Who we are
The Appellate is an independent undergraduate journal founded by seven students (and friends) in Philadelphia with a shared vision: to create an inclusive, rigorous, and intellectually curious space for emerging voices in scholarship. Rooted in our experiences as students who saw the need for more accessible and creative platforms for academic expression, we launched The Appellate to empower our peers to publish work that explores, questions, and contributes to the evolving discourse around law and public policy.
Our journal accepts submissions from undergraduate students of all academic disciplines and institutions, recognizing that law and policy are not confined to legal studies or political science alone. Whether a student is writing from the perspective of criminology, philosophy, environmental science, economics, media studies, health policy, or any other field that intersects with systems of governance, regulation, and justice, we welcome their voice. Our commitment is to amplify interdisciplinary, cross-campus collaboration that reflects the real-world complexity of legal and policy challenges.
The name The Appellate draws inspiration from the appellate court system, which exists to review and interpret decisions made at lower levels. In a similar spirit, our journal provides students with the opportunity to seek thoughtful peer review and critique of their written work, whether originally crafted for a class assignment, a research project, or an independent endeavor. Like appellate courts, we believe in the value of re-examining, refining, and deepening understanding through critical review and reflection.
At its core, The Appellate is not simply about publishing polished essays. It is about the process of growth, of learning to write with clarity, confidence, and scholarly rigor. We aim to foster a supportive, feedback-driven editorial environment where students can submit drafts, receive constructive editorial notes, revise meaningfully, and ultimately see their work published and celebrated. Through this iterative process, contributors sharpen their skills not only as writers, but as thinkers and scholars.
We proudly operate independently, without departmental sponsorship, allowing us to remain nimble, student-driven, and focused on the evolving interests of our community. Our team is dedicated to upholding high editorial standards while maintaining accessibility for first-time contributors and students without formal research experience.
The Appellate stands as a living testament to what student initiative, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity can create. We believe that all students, regardless of their background, major, or career goals, deserve a platform where their ideas are taken seriously and their efforts are recognized.
If you are a student with something to say about the systems shaping our world, we invite you to submit your work, join our community, and help build the next generation of interdisciplinary scholarship.
Meet the Team
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Taylor Simononis
Founding Co-Editor in Chief
Taylor, a senior at Drexel University from the greater Philadelphia area, currently serves as Editor-in-Chief and staff writer for The Appellate Journal of Law and Policy. She is pursuing a triple major in Criminology & Justice Studies, Law, and Communications & Journalism, and plans to begin law school in the Fall of 2026. With strong interests in civil litigation, complex business litigation, and constitutional law, Taylor is especially drawn to the intersection of legal systems, public discourse, and power structures.
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Anna Cham
Founding Co-Editor in Chief
Anna, originally from Silver Spring MD, is a senior at Drexel University currently serving on the Executive Board for The Appellate. With two majors, two minors and a language certificate, she values interdisciplinary learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She has an interest in Art Law and Environmental and Social Governance (ESG). Anna has been immersed in Social Science research since her freshman year and has won multiple Environmental Policy research grants and fellowships. She enjoys watching Sci-fi movies and thrifting in her free time.
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Riya Mehra
Founding Co-Managing Editor
Riya, originally from Marlboro, NJ, is a senior at Drexel University currently serving on the Executive Board for The Appellate. As a political science major with minors in Criminal Justice and War & Society, she holds immense interest in criminal legislation and justice reform practices within correctional institutions. Alongside her passion for criminal law, she is also interested in International Relations, Foreign policy, and Civil Conflicts. Riya currently serves as the President of the Drexel Criminal Justice Society and the Drexel Criminal Justice Honors Society, while working as a Research Assistant under Dr. Meg Guliford, PhD.
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Nayanika Guru
Founding Co-Managing Editor
Nayanika, originally from Downingtown, PA, is a senior at Drexel University currently serving as Co-Managing Editor of The Appellate. With a major in Law and minors in Business Administration and Health Services Administration, she holds a keen interest in the intersection of these areas—particularly in matters of compliance. Additionally, she recently did her co-op at HIAS Pennsylvania, which has sparked an interest in exploring the ever-changing landscape of immigration law and policy. Nayanika is also an avid museum lover and singer, currently serving as the co-musical director of the a cappella team, Drexel Dhvani, in which she arranges mashups of South Asian and Western music to perform at competitions and local community events.
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Brendan Smith
Founding Publishing Editor
Brendan, a junior at Drexel University, is serving on the Executive Board of The Appellate. He is from Wilmington, DE, majoring in both English and Law. He holds a high interest in environmental policy, human rights, law and philosophy, and legal history. His writing experience has contributed to several literary magazines and journals, and he’s shown a deep commitment to research and accuracy. Brendan hopes his writing can lead to reform in the legal system and bring awareness of recent developments affecting youth.
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Erin Ford
Brand Strategist & Co-Founder
Erin is a senior Graphic Design major and User Experience Design minor at Drexel University. As a designer, Erin seeks to create thoughtful and human-centered visual experiences that blend creativity with functionality. She serves as the Graphic Designer for The Appellate, Drexel’s independent law journal, where she developed the publication’s visual identity and brand design. Erin is also the Graphic Designer for the Drexel Dance Ensemble, combining her passion for movement and visual storytelling through design. Outside of her academic and professional work, she enjoys drawing, hiking, and performing as a member of the Drexel Dance Ensemble.
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Ebube Wobo
Web Developer & Co-Founder
Ebube, originally from the Bronx, is a senior at Drexel University studying Computing & Security Technology with a minor in Photography. She co-leads a creative leadership research project, mentors youth in coding and media at the YMCA’s Teen Tech Center, and serves on the College of Computing & Informatics’ Culture and Community Council. Beyond academics, she enjoys cooking and creating fashion and media content.
