Our Authors
Olga Schmidt
Editor-in-Chief, Writer
Olga Schmidt is Chief Editor of ALLATRA Media and a contributing author. A healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience, she brings a practical, evidence-based perspective to the publication’s editorial work and reporting. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science at Eastern University, expanding her expertise in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. She has also completed professional training in climate journalism through the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at The University of Texas at Austin and the Global Investigative Journalism Network. As Chief Editor, Olga contributes to ALLATRA Media’s editorial direction and standards while reporting on healthcare, artificial intelligence, data science, emerging technologies, and climate.
Anastasiya Pashigreva
Contributing Writer
Anastasiya Pashigreva, Ph.D., is a U.S.-based chemist, science communicator, whose work links industrial innovation with environmental responsibility. She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2009 and has since worked at the University of Oxford, the Technical University of Munich, DuPont, and Bayer, developing advanced technologies in both academic and industrial settings. As ALLATRA Global Research Center expert she focuses on how micro- and nanoplastics interact with biological and environmental systems. She is also interested in the complex processes driving climate and environmental change, in geodynamic processes and the mechanisms behind natural hazards, and in scientific approaches that support cleaner, more sustainable technologies. For ALLATRA Media, Anastasiya writes expert articles and analysis on chemistry, sustainable technologies, industrial innovation, micro- and nanoplastics, environmental health, climate processes, geodynamic change, and natural hazards.
Andreja Jezernik
Editorial Coordinator, Writer
Andreja Jezernik holds a PhD in Literary Studies from the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana. She works as an editor and copy editor for fiction and popular science literature, including youth atlases, and as a proofreader for a science web magazine focused on neuroscience. Her work with neuroscience content has deepened her interest in the human mind and the scientific study of the brain. Her editorial career has brought her into close contact with research and writing across many scientific disciplines, fostering a lasting curiosity about both the natural world and the human mind. Alongside her interest in neuroscience, Andreja is fascinated by archaeology and anthropology, particularly the study of human origins and past societies. She is equally drawn to environmental topics, following how scientific research shapes our understanding of the changing planet. For the past seven years, Andreja has studied environmental issues and contributed to raising public awareness through reporting, with a particular focus on micro- and nanoplastic pollution. She finds particular value in the challenge of making science accessible and understandable to a general audience. Andreja covers archaeology, anthropology, neuroscience, and the environment for ALLATRA Media.
Anna Kotlyar
Writer
Anna Kotlyar is an environmental researcher and data analyst. She earned a Specialist Degree in Geology and Geography from Southern Federal University in 2006, specializing in geoecology. Her interest in Earth sciences began long before her study, inspired by her father’s work in geological exploration and his stories of field expeditions, as well as by an early fascination with minerals and the natural world. Anna also earned a qualification in gemology from the Israel Diamond Exchange, where she later worked. Her professional path further expanded into data analysis, including work in medical technology and infection prevention and control. Her research focuses on micro- and nanoplastic pollution: how these particles enter natural systems, move through soil, freshwater, and oceans, and ultimately affect ecosystems and human health. Drawing on Anna’s experience across environmental science, data analysis, and medical technology, she is particularly interested in the connections between environmental contamination and human exposure. This interest also extends to how soil health, water quality, and environmental contamination affect agriculture and food systems. Anna’s background in geology, geography, and geoecology also provides a strong foundation for her interest in natural hazards and the Earth processes that shape them. Through her science communication work, she makes these complex and rapidly evolving topics accessible to broader audiences. For ALLATRA Media, Anna covers micro- and nanoplastics, Earth sciences, oceans, agriculture, natural disasters, and environmental health.
Anna Werner
Writer
Anna Werner earned a bachelor's degree in History and English from the Faculty of Humanities at Horlivka Institute for Foreign Languages. During her studies, Anna developed a strong interest in archaeology and anthropology. She is especially drawn to the study of past societies, cultural development, and the ways people have understood and adapted to the natural world. Through her writing, Anna explores how archaeological discoveries and anthropological research can offer new perspectives on human history and experience. Her longstanding interest in climate and environmental issues has also developed into a focused study of natural hazards and their effects on communities and ecosystems. For the past five years, Anna has monitored and collected information on natural disasters and extreme weather events, with particular attention to reporting these events accurately and within their broader scientific context. For ALLATRA Media, Anna covers archaeology, anthropology and natural disasters.
Diana Brinker
Writer
Diana Brinker holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Kentucky. She is an engineering and project management professional with experience in manufacturing, facilities engineering, automation, robotics, infrastructure planning, and continuous improvement in high-volume industrial environments. Her background in physics and hands-on engineering has shaped her interest in how emerging technologies move from research into real-world applications. She follows advances in manufacturing, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure, with a particular focus on the physics behind complex engineering challenges. Her curiosity also extends to astrophysics, the solar system, and space missions, with a particular interest in the engineering that makes scientific discovery and space exploration possible. Diana is also committed to STEM education and community outreach. Through her work connecting industry with students and future engineers, she strives to make complex topics in physics and technology accessible to broader audiences. For ALLATRA Media, Diana covers physics, space, robotics, and energy.
Gabriela Szalayová
Writer
Gabriela Szalayova, M.D., earned her medical degree from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Vermont, where she also participated in basic science research in the immunology and pathology department. She began her career in general surgery and traumatology, working at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and later at Danbury Hospital within Western Connecticut Health Network. Alongside caring for patients, she pursued research related to immunology and breast cancer, contributing to scientific publications and presentations. Her transition to primary care broadened her perspective from treating individual conditions to understanding health across the lifespan. Working with patients facing a wide range of health concerns has strengthened her interest not only in medicine itself, but in the biological processes that shape human health and disease: from cellular and molecular mechanisms to genetics and the nervous system. Gabriela is particularly drawn to the challenge of translating complex medical and scientific knowledge into information that is accurate, engaging, and accessible beyond the scientific community. At ALLATRA Media, she covers Medicine, Neuroscience, Genetics, Biology, Chemistry, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health.
Igor Danilov
Writer
Igor Danilov is an interdisciplinary science writer and analyst with extensive professional experience in medicine. His work examines research across fields including climate and Earth sciences, physics, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, space science, and complex biological systems. His medical background and years of work focused on restoring biological function have shaped his interest in the fundamental processes connecting living systems, the planet, and the wider physical world. Alongside his professional experience, Igor Danilov has pursued continuing education in journalism through a program offered by the Michigan State University School of Journalism; in climate journalism, interpreting scientific information, countering disinformation, and digital methods for investigating and verifying information by completing a program from the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at the University of Texas at Austin; and in the philosophy of science through a program provided by the University of Pennsylvania. His training has also included science communication, with a focus on evaluating research and communicating scientific information clearly, accurately, and objectively. Igor Danilov analyzes scientific research and emerging discoveries, bringing together findings from different disciplines to examine their broader significance and the connections between them. For ALLATRA Media, Igor Danilov writes on climate, physics, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, space and Earth sciences, biological systems, and other areas of scientific inquiry.
John Ahn
Contributing Writer
John Ahn, Ph.D., MBA, is a chemical engineer, technology entrepreneur, and science communicator. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and MBA from INSEAD. He also serves as Chief Scientist and Chair of the ALLATRA Global Research Center, where his work focuses on interdisciplinary research into environmental risks, geodynamic processes, and the effects of micro- and nanoplastics. Throughout his career, John has worked at the intersection of scientific research and practical innovation, transforming early-stage discoveries into scalable technologies. He has launched startups, built strategic partnerships, and led the commercialization of advances across biotechnology, agriculture, chemicals, materials science, and energy. Drawing on this experience, John examines complex scientific questions across disciplinary boundaries, considering both the underlying evidence and its broader technological, environmental, and societal implications. For ALLATRA Media, John writes articles and analysis on chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, energy, environmental health, micro- and nanoplastics, geodynamics, and natural hazards.
Kate Albrekht
Writer
Kate Albrekht is a writer and reporter with over seven years of experience covering climate and natural hazards. Her work in volunteer journalism includes on-the-ground reporting, interviews with scientists and experts, and stories documenting the experiences of people affected by natural disasters. Kate also attends and covers conferences and exhibitions focused on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery, deepening her understanding of these fields. For ALLATRA Media, Kate reports on natural disasters and extreme weather events.
Kristopher R. Jeffay
Writer
Kristopher R. Jeffay works at the intersection of language and climate science, focusing on how complex scientific information can be communicated clearly, accurately, and responsibly to the public. Drawing on his background in applied linguistics and years of experience as an English educator, he approaches climate reporting with particular attention to balanced presentation and careful assessment of risks and impacts. His work centers on translating technical findings into accessible reporting while preserving their scientific meaning. He is particularly interested in the communication of natural hazards, extreme weather, and climate research. That same commitment to clear scientific communication extends to space science, a field Kristopher has followed with longstanding interest. He keeps up with developments in astronomy, observatories, and space exploration, with a particular focus on space missions and the new instruments, observations, and discoveries that continue to expand our understanding of the universe. For ALLATRA Media, Kristopher reports on natural disasters and space science.
Lynette Sanchez
Writer
Lynette Sanchez is an entrepreneur and business owner. For the past nine years, she has studied climate-related risks and natural disasters, with particular attention to their wide-reaching effects on communities and everyday lives. She is committed to raising public awareness of these issues and shares information through livestreams and video content, helping broader audiences better understand the human impact of major events. This work reflects a perspective she expresses simply: “When one is affected, we all are.” Lynette also has a strong interest in artificial intelligence and closely follows developments in the field, exploring how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping industries, communication, and society. For ALLATRA Media, Lynette reports news on artificial intelligence and technology, climate, and natural disasters.
Marco Hermoza
Writer
Marco Hermoza is a New York-based writer focused on climate and natural hazards. His interest in these topics began after his home flooded in 2020, prompting him to explore how extreme events develop and how people can better prepare for them. This personal experience shaped his belief in the importance of clear, accessible information about these risks. Since 2022, he has been studying climate change, extreme weather, natural hazards, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and community resilience. He has also participated in volunteer projects and community events focused on raising public awareness of these topics. Marco is particularly interested in covering how extreme events affect communities and how information about them reaches the public. For ALLATRA Media, Marco reports on natural disasters and extreme weather events.
Narine Grigoryan
Writer
Narine Grigoryan is currently studying Communication Studies and Political Science at California State University, Northridge. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Teaching and an associate degree in Communication Studies. Her academic background has shaped her interest in public communication, education, civic engagement, human rights, and the role of information in fostering positive social change. For nearly eight years, Narine has studied environmental and climate issues, closely following scientific findings and their implications for people and communities. In recent years, she has expanded her focus to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with particular interest in how these developments are influencing communication, education, public life, and society. Narine brings extensive experience in civil society and community engagement, having participated in numerous meetings, forums, and public discussions. As a multilingual educator who speaks four languages, has lived in Armenia, Russia, and Germany, and is now based in California, USA, she brings a broad intercultural perspective to her work and communicates complex subjects to different audiences. For ALLATRA Media, Narine reports news on AI and technology, the environment, and natural disasters.
Oli Kotyk
Managing Editor, Writer
Oli Kotyk is a New York-based technology expert and product leader with a decade of experience turning complex business challenges into scalable technical systems. She holds a master’s degree in Computer and Intelligent Systems and Networks from Odesa National University of Technology. Her technical background informs her work at the intersection of data, systems, and human behavior. Driven by a longstanding interest in how software, data, and human decisions interact, Oli has led cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle, from strategy and design to implementation and growth. Her work has shaped her interest in how computational thinking and emerging technologies can help people understand and address complex real-world problems. That same curiosity extends to physics, a field that first captured her attention at university through a professor whose ability to present the subject with clarity and depth left a lasting impression. Since then, Oli has continued to study physics and follow new research in the field. For the past six years, Oli has studied climate change and environmental risks, with a particular focus on climate resilience and micro- and nanoplastic pollution. She has completed professional training in climate science, mitigation, adaptation, community resilience, and science communication through the Cornell Climate Stewards Program. In New York, Oli organizes community events and speaks publicly on climate and environmental issues, connecting scientific evidence with public engagement and local action. For ALLATRA Media, Oli writes about mathematics, computation, emerging technology, climate science, climate resilience, and environment. She also reports on developments in physics.
Steven Kasten
Writer
For the past five years, Steven Kasten has researched health, pollution, and climate. This led him to examine the broader factors that influence individual and public health, including micro- and nanoplastic pollution, ocean health, and changes in the climate. Today, his research focuses on the connections among these fields and their wider significance for society. Raising public awareness of scientific research and discoveries related to climate and environmental issues is central to Steven’s work. He brings these subjects to broader audiences through blog writing, community events, conferences, and podcasts. As an entrepreneur, martial arts instructor, and community educator, he brings a practical, multidisciplinary perspective to science communication. For ALLATRA Media, Steven reports on research into micro- and nanoplastics, as well as news in ocean science, medicine and health, Earth sciences, and the environment.
Valeria Smian
Writer
Valeria Smian is a science communicator and journalist dedicated to making research and discovery accessible to the public. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theatrical arts, with a qualification in theatrical management, from the Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Karyi University of Theatre, Cinema and Television. She has also completed the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization at the University of Colorado Boulder, strengthening her ability to present complex subjects clearly and engage different audiences. Her commitment to popularizing science began with interviewing scientists and bringing their knowledge to wider audiences. Since 2018, Valeria has closely followed research and events related to science, space, and the environment. Her firsthand observations of the scale of ocean pollution in different parts of the world deepened her commitment to environmental issues and led her to organize roundtables and conferences, report on ecological topics, and engage more closely with researchers. Today, Valeria regularly interviews scientists, helping them share their research and connecting the public with the ideas shaping our understanding of the world. These conversations also inform her feature articles, which introduce readers to the people behind scientific advances and explore the work, ideas, and experiences that have shaped their careers. For ALLATRA Media, Valeria reports news on science, space, and the environment and writes feature articles about scientists and their work.
Victor Kuklin
Writer
Victor Kuklin is a revenue cycle strategist at an orthopedic medical center, where he works with insurance carriers and legal offices, prepares appeals, and helps patients navigate the complexities of healthcare coverage. He holds a master’s degree in teaching English as a foreign language from the Institute of International Relations. Drawing on his professional experience in healthcare, Victor studies medical and scientific research, with a particular focus on the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the human body. He has delivered public presentations on microplastic exposure, translating complex clinical findings into clear and accessible information for broader audiences. Beyond medical and environmental research, Victor has maintained a lifelong interest in space. His early interest in astronomy developed into a sustained study of cosmology, planetary science, and space exploration. He closely follows new discoveries that deepen our understanding of the origins and evolution of the universe, viewing each finding as another step toward answering fundamental questions about the cosmos, our planet, and humanity’s place within it. For ALLATRA Media, Victor covers space science and reports news on health, micro- and nanoplastics, and oceans.
Wilkens Etienne
Writer
Wilkens Etienne is an IT professional with extensive experience in technology management, endpoint solutions, and systems infrastructure. Alongside his work in IT, Wilkens writes as an independent journalist and blogger, covering global developments and exploring how technology can contribute to societal progress. His work in IT has given him a front-row view of how quickly the technology landscape shifts, and that vantage point feeds directly into his writing. Wilkens follows developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning closely, particularly their practical applications in business and everyday life, and is interested in how automation and emerging computing technologies are changing the way people work. He also has a strong interest in mathematics and follows new research and discoveries in the field, particularly where mathematical ideas intersect with computing, technology, and real-world problem-solving. Through his journalism, he aims to make sense of these shifts for readers who aren't necessarily technical themselves, connecting new developments back to their broader impact on society. For ALLATRA Media, Wilkens covers LLMs, machine learning, computing, robotics, cybersecurity and reports news on developments in mathematics.