Meet Our Team
- Senior Management Team -
Managing Editor
Shannon Downing
(she/her)
Shannon is a recent Biomedical Sciences graduate from the University of York. Alongside her studies, she has worked as news editor for a student publication, developed her communication skills through committee roles, and won a European science communication competition. She is particularly interested in sustainability, wildlife and the ways science shapes our everyday lives. She also volunteers with a domestic abuse charity and is passionate about making information accessible to everyone. She is now excited to lead a talented team of editors and help writers develop their skills.
Deputy Managing Editor
Aoife Wood
(she/her)
Aoife is a recent History graduate from the University of York, where she wrote award-winning and shortlisted comment, news and feature articles for a campus newspaper. She was also highly commended for Best Journalist (North) by the Student Publication Association and shortlisted for Writer of the Year at York’s media awards. Outside of writing, Aoife loves sudoku and film (an obsession that led her to watch a movie everyday for a year and write over a hundred reviews). She is also a passionate animal lover committed to sustainability, and couldn’t be more excited to join WILD as Deputy Editor.
- Section Editors -
Culture Section Editor
Alex Childerstone
(he/him)
Alex is a third year English Literature and Creative Writing student at Cardiff University who is particularly interested in the intersection between literature, popular media, wildlife, and conservation. Alongside WILD Magazine Alex is the Deputy Editor of The Tonic Review, and has also been shortlisted and awarded ‘highly commended’ for best short prose at Cardiff Student Media Awards. When not working, Alex can usually be found hiking, fishing, playing guitar or at the pub! Alex is seeking a career in wildlife communications, and is very excited to grow and work within the WILD team.
Wildlife & Environment Editor
Emma Thomas
(she/her)
Emma is a third year environmental science student at the University of York. She is passionate about communicating environmental issues to students, with the hope of inspiring them to make more eco-conscious decisions. Because of this, she has written for the university newspaper and started her own blog. Outside of her degree, she enjoys ballet, climbing and travelling. She is excited for this opportunity to gain further experience in science journalism to take forward in her career.
News & Politics Editor
Aashvi Shah
(she/her)
Aashvi is a Kenyan Environment and Sustainability student at the University of Kent, with interests in climate justice, environmental policy, and the relationship between politics and the natural world. Alongside her studies, she has worked in communications and contributed to youth-led climate initiatives. She has been recognised as a Kent Star Campus Champion for her work in sustainability, inclusivity, and community-building, and has also been featured in national youth climate interviews. She enjoys playing the piano, swimming, and hiking. She’s excited to be News and Politics Editor and explore the stories shaping our world!
- Social Team -
Online Editor
Mia Dias Laia Spragg
(she/her)
​Mia is a recent English Literature graduate from the University of York. During her time at university, she wrote for various publications with a main focus on sustainability, music, and culture. In her free time, Mia loves spending time in nature, collecting second-hand physical media, and reading about the intersection of nature and politics. Passionate about sustainable living as well as article writing and editing, Mia is incredibly excited to join the WILD team as Online Editor.
Social Media Assistant
Tess Tudor
(she/her)
Tess is a Zoology graduate from the University of Bristol, where she is currently doing her masters; Science communication for a better planet. Her interests are in marine animals and ecosystems as well as animal behaviour. She hopes to pursue a career in science communication in the future, involving wildlife film and natural history TV. She is also passionate about spreading WILD magazines narratives to students to increase engagement and prompt our messages using our social media platforms.