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Nominations: Nominations closed

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Vacancies
2

Candidates

James Wheatley (Tom)

Hi, I’m James, but most of you probably know me as Tom! 

Though (incredibly) daunting to follow Saniya and Tiegan, I’ve loved writing for Pi over the past few years. It's been my way of staying connected to UCL during my year abroad and remains an important community to me, which is why I'm running for co-EIC.

If elected, I will work to amplify writers’ work, enhance inclusion across the sections, and keep the student experience, past and present, at the heart of Pi by focusing on three initiatives:

  • End-of-year awards night
    A celebration of our writers and editors (who still patiently explain em vs en dashes to me), giving the community a chance to honour standout work. I know how it feels to write something you’re proud of, only for it to go unnoticed—let’s change that.
  • Greater coverage of parasports
    I want to expand the sports we cover and shine a light on parasports, ensuring every student, regardless of interest or background, feels represented in Pi Online.
  •  “Student Stories” perspective
    A dedicated space for UCL alumni and current students to share their stories in an interview-style format. We already host so many great events with alumni, but I think this could further strengthen the connection between today’s Pi and the Pi of the past.

If these are the changes you'd like to see, I'd be thrilled to have your vote. Good luck to everyone, and thank you to Saniya and Tiegan for your amazing work this year!

Niyamat Kapoor

I am standing for Pi Online Editor-in-Chief because I am interested in shaping clear, timely and engaging digital journalism. As a current News Correspondent covering London and UCL news, I understand the pace, structure and responsiveness required for online reporting. Alongside this, editing The Franklin Press, an independent online publication, has given me experience in refining tone, clarity and audience engagement across digital platforms.

If elected, I would focus on supporting contributors in producing well-structured and accessible content while maintaining consistency and editorial cohesion across the platform.

Louise Martin

Over the past year at Pi Media Online I have improved my ability to write from a journalistic standpoint enormously, learning how to find my own voice through objective pieces as well as how to craft arguments for more subjective opinion pieces. I have written for several Pi Online divisions (News, Opinion, Lifestyle and Culture) which gives me a nuanced understanding of what these sections require, from tone and structure to the kind of editing is required for the different divisions. 

I also have previous experience with editing other people's work- in high school I was an editor for the school newspaper and for debate conferences, often editing 5-6 articles in one day before publication. That experience has made me confident in my time management, attention to detail, and in making decisive editorial judgments. It also taught me how to preserve a writer's own voice while helping enhance their piece.

Currently, I am one of the Pi News Correspondents for UCL and London and have enjoyed being extensively involved in Pi Media, through which I have gained a strong understanding on how the editorial team works at Pi as well as where processes could be strengthened. 

Above all, Pi Media has helped me develop my own identity as a journalist. I would be honoured to take on the responsibility of one of the Editor-in-Chief positions and to contribute leadership that is collaborative, organised and dedicated.

Zayna Madanat
  1. I am standing for Online Editor-in-Chief because my time as a member of Pi Online has made my UCL experience incredibly fulfilling, and I want to make that experience possible for others. As an editor for Pi Online's Opinion section, I've gained insight into the inner workings of student media and have developed my skills as a journalist, none of which would have been possible without the guidance of the current Editors-in-Chief. They have inspired me with their leadership, and have welcomed me warmly into what could otherwise have been a daunting environment for a first-time editor. Seeing the impact that this role can have on other members of this society, as well as on the direction of Pi Media as a whole, motivated me to put myself forward. In particular, the Editors-in-Chief have made huge efforts to make Pi Online more of an in-person collaboration, which I've really enjoyed. If elected, I hope to continue strengthening in-person relationships between editors and writers. 
  2. I've been told I'm a perfectionist and a grammar purist more than once - traits which, while occasionally annoying, I think make me well-equipped to run a room full of writers. 
  3. Most importantly, I’m standing because I am passionate about student journalism and about Pi Media in particular. I want to make sure Pi Online's presence reflects the ambition, hard work, and friendships of the newsroom behind it, which I've had the pleasure of being part of this year and hope to lead next year.
Jemima Corcoran

Hi, I’m Jemima! Your current online Lifestyle and Culture co-editor and a BA English Student. 

Over the last two years, I’ve contributed across all three Pi outlets as a writer, editor, and presenter. Working closely within the online team has given me a clear sense of both its strengths and its potential.

I’d love to build on the fantastic work of Tiegan and Saniya by making the editorial process more collaborative, dynamic, and visible. I want Pi Online to feel like a creative newsroom - energetic, supportive, and ambitious.

My key priorities are: 

  • Strengthening in-person collaboration by making the Writers’ Room sessions a weekly event where members can pitch ideas, workshop drafts, brainstorm headlines, and get real-time feedback (along with pizza and pints of course). 
  • Implementing clearer editing timelines and faster turnaround processes to ensure your articles are published while they’re still fresh and impactful
  • Expanding our coverage, by introducing correspondent schemes for Lifestyle & Culture and Sport, where we’d regularly send writers to gigs, exhibitions, theatre, campus events, and matches - increasing both our visibility and our credibility.
  • Developing on our weekly newsletter, making it collaborative and interactive  
  • A Pi Ball and Awards Night!

I’ve loved meeting so many of you, and I believe Pi Online should continue to be as social as it is creative - whether that’s through casual socials, collaborative projects, or celebrating contributors’ achievements.

Sterre Schlosser

Since joining PiMedia as a News Editor in my first undergraduate year, I am eager to increase my involvement with the society. I have found editing for Pi to be extremely fulfilling, particularly in building relationships with writers and co-editors who share a passion for student journalism. As a Co-Editor-in-Chief, one of my priorities would be making sure everyone involved with the newspaper finds the same sense of community and passion that I have. I would work towards this goal by focusing on the recruitment and support of both new writers and editors, through the development of our open pitch meetings and clear guidance for students writing their first articles, ensuring Pi is accessible to all. 

Beyond my work with Pi, I spent two years as the Managing Editor of The Voice, the student newspaper at the International School of Amsterdam. This experience gives me confidence that I can transition smoothly into the role, combining my prior leadership experience with my familiarity with Pi’s people and structure. 

Ultimately, I hope to strengthen Pi’s presence on campus and its involvement with the UCL community. I strongly believe that student journalism can bring together students and faculty across departments, creating a space for discussion as well as creative expression.

Alexandra Inez Shepherd

My name is Alexandra, and I'm running to be the next Pi Media Online Editor-in-Chief. I joined UCL this past September to complete my MA in Comparative Literature, having previously completed my BA in Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge, where I first became involved in student journalism as an Opinions writer.

I have always loved writing: I published my first article at age nine for National Geographic Kids, and I haven't stopped since! I’ve enjoyed writing for student newspapers at UCL, Cambridge and the University of Córdoba, where I completed my year abroad. Professionally, I’ve worked as a freelance content writer and editor for the educational platform Unifrog and the charity Empowered by Vee, where I contributed to a small team producing and editing a monthly newsletter for over 5,000 readers.

I'm also very passionate about human rights, a commitment I’ve deepened as Amnesty International UK's Youth Delegate to the 2024 Global Assembly. I have always seen writing as going hand-in-hand with my passion for social justice: journalism offers the opportunity to champion voices that might otherwise go unheard, and this is what I wish to bring to the role of Online Editor-in-Chief.

I believe this combination of editorial experience, creativity, and advocacy equips me for this role, ensuring that Pi Media continues to provide a platform for all students to express thought-provoking, ambitious, and critical perspectives professionally.

Thank you!

Ben McIlree

Hi everyone! I’m a second-year English student, and have spent the last year as an opinion editor (reading the odd book, don’t get me wrong). To me, the newsroom is the beating heart of the society, and my vision of Pi is more of this.

I love that Pi is a society defined by its diverse and engaged student body, and it deserves an online EiC that has the vision and enthusiasm to bring the online to the real world. I want to:

· Make Writer’s Rooms more regular, with weekly rooms dedicated to particular sections. I want Pi to be personal; we need a relationship beyond the email.

· Include writers as an integral part of the society. Pi Online should be made up of its writers – good writing starts with a good connection. Regular writers for news and reviews will allow the sections to become more responsive to the current landscape. The future of Pi is quicker and more dynamic.

· If UCL can get a redesign, so can we. Give Pi Online a creative space, as part of a new website – making room for design and creative writing, both on articles, and as part of a new section. Pi should not be intimidating, and with a new and experimental area, we can branch out in an exciting direction.

What I think is so special about Pi is the connections you make with people through your writing, and promoting that will lead to more agile news and reviews, as well as a real community. As an EiC, I will strive to make this happen.

Solomiia Vavryshchuk

Hi! I’m Solomiia, a second-year Law student, and I’m running for Pi Online Editor-in-Chief!

During my time at UCL, Pi Online has shaped both my university experience and career goals. It’s been the one space where I’ve developed my writing on topics I care about, seen my work published, built a portfolio that helped me secure internships, and, most importantly, gained confidence. The constant encouragement from the editorial team, who patiently answered my (sometimes many!) questions, made all the difference. Now, I want to create that same experience for the 2026/2027 writers.

Alongside passion, I bring experience. I’ve written for Pi for quite a while, particularly in Opinion and News, and I now serve as News Correspondent, so I understand our voice, standards, and workflow. Beyond Pi, I’m one of five UCL Student Storytellers, contributing to official university stories and news (hopefully you’ve come across one!), and I’m part of the Financial Times News School programme, where I’ve gained insight into the media world and built valuable connections. I’m excited to bring that knowledge back to Pi.

As a typical law student, I can’t help but mention that I am highly organised, reliable, and used to managing heavy workloads. I can promise that deadlines will be met, queries answered, and writers supported.

Most importantly, I’m excited to work with the committee to keep Pi a place where diverse people are represented and can experiment, improve, and feel excited to hit “send.”