Meet Our Team
- Senior Management Team -
Managing Editor
Sophie Layton
(she/her)
Sophie is an MA International Public & Political Communication, & BSc Biology graduate from the University of Sheffield. The former Arts & Theatre Editor of Forge Press & Co-Editor of EdFringe Review, Sophie has a keen interest in political science, the natural world & the creative & performing arts. Sophie has written a number of pieces for WILD Magazine & has written for a range of other publications, including The Liberator, UniHomes Blog & the Essex International Jamboree Newsletter. Sophie also sits as the Digital Media Officer for the Student Publication Association.
Deputy Managing Editor
Summer Elsie
(she/her)
Summer is a recent graduate from the University of Exeter, who completed a bachelors of science in Zoology. Her research is heavily focused on The interaction between urban areas and wildlife, completing her dissertation on bats. Alongside her degree she completed 3 years of volunteer work for Cats Protection and aided the society generation wild. She is a member of the Northamptonshire badger group and the bat conservation trust. She aims to continue her passion in public outreach by working with the WILD team, aiding the public's knowledge on these topics.
- Section Editors -
Wildlife & Environment Editor
Millie Webb
(she/her)
Millie is an MSc Science Communication student at UCL and a Biological Sciences graduate from the University of Exeter. Her academic work has focused on the effects of marine heatwaves on UK mussel species, complemented by experience with the Ocean Conservation Trust. She is particularly interested in research communication and raising awareness of global conservation issues, and through the WILD community she aims to encourage greater engagement with marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
Lifestyle Editor
Lauren Smillie
(she/her)
Lauren is a MSc Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law student, and a BSc Zoology with Honours graduate from the University of Glasgow. Having completed a dissertation exploring anthropogenic effects on nocturnal avian predators, she has developed a love for sustainability and educating others on how to protect and live alongside our environment. Outside of academics, she also has had the privilege of volunteering both within her community and internationally, and is looking forward to continuing to do so in this new role of Lifestyle editor.
News & Politics Editor
Jai Horwood
(he/him)
Jai is a fourth-year BSc Biological Sciences student at the University of Exeter with a passion for conservation, environmental science, and how they shape global politics. During his year abroad at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, he deepened his understanding of international environmental challenges, policies, and innovations. Jai is now excited to work alongside the talented writers and editors at WILD to bring readers the most important stories in green news and politics.
- Social Team -
Online Editor
Bethany Akhtar
(she/her)
Bethany is a third-year BSc Environmental Science student at the University of York, with particular interests in ecology, environmental education and fungi. Alongside her studies, she is regularly involved with conservation efforts and school volunteering projects. Bethany is also enthusiastic about science communication and has enjoyed writing for WILD Magazine in the past. She is now thrilled to be taking on the role of Online Editor and supporting a team of passionate, environmental writers.
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Social Media Assistant
Brie Obreja
(she/her)
Brie is a fourth year Plant Sciences MBiolSci student at the University of Sheffield with interests in mitigating the climate crisis, sustainable agriculture, plant biotechnology, and the biochemistry of photosynthesis. Her work focuses on using redox proteomics to understand the regulation of CO2 fixing enzymes and the associated electron transfer machinery in the chloroplast, as well as research into plant immunity and phytochromes. Outside of academia, Brie has experience managing her local surf club and enjoys being outdoors, climbing, and reading. Through the WILD community, she looks forward to making sustainability more accessible and is excited to work alongside a team of people passionate about the environment.
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Social Media Assistant
Carson Ma
(he/him)
Carson is a third-year BSc Biological Sciences student at the University of Exeter, specialising in animal studies. His final-year project focuses on examining the genetic diversity of invasive alien sea squirts, reflecting his wider interests in conservation, marine biology, animal physiology, and sustainability. Alongside his academic work, Carson has gained volunteer experience in animal care and is now stepping into science communication for the first time. He is passionate about making scientific knowledge more accessible and engaging, and through the WILD community, he hopes to inspire greater public understanding and engagement with the natural world, working alongside a dedicated team of editors and writers.
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- Senior Contributors -
Senior Contributing Writer
Chloe Moriarty
(she/her)
Chloe is a BA/BSc Geography student at the University of Exeter with a keen interest in historic extinctions, science communications, and environmental law. She began writing for Wild in 2024 and is excited to engage more people with science and sustainability.
Senior Contributing Writer
Cerys Deakin
(she/her)
Cerys is a MSci Zoology student at the University of Exeter and an intern at The Civet Project Foundation. Cerys has a keen interest in conservation of all species and hopes to be involved in this in the future. Cerys started writing for WILD in 2023 and is excited to continue to write about various species across the globe!
Senior Contributing Writer
Daisy Culleton
(she/her)
Daisy graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2023 with a degree in BA American Studies and History. She has a keen interest in sustainable fashion and Native American environmentalism. Alongside writing for WILD, she also publishes VNTG, a substack newsletter dedicated to sustainable fashion.