The Odyssey at the University of Idaho is flipping the content of news media to cater straight to you. We deliver national and local news to you in a way you, the millennial, can relate. Here's who's behind the scenes, click their name to see all their publications:
Editor In Chief-- Rachael Miller-- ΑΦ
The editor-in-chief oversees the entire operation of the Odyssey chapter. I work closely with our managing editor and my contributing editor to get relatable and newsworthy articles published each week. I am in charge of editing for content, hiring new additions to our team, administering all writers and generating ideas for great articles.
I am currently a junior at the University of Idaho pursuing a Bachelor of Science in both political science and public relations with a minor in outdoor recreation. I am an enthusiastic and passionate worker ultimately interested in working with communications in the political field including campaign management. I'm from McCall, Idaho and enjoy wake-surfing, backpacking and long runs down the hill (as opposed to long walks down the beach) and really anything outdoors. Tacos are life and coffee is a legitimate addiction. I love writing and sarcasm (especially when paired) and hope you enjoy my stuff!
Contributing Editor-- Paige Holland-- ΠΒΦ
The contributing editor is the editor-in-chief's wing-woman and right-hand-man. She helps with the hiring and editing process and a key player in the daily operations of the Odyssey.
I was born and raised in Southern California, and am studying Broadcast Journalism at the University of Idaho. My life consists of anything Disney, Mexican food, Lake Havasu, and bright, outlandish nail colors. I am the president of the Idaho Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi.
Social Media Director-- Emily Taylor-- ΑΦ
The social media director is behind the scenes, sharing all of our work to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. She is the magic that makes our articles come to life. She is also responsible for all the totally cute pictures associated with The Odyssey at UI.
Hey my name is Emily Taylor but everyone calls me Emtay. I'm a junior at the University of Idaho studying marketing. I am Director of Formal Recruitment and Social Media chair at Alpha Phi. Originally from Boise, but going everywhere. I love puppies and I am addicted to eating tums.
Writers
Writers are our boots on the ground, working to find content that you really care about. Every week writers publish a new article about things going on on the University of Idaho campus, in Moscow, in Idaho, and nationally. Follow your favorite writer as they publish each week!
Laurien Mavey--ΚΚΓ
I'm 22 and a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Choosing to rush was the best choice I've made. People, being outdoors, sports and writing are my passions and I crave social situations. My hair is naturally curly and my favorite color is pink. I love to laugh and do often--at everything. Thursday is the best day of the week because of Ladie's Night. I enjoy cheesey pick up lines almost as much as an extra cheesey pizza at 3 am after ladies night. All I want in life is to make bank, travel the world, get married, have cute kids and live happily ever after.
Cassandra Michaud-- ΑΦ
Hi I am Cassie Michaud and I am a senior at UI. I get by with coffee, trash tv and my Cosmos (most crucial being the coffee). I enjoy being busy with projects that are meaningful and enjoyed by others. I daydream of one day getting out of Upper Left USA and taking a shot in NYC -- or really any big city that I can play tourist in. I like to write about a lot of things actually, from 58 reasons why my sorority should actually be a reality show to things happening in the PNW that affect college kids. You could say I like to mix things up. "Like" us for updates and articles at your fingertips. Best!
I attended the University of Nebraska for two years right out of high school, and will now attend the University of Idaho. In my free time, I like to write (ha, obviously), watch Grey's Anatomy, do makeup, and watch hockey. I was a figure skater way back in the day (cause I'm so old), and a competitive dancer starting at the age of two. This internship has pushed me to become more fluid in my writing, and experience what it's like to be around so many talented people to push you as well.
Taylor Charles--ΑΦ
My name is Taylor but some people like to call me Tay Dawn. I am a recovering diet coke addict and love to binge to watch Netflix shows like Parenthood and Gossip Girl. I am a concert junkie and love to travel. Being creative is what I live for so I majored in Apparel, Textiles and Design with hopes of being a visual merchandiser or stylist one day. Although I have big city dreams, deep down the Pacific North West will always be the place that I call home.
Jake Duncan--ΒΘΠ
I'm Jake and I am currently going into my senior year at the University of Idaho pursuing degrees in Finance, Accounting, and Operations Management. I'm a member of the Beta Theta Pi chapter on campus where I served as Treasurer, and I couldn't be more happy with my decision to go Greek. Music is my passion--I started playing guitar when I was eight years old and I've picked up a number of instruments along the way. If I'm at a show watching a good band with great friends, the only thing that could possibly make me happier is a large pizza and a PBR (or six). Someday I hope to pick up a degree in Audio Engineering and start my own recording studio and/or record company with a portion of revenues going to music programs and venues across the country. Eventually I'd like to purchase and re-open a local venue in Boise that closed down after I went away to college and bring back the feeling of "home" that my friends and I felt while we watched our favorite bands play.
I am a 22-year-old creative nerd. I love doodling and reading on my (not very little) free time. I keep myself busy as the director of the Students for Life of the University of Idaho, social media intern for St. Augustines, a writer for the Odyssey Online and spending time with my wonderful friends and family. I was blessed with the beautiful culture of my Mexican parents. I grew up bilingual, Spanish and English, eating delicious Mexican food, dancing to Selena and Shakira (when she didn’t know English yet), an in-bred passion for soccer and a strong love for the Catholic faith. I’m grateful to have grown up in the United States. I thrive from drinking lots of coffee, staying super busy, going on runs, reading a good book, laughing until my stomach hurts and devoting time to Jesus in prayer and meditation. Every single second is one I try to delight in. There are so many things in this world that I want do and attempt. Carpe Diem.
Evan Ward-- ΣΑΕ
I am a senior at the University of Idaho and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.I was born in Southern California but raised in Boise, thank God. I grew up playing hockey and have an unhealthy addiction to all things sports. I love 90s music and hip-hop as well as the outdoors. I am studying advertising with a minor in writing and hope to work at a creative agency doing strategy and copy-writing.
Sadie Comer--ΑΦ
Currently, I am a senior at the University of Idaho studying political science. I am an avid traveler, concert go-er, rock climber and reader. My favorite things in life include high cliffs, music festivals and anything that involves long road trips and good company.
I was born and raised in small-town Northern Idaho, in the Coeur D'Alene area. I graduated high school in June 2012. After graduation I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I left home to the beautiful island of Oahu, HI where I lived and worked for about three months. That was the best decision I’ve ever made because despite how badly I wanted to break free from the small-town stigma I grew up, it also made me love my roots more. When I left Hawaii in December 2012 I was a registered Vandal and couldn’t wait to be a part of the Vandal family. I’m a third generation U of I student on both sides of my family, and my parents met each other during their time as Vandals. My dad was a Delta Sigma Phi and my mom a Pi Beta Phi, so I guess I’m a Greek baby even though I decided to be an Independent. I enjoy all things punk rock and Zooey Deschanel, especially Blink-182 and New Girl. I’m an avid lover of burritos and Americanos. I’m a Leo and an ENFP (Myer’s Briggs Personality type) and I’m always searching for ways to express myself. I’ve survived the last three years with the help of my parents and my friends, both here and back home. I graduate in May with a BS in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. My main interest is Social Media Marketing and New Age Media.
Hannah Smith--ΑΦ
I'm a sophomore and a member of Alpha Phi at The University of Idaho. Aside from writing for the Odyssey I love spending time with friends, art, working, going to concerts and traveling. My favorite genre to write is humor. After college I hope to go to law school somewhere on the east coast.
Lucas Kerner- ΦΚΤ
I'm Lucas, but you can call me Nasty Neal (note from editor: do not call him this). I am the newest addition to the Odyssey team and am excited to get started! I am a junior member of Phi Kappa tau and am studying Geology at the University of Idaho. I love backpacking, snowboarding, and wake-boarding. I also am your typical lady-killer and party-slayer.
C.J. Harkins--ΘΧ
My name is Christopher John Harkins, though I prefer to be called Cj. I'm outgoing, funny, and obsessed with getting new neckties and bowties. I want to build experience in my journalistic career and one day open up my own Public Relations company. My dream is to create a large, ethical, and successful business.
Avery Gaines--ΔΔΔ
I am a sophomore in college with a slightly weird love for chocolate twizzlers. The only thing to know about me is I am obsessed with One Direction, Nicki Minaj and Sons of Anarchy. This is the first year I started submitting my writing to the public and it has gone pretty well from there. I am an International Studies and PR major. My red hair is my identity and I would want to be anything else in this world other than a ginger. Red hair don't care.
Cole Swanson-- ΘΧ
My name is Cole Swanson, I am from Issaquah Washington, which is about 35 minutes from Seattle. I am a incoming Sophomore at the university and a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, majoring in Advertising with minors in Marketing and Graphic Design hoping to pursue a career in brand management. Activities in my spare time when I'm not studying (obviously) are playing sports, specifically basketball and football, working out, drawing/painting, and always hanging with my friends.
Kayla O'Berry--ΑΦ
My name is Kayla O'Berry and I am currently a student at the University of Idaho and a Member of Alpha Phi, Beta Zeta Chapter. Throughout the past year, I have observed many colleagues, thrive at the university, and only wish to do that myself. My specific focus on my education involves a double major in International Studies and Spanish, with a new addition of a minor in Political Science. I am a makeup addict. My lifelong dream is to learn 7 languages (wish me luck). I own over 40 bottles of lip plumper. If it is pink and sparkly, I am automatically obsessed and I'm convinced that I am the biggest girly-girl on this planet. I'm a gymnastics coach and nanny by summer, broke college student struggling to survive by fall/winter. My favorite subjects to write on deals with anything about travel, foreign relations, and languages. I hope to continue with writing more on international topics and all of the world's beauties.
I am a 20-year-old student at the University of Idaho. I grew up in Boise, Idaho, although I was born in San Antonio Texas. I am studying Political Science and Spanish and my dream job is to practice law. I love video games, especially Dota 2, and Nintendo games. I love reading and my all time favorite book is The Way of Kings. In the past I have worked as a resident assistant, faculty senator, and ASUI Senator. I also currently work as a tournament administrator for for JoinDota.
I am Bradley Burgess, total entertainment junkie. Ever since Star Wars, I've been loving movies and consuming them like wildfire. My favorites include, Transformers, Minority Report, Big Hero 6, Clockstoppers, and Avengers. I am also a writer with several published works in school newspapers, including the University of Idaho Argonaut. I write screenplays and stories in my spare time and love to create characters. So, combining my two passions makes perfect sense. I love writing about movies just as much as I love watching them. My goal is to someday get into the film business and tell stories myself. I live and breathe this world and love to share my passion.
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