Editor-in-Chief: Eleanor (Ellie) Goldstein
Ellie Goldstein is a senior from Denver, Colorado, double-majoring in Business Administration and Political Science with a minor in Sustainability Studies. She has been a member of the Carolina Political Review since her freshman year and has served as a Staff Writer, Opinion Desk Editor, Managing Editor, and will serve as the Editor-in-Chief this year. Ellie is deeply passionate about writing, reading the news, and the intersection between economics and geopolitical affairs. She hopes to lead the Carolina Political Review becomes a lead outlet for bipartisan political information. Outside of the CPR, Ellie is involved with many business and law organizations on campus and enjoys running marathons, skiing, and hiking.
Managing Editor: Andrew Aslakson
Andrew Aslakson is a junior from Waxhaw, North Carolina, double-majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. He previously served as Opinion Editor before stepping into his current role as Managing Editor. At UNC, he competes on the Moot Court team and writes for the Undergraduate Law Review. His political engagement spans local, state, and national levels, including work in the North Carolina State Senate, a term as Vice President of the North Carolina Teen Democrats, and a role as National Communications Director for the High Schoolers 4 Harris Campaign. He has also been recognized as an Emerging Advocate Scholar by the ACLU. In his free time, Andrew plays piano, collects vinyl, and enjoys reading non-fiction and running. This fall, he will study at the University of Oxford, St. Edmund’s College.
Managing Editor: Aakanksha Sinha
Aakanksha is from just outside San Francisco, California currently double-majoring in Political Science and Media & Journalism with a concentration in Political Communications. She joined the Carolina Political Review as a Staff Writer her freshman year, focusing primarily on writing long-form analyses about national policy and international affairs. Last year, she was the Political Review’s Global Desk Editor, and is looking forward to serving as a Managing Editor this year. When she’s not editing articles, Aakanksha spends quite a bit of time on honing her photography and videography skills, running, and singing karaoke with friends.
Local Section Editor:
Holden Ray
Holden Ray is a sophomore from Hillsborough, North Carolina, double-majoring in History and Political Science. A member of the Carolina Political Review since his freshman year, he serves as a Staff Writer and Local Section Editor. Holden is dedicated to expanding the CPR’s reach, delivering timely political analysis, and producing well-researched pieces. His primary academic interests include political history, electoral dynamics, and international relations. Outside of his studies and writing, he enjoys reading, supporting the Tar Heels, and weightlifting.
National Section Editor: Elise Chang
Elise is a sophomore from Chapel Hill with majors in Public Policy and History with a minor in French. She joined CPR as a Staff Writer immediately upon arriving on campus in 2024. Elise is passionate about engaging young people of all backgrounds in political discourse. Outside of CPR, Elise is a menstrual equity advocate, a public policy development researcher, and an active campaign volunteer. If she's not writing or canvassing, Elise enjoys reading, playing the piano, and being with friends (preferably outdoors).
Global Section Editor: Jacob Dokulil
Jacob Dokulil is a junior from Raleigh, North Carolina, double majoring in Political Science and Contemporary European Studies, with a minor in History. Having joined the Carolina Political Review in his freshman year, he primarily wrote about politics within Western and Central Europe. This summer, Jacob participated in research in the Czech Republic as a Burch Fellow, observing how democratic symbolism has evolved in the country. Outside of CPR, Jacob enjoys reading, sitting out on the quad, and jogging around campus.
Digital Editor:
Mia Penn
Mia is a sophomore from Minneapolis, Minnesota, double majoring in Economics and Global Studies with a minor in Chinese. She is particularly interested in global trade and development and is passionate about cross-cultural communication. Drawn to the power of media to raise awareness and drive institutional change, Mia joined Carolina Political Review to learn more about global issues, explore diverse ideas, and contribute to thoughtful dialogue. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, yoga, photography, and other creative pursuits.