editing and post-production. He hopes to further intersect his interests in data analytics and entertainment in the future.
Kaylie Harley
Copy ChiefKaylie Harley is New University's co-Copy Chief and has been a part of the New University for three years now. She is excited to continue elevating the writing of her fellow journalists through the copy team! In her free time, she can be found listening to ATEEZ or Paramore, binge-watching fantasy shows like Doctor Who or Shadow and Bone, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
Manelle Aruta
Copy ChiefManelle is a chronic coffee drinker who has been with Copy for two years now. As a writer and humanities minor at heart, it's her pleasure to be editing articles again!
Andrea Garcia
Copy EditorCurrently in their last year at UCI, Andrea is an English major minoring in education. She is currently a Copy editor who has been with The New University since Winter 2023.
Jaheem Conley
Copy EditorJaheem Conley is a Copy Editor for the 2023–2024 school year. He joined as a Copy intern in Winter 2023. Outside of the NewU, Jaheem is a third-year double majoring in Political Science and Psychological Science at UCI. In his spare time, he loves listening to music and cooking. He looks forward to working with both his peers and newcomers this year.
Jeanette Wallis
Copy EditorJeanette Wallis is a Copy Editor for the 2023-2024 school year. She joined the New U as a copy intern in Spring 2023. Outside of the New U, she is a third-year ChemE major who threatens to switch her major at any minor inconvenience. In her free time, she can most likely be found doing the Wordle or trying to convince people the letter J looks better without the line across the top.
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