Hello! My name is Sierra Auman, and I am currently a third-year Penn State student studying English, with a Creative Writing Concentration. My position for KLIO 2025 is the Editor-in-Chief. I have published work in Klio 2023 (“Keep Holding On”), (“Smoke and Fire”) and KLIO 2024 (“Bears”, “Dromonium”), and published work in Folio 2023 (“Project Keilo-Space”). I worked on the Folio 2023 and Folio 2024 as part of the Fiction Committee, and the Kalliope 2024 fiction committee.My passion for literature stems from my desire to someday be a published author of my own. A silly little hobby that started in high school has grown into one of the most important parts of my life as a whole. What I’m looking for in literature is something that makes me feel. I want to read stories that tug on my heartstrings, whether it be in a positive light or a negative light. When a reader feels something, it draws them closer to the media they consume. My drive as a writer and as a reader is to find that spark that draws me or my readers in.

LJ Thompson is one of the fiction co-coordinators for this year’s edition of KLIO. She’s a third-year English major, minoring in Linguistics. She is an avid fan of space opera novels, and her favorite authors are Becky Chambers, Andy Weir, and Colson Whitehead. Outside of class, you can find her steadily working towards her Goodreads Reading Challenge goal, watching Dallas Stars hockey or Formula 1, or listening to NADDPod. She’s excited to be working with KLIO this year, and can’t wait to see what Penn State writers have to offer!

Mkenna Grace Gerard is a sophomore at Penn State University, pursuing a major in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in English. She is also on track to complete the Smeal Business Fundamentals Certification, giving her a well-rounded foundation in both the creative and business aspects of her future career. With a deep love for all things creative and design, Mkenna has always been captivated by the intersection of visual aesthetics and impactful messaging. Her passion extends beyond the realm of art and communication; she is a strong advocate for size inclusivity in the fashion industry. Her ultimate goal is to launch her own size-inclusive company, creating a space where fashion, creativity, and empowerment collide to foster a more inclusive and diverse world. Within KILO, Mkenna holds the position of social media chair, getting the opportunity to create graphics, and run all the social accounts such as Instagram, and TikTok.

Jacklyn Pekala is a third-year English major currently in her third year at The Pennsylvania State University. Her writing career has taken her from tabletop gaming forums to editorial work and currently, the film coordinator position for PSU’s Klio literary magazine. While usually permanently occupied between her own writing projects and special interests, she makes time to put cryptic text amid her author biography.

Maggie Alderisio is a first-year student double majoring in Journalism and English from Delmar, New York. An avid fan of creative writing, she is the Creative Non-Fiction Coordinator for Klio’s ninth edition and is so excited to be a part of the team. Outside of Klio, Maggie is also a writer for Onward State, Her Campus @ PSU, and is a member of Phi Sigma Sigma. She hopes to one day be a writer/reporter and live in New York City. In her free time, she enjoys writing (of course), traveling, skiing, going to PSU sporting events and concerts, and spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.

Isabelle Ems is a third-year Political Science major with an English Minor in the Schreyer Honors College. She is serving as the University Park Initiatives & Outreach Coordinator for the Spring 2025 edition of the Klio publication. Passionate about political journalism, student engagement, and advocacy, Isabelle hopes to gain valuable knowledge about about how to communicate policies and progress to a wider audience through this experience. Along with her studies, Isabelle is President of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council, Executive Director of the State of State, a member of Lion Ambassadors, an outreach committee member in Lion Caucus, and a Paterno Fellow. This upcoming summer, she will be a government affairs intern for Hilton in Washington, D.C.!