Maryam Ahmed

Maryam is a third-year journalism student at UT Austin minoring in Middle Eastern studies. Having worked for The Daily Texan and The Austin American-Statesman, she has written and edited all kinds of news and feature stories. In her editing, Maryam prioritizes preserving each writer's unique voice while still strengthening the quality of the writing. When she's not reporting or in class, Maryam is a juggler, henna artist and avid reader!

Emily DeMotte

Emily is a junior journalism major with a minor in law, justice and society from Plano. She is currently the projects editor for The Daily Texan, where she has previously worked as a news and life & arts reporter. She is also a senior producer for The Drag Audio and most enjoys reporting on feature, long-form and investigative-style stories. When she's not busy with work or school, Emily loves to rewatch her favorite shows, go thrift shopping and eat out with friends. 

Grace Hurley

Grace is a junior journalism major with a creative writing certificate. She was the Eats writer for BurntXOrange Magazine in her freshman and sophomore years, covering West Campus’ food scene and culture. Recently, she interned for Edible Austin Magazine as its creative development intern, covering restaurant openings and local culinary events. Her dream job is in food journalism, whether a restaurant editor or a food writer with a unique niche. She also serves as vice president of Alpha Omega Campus Ministry. When Grace isn’t working or studying, she enjoys coffee shop hopping, spending too much money on matcha lattes, trying new restaurants with friends and endlessly editing one of her seven unpublished fiction novels.

Emily Quigley

Emily Quigley (she/her) is excited for the opportunity to help students as the associate director of the Moody Writing Support Program.
Emily worked for 19 years at the Austin American-Statesman in various roles, including copy editor, assistant news editor and assistant features editor. She has a passion for words and for collaborating with writers to sharpen their skills.
Since coming to the Moody College of Communication in 2019, Emily has taught the beginning newswriting course, Reporting Words, in the School of Journalism and Media, and she helped launch the Curriculum for Ethical Leadership in News. She also teaches a copy editing class at St. Edward’s University and edits Texas Connect, the staff and faculty magazine of the University of Texas.
When Emily isn’t editing or trying to persuade her sons to use proper grammar in texts, she enjoys reading, cooking, listening to podcasts and trying to incorporate Halloween decorations in her home year-round.

Ava Saunders

Ava is a journalism and government junior. She is the current editor-in-chief for The Daily Texan. She has worked at the Texan for two years in the opinion and copy departments, covering student issues and Texas politics. Additionally, Ava is a contributor to Austin on Stage Magazine, a student-run country music magazine. She previously worked for The Female Maverick Marketing Agency, working as a copyeditor and social media intern. She is also a member of Texas Kappa Delta. Outside of journalism, Ava enjoys sci-fi novels, cooking for her friends and spending all her money on concert tickets.