UndergroundOH is a student-produced website, made successful by the collaboration of journalism students, digital sciences students and guidance from professors. These students created content, traveled to historic locations, made interactive material and coded multiple pages within a 15-week semester. Below, you will find biographies of everyone who participated.

Xavier Adams

Senior digital science major with a minor in computer information systems from Columbus, OH. His role consisted of web development as part of the Front-End Development team, and creation of interactive maps. In his free time, Xavier enjoys reading, watching Netflix, and snowboarding.

Andrew Atkins

Senior journalism major from Rome, OH. He wrote and reported for the John Brown page, assembled a history of John Brown for an interactive map, provided voiceovers and edited pages. At Kent State, he worked as a resident assistant in the honors community, web editor for the Burr Magazine, and campus editor for the Kent Stater. After graduating in August in 2018, he will move to Florida to work as a reporter.

Jordyn Austin

First-year graduate student majoring in reporting and editing with a concentration in convergence. Her role consisted of profiles on the Key Players and African Americans on the Underground Railroad pages as well as contribution of audio clips. Jordyn also acted as design project manager overseeing the site aesthetics. Jordyn’s activities include being an assistant in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication with plans to graduate with an M.A. in May 2019.

Alfred Cheadle

Senior digital science major with a concentration in digital systems interactions from Washington, D.C. His role consisted of web programming. Alfred enjoys developing UI and producing music in his free time. He plans to graduate in May 2018.

Dakota Darrin

Senior digital science major with a concentration in software development from Orwell, OH. His role consisted of the creation of the 88 County River Map, as well as John Rankin and John Parker footage. Dakota plans to pursue a career as a software engineer in the future.

Tara Dover

Senior journalism major from Mars, PA. Her role consisted of usability testing, coding, editing and design of web content. She works multiple jobs, at Kent State and off-campus. Tara plans to graduate in May 2018.

Sarah Grages

Senior English major from New Philadelphia, OH. Her role consisted of contributing content about John Rankin and African Americans on the Underground Railroad, as well as editing. She enjoys reading, writing, and has worked as an editor for Kent State’s Brainchild Magazine. Sarah plans to graduate in May 2018 with additional plans to spend time traveling.

Danielle Healy

Senior fashion merchandising major with a double minor in fashion media and visual journalism from Ridgway, PA. Her role consisted of Project Manger of the Content Team, contributions of content for John Rankin, John Parker, and the Ohio River County Map. She has acted as merchandise coordinator for Kent State Fashion School’s annual fashion show. Danielle plans to move to New York City after graduation to pursue a career in fashion writing or marketing.

Quinn Kacirek

Senior digital science major with a minor in fine art. Her role consisted of Back-End Project Manager, and contribution of illustrations. Quinn has been an active member of Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority and has volunteered for the Red Cross Club and Knitting for Those in Need. She has been active with the Education Committee and is the 2018 Sunshine Chair. Quinn works on campus as an administrator for Dining Services' Finance Department.

Emma Keating

Junior journalism major and political science minor from Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Her role was various to content. She has been active with the Kent Stater, TV2, and Cleveland Magazine. In the future Emma plans to pursue journalism in Washington, D.C. She hopes to use her career as a journalist to “give a voice to the voiceless.”

Jack Kenyon

Senior digital science major from Hudson, OH. His role consisted of implementation and organization of Github. He also contributed to the Front-End Development team doing coding and ensuring website functionality and hosting.

Anthony King

Digital science major from Erie, PA. His role consisted of coding and creation of the story map for the John Brown page. Anthony enjoys playing games, fencing, and sculpting masks in his free time. Anthony plans to pursue a career in digital sciences in his hometown following graduation.

Nicholas Kloss

Senior digital science major with a concentration in digital systems interactions from Hermitage, PA. His role consisted of Front-End Development Team Project Manager, leading UI/UX, John Rankin and John Parker timeline creation, and development of Key Players and Churches web pages. He enjoys playing drums, guitar, and doing artwork in his free time. Nicholas plans to graduate in May 2018 and pursue a career as a product designer.

Adrian Leuthauser

Senior magazine journalism major from East Aurora, NY. His role consisted of photography and video editing for John Brown and content for the Ripley, OH section. Adrian enjoys photography and writing in his free time. He plans to graduate in May 2018 and pursue a career in journalism.

Jonathan Natola

Junior digital science major from Vermilion, OH. His role consisted of Levi Coffin timeline creation, usability testing, design, and development of Staff and Churches web pages. He is active in the Vocal Intensity acapella group in his free time and acts as a resident assistant at Kent State. Jonathan plans to graduate in May 2019.

Michael Neid

Magazine journalism major from Northfield, OH. His role consisted of graphic design assistance and usability testing. He has been active as a graduate assistant for Jan Leach, and assisted with organizing the 2016 and 2017 Poynter KSU Media Ethics Workshop. Michael plans to graduate in December 2018 and pursue a career as an entertainment journalist focusing on popular music.

Andrew Robinson

Senior digital science major with a concentration in software development. His role consisted of assisting with file and data organization and creation of the Ohio River County map. He enjoys competitive online video games and hiking in Ohio State Parks in his free time.

Hallie Saculla

Magazine journalism and fashion media major from Poland, OH. Her role consisted of contribution of content for Oberlin, OH and Key Players profiles. She has been active as editor-in-chief of A Magazine, Kent State's fashion, beauty and culture publication. Hallie plans to pursue a career in fashion media after graduating in May 2018.

Lydia Taylor

Lydia Taylor

Senior multimedia journalism major from Howard, OH. Her role consisted of contributing to video and interactive content. She has been active as a news intern for NPR affiliate WKSU 89.7 and as editor-in-chief of The Kent Stater. Lydia plans to attend graduate school at Kent State in the Fall 2018 for a master’s degree in journalism.

Jacob Thompson

Jacob Thompson

Senior journalism major with a focus in broadcast from Salem, OH. His role consisted of voice work for Levi Coffin page, video content for John Brown interactive map and creation of Staff page. He has been active as producer and sports reporter / anchor for TV2 at Kent State and as brother of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Jacob plans to graduate in spring 2018 and pursue a career as a TV sports reporter.

Alissa Woodward

Alyssa Woodward

Senior advertising major and marketing minor from Rayland, OH. Her role consisted of research for Levi Coffin and Churches. She enjoys copywriting, photography and being a cat mom. Alissa plans to graduate in August 2018 and pursue a career in advertising copywriting.