This magazine has a growing audience and a community of talented writers and researchers, coming together to produce articles on all the genre which touch our human lives. Each Department has an Editor, with Several Columnists writing under their own subject specialism. Meet the team below.
We are also seeking Video correspondents around the World for our Youtube Channel, for further information & guidance visit this page.
Karl Houghton
Founder / Executive Editor
Founder of the Houghton & Mackay organisation. Having spent his younger years practicing for the stage, Trained as a Japanese interpreter and mentor, developed as a public speaker and began working with a host of people from the expressive industries. An avant-garde cognitive scientist, devoting time to the world of human expression and helping others learn and master all they do.
Janine S. White
Culture Editor
With an education in sociological and psychological inquiry, Janine looks for answers to many of life’s questions on a daily basis. Janine’s career has allowed her extensive time working with people from all walks of life in supportive, practical and therapeutic ways, allowing her the theoretical and practical knowledge to explore new ways of thinking.
See Janine’s articles here & Media Page
Annabel Barker
Literature Columnist
I have been interested in writing and literature for as long as I can remember, with a particular focus on themes and messages within the written word. I am currently working towards a BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing) with the Open University.
See Annabel’s articles here
iasmina voinea
Culture Columnist
As the only Romanian studying Modern with Contemporary Writing at UEA, I have always hovered between different worlds and languages, with writing as the only way to bridge the gap between them. I am therefore endlessly fascinated by all cultures and look to explore this interest in future essays, articles, and stories.
See Iasmina’s articles here & her Media Page
nigel tate
Political editor: UK & The Americas
An aspiring writer, who has received his Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations. Here to provide a creative outlook into Politics, in order to create awareness and engage people in political concepts.
See Nigel’s articles here
cherry irvine
Arts Columnist
Having recently completed a Master’s degree in Art History from The Courtauld Institute of Art, I am keen to share my passion for the arts through this publication. My articles seek to engage the reader in discussions surrounding museums, exhibitions, and artists, encouraging them to question art and its role in society. I believe art has the power to provide us with new perspectives and my writing aims to explore such ideas.
See Cherry’s articles here
Leyla resuli
Arts Columnist
Leyla is a Creative Writing graduate whose heart has belonged to writing from a young age. Through her degree she delved into many different forms and found a love for prose, theatre, video game writing, and poetry. She is fascinated by stories and the ability of the arts to touch and affect our lives.
See Leyla’s articles here
jasmine chan
Arts Columnist
I am a BA Fine art and Illustration student who is looking for placements, as well as experience in the art industry. In the past, I have collaborated with artists, along with some experience with invigilating for an exhibition. I paint and draw in an abstract style and have interest in abstract expressionism and gestural art. Recently, I have begun to explore making and editing videos.
To me, art is something that is inclusive and can be translated into a variety of media. Art transcends barriers and is understood in many ways. I aim to discuss about the arts industry and how the world influences art.
See Alex’s articles Here & her Media Page
FRANCESCA VINE
Arts Columnist
Francesca Vine is an art historian and new graduate with a BA in History of Art from The Courtauld Institute of Art, London. Her passion for art was ignited on childhood trips to Italy and Paris and my current research interests include women artists and cross-cultural links within renaissance Europe.
See Francesca’s articles Here & Media Page
anna alford
Culture Columnist
Anna is a curious-minded individual looking to pursue her zeal for writing. Currently a neuroscience student in Bristol, she has a strong fascination for all things science. Her intrigue means her interests are not limited to science, and she is keen to explore its crossover with other topics such as culture and education in her articles.
See Anna’s articles Here
chiara castro
Political Editor: Europe & Asia
Chiara is an Italian writer based in Bristol. Her love for literature was the base upon she developed a great fascination for the use of words and their combinations. An aspiring journalist, who is about to start a Master’s degree in International Journalism at Cardiff University. She is here to share her perceptions of the world about politics, international current affairs and geopolitical matters.
See Chiara’s articles here
mandy wan
Literature Columnist
Currently pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Glasgow, Mandy is dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the human psyche. Her curiosity stems from what she considers to be one of the purest expressions of emotion: literature. In turn, she aims to explore the underlying narratives of human behaviour portrayed in books throughout the ages, be it fiction or non-fiction, in her writing.
See Mandy’s articles Here
STEPHEN HINDS DAY
Culture Columnist
Stephen’s enjoyment in creating non-fictional pieces inspired by academic knowledge and philosophical enquiry began after he finished university. He also has a long history with creative writing during A levels, and it is the combination of those two ironically contrasting factors that brings his writing to life. Stephen’s style of writing has been a process of alteration and mutation, spanning over the last 6 years or so.
See Stephen’s articles Here
mathilda heller
Culture Columnist
I am currently studying for a degree in Spanish and English Literature at Exeter University. I have extensive experience working as an English Tutor, editor and proof-reader. I have read since I was tiny, and nothing brings me more joy than literature, which is what I will explore in my articles. I have two main passions: poetry (especially the work of Sylvia Plath) and literature in translation.
See Mathilda’s articles Here
ben kourakis
Literature Columnist
Though currently on a gap year, Ben is hoping to eventually go to university to study an English BA and thereafter possibly pursue a career in writing of any sort. Eager to discuss real-life topics and ideas gathered from reading novels, poems and nonfiction by authors such as Albert Camus and George Orwell amongst a large variety of others.
See Ben’s articles Here
grace toovey
Culture Columnist
I am a recent Law graduate as well as being a teacher of English to speakers of foreign languages. I have an avid curiosity towards the world around me and endeavour to understand different cultures, languages and ways of thinking. I facilitate this through my passion for reading, politics, writing, and most specifically, music. As someone who has played musical instruments since childhood who has always had at least some fascination with music, I believe that it can be an accessible window into everyday life, emotions, and varying human experiences the world over which I love to explore.
See Grace’s articles Here
Caomhe Clements
Arts Columnist
While at University, Caoimhe found herself sinking into the world of writing. For her it became a form of expressionism. She is a Professional Photographer, who speaks of Climate Change and Mental Wellbeing with an inspiring passion. You will probably find her in an art gallery, drinking coffee and planning her next project.
See Caoimhe’s articles Here
matthew parkes
Politics Columnist
Having just finished a Master’s Degree in Assyriology from the University of Cambridge, Matthew now hopes to satisfy his insatiable curiosity by pursuing a career in journalism. He is looking to build on his experience as a reporter at Pi Media, Varsity and the Newark Advertiser and write about the defining themes of our time.
See Matthew’s articles Here
Hal Fish
Music Columnist
After a decade in New Zealand (where he completed his BA in English), Hal returned to England to complete both his MA in Sports Journalism and NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Yet music has always been a great obsession for Hal. He hopes this comes across in his work here.
See Hal’s articles Here
grace carroll
Literature Columnist
Grace believes literature to be the most important way in which we understand each other, and is particularly interested in the ancient classics, women’s writing and black American literature.
See Grace’s articles Here
Jasmine Edge
Literature Columnist
Jasmine has a general love of literature, but in particular an interest in how readers relate to both classic and contemporary texts in the present day. She is an aspiring journalist who is looking for experience before starting a joint honour in Journalism, Media and English Literature.
See Jasmine’s articles Here
hannah lingard
Political Columnist
After finishing school, Hannah spent a year living in Honduras. It left her wondering what drives global inequality and with a curiosity to explore the world. As a result, she studied International Development at King’s College London. She is currently studying a Masters in International Journalism at Cardiff University.
See Hannah’s articles Here
Kaz Bosali
Political Columnist
Law graduate and writer who embraces multimedia to captivate readers through compelling storytelling. I’m a freelance content creator for SME’s and outside of my first love of writing, I’m either quizzing (where my general knowledge is getting better and impressing people on the odd occasion) or I’m at the gym.
See Kaz’s articles Here
gabrielle jones
Political Columnist
Gabrielle has recently completed a Bachelors degree in Politics and International Relations and will be starting an MA in European Philosophy in September 2021. Her particular interests lie in feminist politics and philosophy, US politics, and the EU. Most of all, Gabrielle enjoys finding the personal in the political, and hopes this is elucidated in the writing.
See Gabrielle’s articles Here
megan rees
Literature Columnist
As an MA English Literature graduate, Megan is fascinated by different ways of perceiving and understanding the world, and how this can be portrayed in writing. An inherently-creative and inquisitive writer, she often finds herself typing away on her laptop at early hours in the morning, and jotting down ideas and insights on her iPhone or random scraps of paper whilst out and about.
See Megan’s articles Here & Media Page
ellen karakosta
Literature Columnist
A Sociology graduate and aspiring author, Ellen has a boundless enthusiasm for all things cultural and literary. Her greatest enjoyment is writing about all the strange ideas in her head. Some of her enduring passions include women’s history, 19th century gothic fiction and comparative mythology.
See Ellen’s articles Here
mike s. alexander
Music Columnist
Michael has worked in music and fringe theatre production for approximately 5 years, collaborating with performers from differing backgrounds with a multitude of approaches to musical performance and performance art. New to The Mackayan team, Michael endeavours to use his professional background along with extensive research to entertain and educate readers with his articles.
See Mike’s articles Here
jade perez
Literature Columnist
With an MA in English and Comparative Literature, Jade enjoys exploring the intersectionality of politics, theory and culture within creative mediums. Her main interests include Modernism, Early Modern Renaissance and Contemporary World Literature. She often enjoys finding parallels between each, to help in understanding the people and affairs of today.
See Jade’s articles Here
Michaela Hall
Culture Columnist
Michaela is a Fine Art graduate, visual artist and writer based in the North East of England. Her interests are in the role of art and the creative industries in everyday life and the socio-politics of the twenty first century, seeking to engage all in these conversations.
See Michala’s articles Here
New JOURNALIST?
Video Journalists sought
Further team members are being sought to participate in our Media Channel and submitting video articles about events, rallies, museum walks, interviews and many more. Please email for further information: info@themackayan.com
Samuel the Dog
The most important person on the team…by far.
This individual helps the Boss lose weight, by sneaking off with all the buiscuits.
