The Badger Herald Editorial Board is composed of seven Herald staff members and represents the voice of our editorial department. Our purpose is to speak out and take a stance on the most relevant issues concerning the University of Wisconsin campus, the city of Madison and the state of Wisconsin.

Each member of the board is engaged with the greater campus community outside of The Badger Herald, and we strive to ensure we challenge ourselves with new perspectives.

If you have suggestions for topics we should cover or have a response to anything we write, feel free to send us an email at [email protected].

Following is this semester’s Editorial Board:

Jack: 

I’m Jack, the chair of the editorial board and a features editor at The Badger Herald, where I have been contributing since 2022. My previous roles include positions on the editorial board and in the opinion section. I’ve written about a range of issues—from climate policy to gender disparities in sports—with a focus on the human impact of politics and policy. As a double major in Chinese and political science, I am passionate about exploring global perspectives. After graduation, I plan to venture beyond my native land of cheese curds and bratwursts in pursuit of increasing my tolerance for spicy food and developing my language skills. For any questions or suggestions, I can be reached at [email protected].

Celia: 

I’m Celia, and I am a senior studying journalism and political science with minors in science communication and environmental studies. I served as the editor-in-chief of The Badger Herald for the 2023–24 school year, and previously served as the editorial board chair from January to May 2023, covering issues related to free speech and campus policy. I now work as a freelance reporter with particular interests in the environment and public health. 

Blake: 

I’m Blake, the editor-in-chief of The Badger Herald. I started in September 2023, as a state news associate editor and moved up as print editor in January 2024. I mainly cover state and city level politics but have interests in Artificial Intelligence as well. As a journalist for a student newspaper, my aim has been to find ways in which University of Wisconsin students can create change in their community through activism and government. This goal manifests itself in The Badger Herald’s coverage — which seeks to entertain, captivate but most importantly inform students about issues that will or are impacting them. 

Brody: 

My name is Brody, I’m a proud Wisconsinite and am now a Senior at UW studying Communications and Political Science. I started at The Badger Herald a year ago and have had previous roles as a copy associate and reporter. I am enjoying my current roles as a Features Editor and member of the Board of Directors. My passion for journalism lies in the idea that great journalists are teachers and storytellers. A great journalist will spend their time fully dedicated to continually pursuing the truth and covering some of the world’s most confrontational stories. I aspire to one day be able to do the same thing — to travel and experience all this world has to offer while covering the most pivotal moments of our time.

Outside of journalistic pursuits, my hobbies are skiing, fishing, music, sports, and mostly being outside. I am always excited to meet new faces and answer questions. If you want to connect with me, you can reach me at [email protected].

Aanika:

I’m Aanika, and I am a junior studying molecular & cell biology and health policy here at UW. I began writing for the opinion section at The Badger Herald my freshman year and was an opinion associate editor last year. I envision my future as a physician at the intersection of medicine and health communications. To me, journalism is both a creative outlet and a way of learning more about and giving voice to my community. I write about various issues, from civic engagement on campus to eviction policies in the state. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]—I would love to hear your perspective!

Sammie:
I’m Sammie and I am a sophomore studying Journalism and Political Science. I have been part of The Badger Herald since my first semester of freshman year and have been an associate editor of the opinion section since my second semester until now. When I’m not writing I am either at a coffee shop or out walking! After graduation I want to become a foreign correspondent and spend my time traveling across the world and experiencing different walks of life. For any questions or comments you can reach me at [email protected]

Josh: 

I’m Josh, and I have been working for the Badger Herald for the past two years. I am currently a graduate student in the journalism school, and I plan to pursue my PhD in political science after I graduate.I started off as a writer for opinion in the first semester of my Junior year and I am now an associate editor for opinion. In my free time you can find me watching soccer, at the gym, or at the library pulling all nighters. I cover primarily politics and international affairs, and if you ever have questions about my stories you can reach me at [email protected]