Meet Our Team​

The Bermuda Journal brings together people from diverse academic backgrounds, united by a commitment to rigorous research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Kyaida Lanthier

Co-Chief Editor

As Co-Chief Editor of the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Kyaida Lanthier is passionate about fostering knowledge creation in Bermuda and recognizing the valuable research already being conducted by local scholars. With a strong academic background in Clinical Psychology, Kyaida co-founded BJAR after noticing a gap in Bermuda’s academic space—there was no prominent local journal dedicated to publishing research. Her goal is to provide a platform where Bermudian scholarship can thrive and be accessible to the wider community.

Ywione Darrell

Co-Chief Editor

As Co-Chief Editor of the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Ywione Darrell is committed to fostering a platform that highlights Bermudian scholarship and makes academic research accessible to a wider audience. With a strong academic interest in Development Economics, Ywione believes that publicizing Bermudian academic works can positively impact domestic policy making. By encouraging a culture of learning and inquiry, he hopes to contribute to an island where education and self-discovery are central to growth and progress.

Ayana Lomas

Procurement Editor

As a Procurement Editor at the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Ayana Lomas is passionate about fostering academic development and creating opportunities for interdisciplinary talent. She joined BJAR to contribute to Bermuda’s academic community by helping build an inclusive platform that amplifies emerging researchers and diverse perspectives. Academically, Ayana has a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience and social cognitive development, particularly how people think, behave, and process information. She enjoys exploring decision-making processes and the factors that shape human interactions. Professionally, she is drawn to business management, with a focus on operational strategy and workplace optimization. She is especially interested in leveraging psychological insights to enhance employee experiences and improve organizational efficiency.

Sofia Cristina Smith

Outreach and Partnerships Manager

As Outreach and Partnerships Manager of the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Sofia Cristina Smith is passionate about expanding access to academic thought, cultural dialogue, and multidisciplinary knowledge in Bermuda. With a background in fine art and art history, Sofia’s research interests explore the links between aesthetic appeal, erotic attraction, and confrontation, as well as the ways institutions shape and communicate social and cultural identity. Having spent her later high school years outside of Bermuda, Sofia felt empowered to pursue an academic path beyond the traditional fields often encouraged locally, such as international business, insurance, and finance. This experience strengthened her belief that young Bermudians should see academia as a viable and valuable career path. Through her role with BJAR, Sofia hopes to contribute to a platform that promotes research, supports intellectual exchange, and helps cement academia as an important part of Bermuda’s cultural and professional future.

Darien Williams

Website Developer

As the Website Developer for the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Darien Williams plays a key role in creating an accessible and engaging digital platform for researchers and academics to share their work. With a strong interest in business and marketing, Darien was drawn to BJAR because of its potential to be a valuable resource for Bermuda. He sees the journal as a way to help researchers and scholars expand their knowledge across disciplines while providing a space to showcase local academic work.

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Lara Backeberg

Graphic Designer

As the Graphic Designer at the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Lara Backeberg is responsible for bringing the journal’s visual identity to life and ensuring that the design elements reflect the intellectual rigor and creative spirit of the research published. With a passion for architecture and design, Lara joined BJAR because she wanted to contribute to a platform that highlights and supports Bermudian research. She believes it’s important to inspire both students and the broader community by showcasing local research and giving Bermudians an opportunity to engage with academic work.

Maxine Somers

Journal Designer

As Journal Designer of the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Maxine Somers is passionate about scientific communication, scientific visualization, and strengthening the way academic work is visually presented to the public. With an interest in making complex research more accessible and engaging, Maxine is focused on using design as a tool to communicate ideas clearly, professionally, and creatively. Her work with BJAR supports the development of a strong visual identity that highlights Bermudian academia and helps showcase the academic accomplishments of Bermudians to a broader audience. Maxine was inspired to join BJAR because of the opportunity to help build a platform where Bermuda’s research, scholarship, and intellectual contributions can be displayed with clarity and impact. Through her role, she hopes to contribute to a publication that not only shares knowledge, but also elevates how Bermudian academia is seen, understood, and valued.

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Taj Lowery

Privacy & Ownership Rights Coordinator

As the Privacy & Ownership Rights Coordinator at the Bermuda Journal of Academic Research (BJAR), Taj Lowry is responsible for ensuring that intellectual property and authors’ rights are properly managed and protected. With a strong academic and professional interest in compliance, regulation, and risk management, Taj saw BJAR as an opportunity to gain experience in an area that aligns with his career goals. Plus, as he puts it, “I live in Bermuda, so there’s nothing to do” – making this initiative a meaningful way to stay engaged while contributing to an important academic platform.

Join the BJAR Team

We are currently accepting applications for executive team positions and temporary editors for our next edition (May 2026–February 2027). Whether you are an experienced academic or an emerging scholar, we welcome your contribution to Bermuda’s growing research community.

Roles available: Journal Designer • Temporary Editor

Apply Now →
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
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