Meet the Editors

Rachel Panek

Editor-in-Chief

Rachel Panek is a sophomore Literary Publishing and Editing major with a minor in Theology from Brewerton, NY. She is the Editor-in-Chief of The Laurel and the Programming Director of St. Bonaventure University’s radio station, WSBU 88.3 FM “The Buzz.” She also works in the SBU Writing Lab and with the Advancement Office as a writer and proofreader. She is passionate about writing, particularly in the fantasy genre, and enjoys crocheting, reading, drawing, and playing the guitar, banjo, piano, and ukulele. Her favorite book is Paradise Lost by John Milton.

Emma Gavazzi

Poetry Editor

Hi, I’m Emma Gavazzi! I’m a sophomore English major with a Philosophy, Law, and Politics minor, and I’m from Weedville, PA. On campus, I’m a co-captain of the club tennis team, the president of the Freshman Leadership Program, a senator for the class of 2026, a Bona Buddies coordinator, the secretary of College Democrats, a member of the mock trial team, and an editor for The Laurel; I also work in the Writing Lab. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and playing pickleball. Go Bonas!!!!

Rylie Heffernan

Photography/Art Editor

Rylie is a sophomore Psychology student, she is from Port Chester, NY. She loves art and nature, she enjoys campus life and is part of psychology club, criminology club, tennis club alongside with editor for the laurel. She is excited to be contributing to the editing and photography portion of the club.

Noella Policastro

Social Media Editor

Noella is a sophomore from Hinsdale NY, and she is majoring in Criminology and minoring in Cybersecurity at St. Bonaventure University. Aside from The Laurel, Noella is a part of Criminology club, Psychology club, Her Campus, and works at the library. In her free time, Noella enjoys playing basketball, videogaming, and going to the gym. She loves all things sports and has a passion for working out and staying active. She loves writing fiction stories in her free time and loves to read psychological fiction and mystery books. She is excited to be an editor and writer for The Laurel and hopes to contribute to the social media aspects and fiction writing parts of the club.

Alicia Maxwell

Fiction Editor

Alicia Maxwell is a senior studying for her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Despite attending school upstate New York, she lives in New York City. Alongside The Laurel, she is a part of Econ Club, Empower, and has been a Resident Director for nearly three years. In her free time, she loves to paint, window shop houses, and create Pinterest boards. Currently reading: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.

Abigail Taber

Poetry Editor

My name is Abigail Taber, and I am a freshman at St. Bonaventure. I am a double major in English and Literary Publishing and Editing. Beyond The Laurel, I write for Her Campus, volunteer for the SBU Food Pantry, and can be found most days in the quiet section of the library. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies.

Micky Carneiro

Fiction Editor

Micky Carneiro is a junior English major from Mansfield, MA, and is involved with SPECTRUM and SBU theater production. Micky’s hobbies include writing, with a focus in fiction and fantasy, and crocheting. Micky’s favorite song is “Heroes” by David Bowie and favorite book is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Brooke Johnpier

Assistant Editor

Brooke Johnpier is a freshman Sports Media major and a Native American and Indigenous Studies minor. She is involved with Her Campus, The Bona Venture, TAPinto Greater Olean, WSBU, History Club, College Democrats, and Faith in Fiction. Her hobbies include writing, reading, working on cars, going to the local racetrack, riding in tractor trailers, and riding four-wheelers.

Tyler Everett