The Team
The Garden of Ideas Staff
Read to get to know our team for the 2025-2026 year!
Zhenya Shapiro
POSITION: EDITOR IN CHIEF
Majors: Philosophy, Psychology
Bio: Hi! My name is Zhenya (she/her) and I’m the editor at The Garden of Ideas. I am a junior double-majoring in Philosophy and Psychology. I am particularly interested in Kantian metaphysics and epistemology, continental and French existentialism, as well as feminist philosophy. Outside of philosophy, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and going to coffee shops. My favorite philosopher is Kant… for now.
Ilwad Mahamoud
POSITION: CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
Majors: Philosophy, Political Science
Bio: Hello, my name is Ilwad (she/her). I am majoring in political science and philosophy. I’m interested in moral ethics, feminist political philosophy, and metaphysics but in moderation! I enjoy crocheting, reading, and watching movies on my free time!
Joey Lieng
POSITION: EDITOR
Major: Informatics, Philosophy
Bio: Hello all, my name is Joey (any pronouns). I am currently majoring in Informatics and Philosophy. I’m interested in ethics of technology and philosophy of technology. You can often find me at a cafe, making jewelry, or journaling outside of school. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy a good, brined pickle.
Abby Yi
POSITION: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Majors: Philosophy, LSJ
Bio: Hi! My name is Abby (she/her) and I am a sophomore. I’m double-majoring in Philosophy and LSJ. I’m interested in Ethics and how it relates to justice and the law. Outside of Philosophy, I enjoy trying new foods, traveling, and going to concerts.
Ayla Miller
POSITION: EDITOR
Majors: Philosophy
Bio: Hi! My name is Ayla (she/her) and I’m a philosophy major! I am interested in existentialism, aesthetics, legal philosophy, and philosophy of combat sports. Outside of philosophy, I love weightlifting, reading literature, and cooking! My favorite philosopher is Kirkegaard!
Shelby Mallard
POSITION: EDITOR
Majors: Philosophy and Political Science
Bio: Hi! I am Shelby. I’m a third year and I am so excited to be an editor this year! This fall quarter I am in Denmark studying Kierkegaard and when I am not in the library I am often hiking, doing a cold plunge, or reading a good book. I am most interested in environmental and medical ethics.
Fevet Fayze Ibrahim
POSITION: Editor
Major: Philosophy, Neuroscience, & Biochemistry
Bio: Fevet is a 4th year majoring in philosophy, neuroscience, and biochemistry. She is interested in philosophy of science and medical ethics. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring nature or hanging out with friends in the city.
Sunny Tian
POSITION: PRINT DESIGNER
Majors: Informatics
Bio: This is my first year at the Garden of Ideas. I am also a designer for Muse, which is a magazine publication at UW. I’m interested in learning more about the philosophy of math. My other interests include fonts, collecting CDs, and going to fancy grocery stores.
PAST EDITORS
Ainsley Davis | Jason Cappelloni | Molly Banks | Nate Pedersen | Rylan Garwood | Harrison Fitch | Ben Hauge | Wendi Zhou |
PAST EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Andrew Shaw (2024-2026) | Rhea Shinde (2023-2024) | Braeden Giaconi (2021-2023)