About The Catalyst Magazine

Catalyst (noun): An agent that sparks significant change.

At The Catalyst, we strive to live up to our name—serving as a Washington DC based student-run magazine that empowers the voices of tomorrow’s scientists, innovators, and critical thinkers. Through engaging content rooted in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we aim to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change emanating outwards from the Capital of United States.

Our Story

The Catalyst emerged from a simple idea shared by a handful of students who believed in the transformative power of STEM. Like many grassroots projects, our initial stages were defined by limited funding and juggling tight academic schedules. Despite those challenges, our enthusiasm and teamwork helped turn a budding concept into the thriving platform we have today.

Over time, more contributors joined our efforts, sharing a commitment to highlight the possibilities within STEM and to cultivate a welcoming environment for students at every level of their journey. We remain grateful for the encouragement of our readers, whose feedback and support drive us to continually improve and grow.

As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to exploring new ideas, sharing inspiring stories, and fostering collaborations that unite STEM students across the D.C. area and beyond. We invite you to explore our content, join the discussion, and be part of a community devoted to igniting change—one idea at a time.

Our Commitment

At The Catalyst Magazine, we are committed to delivering accurate, objective, and insightful content. Our editorial process emphasizes rigorous fact-checking and peer review, ensuring reliability and credibility. We draw on reputable academic sources and conduct expert interviews to provide well-rounded perspectives.

Our mission is to inform and engage our audience with clarity and integrity, fostering trust through transparency and accountability in all we publish.

Meet The Team

Yair Ben-Dor

Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Website Developer

Yair is a George Washington University student majoring in biology and chemistry, and he also brings extensive experience in website design and coding to The Catalyst Magazine. In addition to guiding the magazine’s editorial vision, he designed and developed the publication’s website and newsletter. Yair collaborates closely with fellow contributors to highlight STEM research throughout Washington, D.C., and hopes to foster greater engagement between academic discoveries and the broader community.

Aidan Schurr

Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief

Aidan is a Biomedical Engineering student and Presidential Scholar at The George Washington University, focusing on sustainable innovation, healthcare, and environmental research. As a co-founder of The Catalyst Magazine, he spearheads collaborative efforts between professors, Ph.D. candidates, and student researchers. Aidan also writes editorials and features on topics spanning engineering, healthcare, neuroscience, and renewable energy solutions.

Lori Preci

Co-Founder, Senior Writer

Lori co-founded The Catalyst Magazine and serves as both a managing editor and one of its senior writers. She is a George Washington University student with hands-on experience in molecular biology and chemistry research. Lori’s articles delve into emerging scientific discoveries, while her editorial oversight helps maintain the publication’s high standard of scientific integrity.

Naama Ben-Dor

Managing Editor, Senior Writer, Media Specialist

Naama is the creative spark behind The Catalyst Magazine. A Georgetown University student, she handles interviews, digital content, and outreach, all while writing some of the magazine’s most unexpected and entertaining pieces. From deep dives into environmental policy to playful explorations of strange science terms, her work adds humor, personality, and a refreshing twist to every topic she touches.

Stephanie Solomon

Managing Editor, Fact Checker

Stephanie is a Georgetown University student with a strong background in journalism, policy, and editorial work. At The Catalyst Magazine, she ensures every piece meets high standards for accuracy and clarity, drawing on her experience in investigative writing, political communications, and media strategy. Her sharp editorial eye keeps the magazine grounded in both integrity and impact.

Alex Carter

Writer

Alex is a George Washington University student whose work explores the genetic basis of evolution and adaptation. At The Catalyst Magazine, he covers topics like gene regulation and butterfly coloration, drawing from his research in GWU’s Martin Lab. Alex excels at making complex genetics approachable and engaging for a broad audience.

Rachel Lee

Photographer, Media Specialist

Rachel is a sophomore at George Washington University majoring in Communications and Business, after initially exploring a Biology track. She brings her love of STEM to The Catalyst Magazine through visual storytelling, using photography to illuminate each article’s key insights and engage readers at a deeper level. Balancing an eye for artistic design with a strong grounding in science, Rachel captures vibrant moments that underscore the magazine’s mission to spark curiosity and creativity in the STEM community.