Editor in Chief

Iliana Banu is a third-year student at the University of Iowa majoring in English on the publishing track with a minor in Dance. Outside of Wilder Things, she loves reading fantasy novels, writing dramatic poetry, and volunteering at the animal shelter to ease how much she misses her dogs while she's away from home. She is from Chicago, Illinois.

Production Director Assistant

Elizabeth Shiffer is a second-year major in English and Creative Writing on the publishing track. They love anything to do with horror, or anything that's just plain weird. Their hobbies include the usual reading and writing, along with roller skating and tabletop roleplaying games.

Marketing Team

Kristen is a second-year student majoring in Psychology. She is a lifelong reader and loves all things literature, specifically stories that involve moral dilemmas. In her free time Kristen loves to listen to history podcasts, spend time in nature and write her own stories. Kristen is so elated to join the magazine and deepen her involvement in the literary world.

Writing Copy Editor

Mia is a third-year student double majoring in English and Political Science on the publishing and law tracks. She is from Chicago, Illinois, and loves reading fantasy, horror, and books about mythology. In her free time, she can be found working out at the gym or hanging with her friends.

Writing Workshop Editor

Kara is a second-year student at the University of Iowa, double-majoring in English and Creative Writing on the publishing track and Music. When she isn’t reading or watching Game of Thrones, she’s usually drinking copious amounts of coffee or online shopping. Her favorite genres include fantasy (specifically political fantasy) and historical fiction.

Writing Workshop Editor

Ansley Tonkovic is a sophomore at the University of Iowa and a first year at Wilder Things. Her favorite genre of story is anything gothic, and she personally loves writing poetry. Her favorite book currently is Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and she’s super excited to be part of the Wilder Things team!!!

Editor in Chief Assistant

Caitlin Heidgerken is a third year student double majoring in English and Creative Writing and Ancient Civilization. Between obsessing over Greek tragedies and missing the ocean, she indulges her passions for boba, books, and writing.

Marketing Director

Ava Steiner is a third-year double major in English and Creative Writing and Screenwriting. When she isn’t chasing plot bunnies or watching campy movies, she can be found shopping for vintage clothes or playing an indie visual novel.

Web & Design Team

Writing Copy Editor

Emily Vitosh is a sophomore from Nebraska. She is an English and creative writing major. Her favorite hobbies are reading, writing, rewatching her favorite tv shows.

Writing Workshop Editor

Rhianna is a third year student double-majoring in Creative Writing and Theatre. When she isn't writing comedy plays, she can be found reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, playing cozy games on her Switch, crocheting, and binging cooking shows.

Production Director

Janani is a third-year English & Creative Writing and Journalism & Mass Communications double major. She’s from Champaign, Illinois, and loves reading science fiction and horror. In her free time, she enjoys binging shows on Netflix, playing tabletop roleplaying games, and finding new restaurants to try out in Iowa City.

Marketing Team

Ethan Andrew is a transgender man who is currently studying creative writing at the University of Iowa. He currently lives in Las Vegas, but has previously lived in Namibia, North Macedonia, and the suburbs of Washington D.C. Most of his spare time is spent writing, or thinking about writing while on Pinterest.

Web & Design Team

Isabella is a second year student double majoring in Art (BFA pathway in painting) and English & Creative Writing (Publishing track) with a minor in Art History. She grew up in Georgia and can almost always be found reading or painting. Isabella enjoys exploring all kinds of speculative works, but loves reading dystopian and science fiction best.

Writing Copy Editor

Cadey Richman is a second year student majoring in English and Creative Writing, with a minor in Cinema and a certificate in Museum Studies. She comes from Durant, Iowa, and is a lifelong fan of speculative fiction. Besides writing her own short stories, Cadey’s interests include going to museums, watching horror movies, and listening to history podcasts.

Writing Workshop Editor

Giselle is a second year English and Creative Writing student on the publishing track at the University of Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, crocheting, and playing guitar. You might find her in a cozy coffee shop or wandering aimlessly in a book store.