On Thursday evening The Spectrum’s editorial board elected Mylien Lai as the next editor-in-chief for the 2026-2027 academic year.
“I’m grateful to be able to leave the paper to Mylien. She’s shown so much hard work and dedication, I know she truly loves this thing and will do what it takes to make it thrive.” Current editor-in-chief Izabella Ducato said, “She’s seen all the angles, she’s familiar with the editorial and business side, she’s definitely a very qualified individual.”
Lai, the junior biochemistry major, has been writing for The Spectrum since the second week of her freshman year and currently serves as the senior news editor. Lai will bring a thorough understanding of The Spectrum to her new role as editor-in-chief, having previously served as a writer and editor for the arts and news desks.
“Her work ethic makes those around her want to be better, an effect she has had on me and one I know she will spread to her staff next year,” Ricardo Castillo, the paper's editor-in-chief from 2024-2025 wrote in a text message to the Spectrum.
“I love that Mylien cares about the fundamental goal of journalism and that is to get to the truth, it's not the only thing we do but it's the most important thing we do and I love that she cares about it as much as she does,” said Bruce Andriatch, The Spectrum’s faculty advisor and managing editor for The Buffalo News where Lai interned over the summer.
When she transitions into the role next year, Lai wants to focus on expanding the paper and its avenues for recruiting new writers. The Spectrum currently gets the majority of its staff writers from ENG 394 “Campus Reporting,” where students' main task of the semester is to contribute articles and ideas for each week's issue. Lai also wants to redesign the syllabus of the course to better prepare students for future careers and opportunities in journalism.
“Mylien helped me with my first article when I came my freshman year and since then, I knew that she was destined to be editor-in-chief at some point,” wrote managing editor Amy Aracena. “No one deserves it more than her, and I know she’ll do great in her new position. I’m very happy to work alongside her for the next year and learn from the best.”
Another point of emphasis of Lai’s campaign was social media presence. Lai recognizes how powerful social media and short form content can be in our digital age, and plans to expand the scope of the publications social media content.
“I'm excited to see how she's gonna integrate social media more with the editors so that there is a more collaborative feel to the office,” said newsletter and digital layout designer Emma Anders.
“I'm still in shock and awe that I'm editor-in-chief,” said Lai. “When I first joined The Spectrum, I never thought that I would be an editor, especially a senior news editor and especially an editor in chief. But I found a home here and I'm so happy that I can give this newspaper what it gave to me.”
Ciah Courtney is the senior sports editor and can be reached at ciah.courtney@ubspectrum.com
