Lonyae started working as a Research and Reporting Intern for The Des in August 2022. She is a senior at Texas Christian University, pursuing a degree in Journalism with a minor in Writing. 

Before joining The Des, Lonyae worked as a reporting fellow at the Fort Worth Report in Fort Worth, Texas. She also worked as a Page Designer, Associate Editor and Editor of The Skiff, the student newspaper at Texas Christian University. Along with that she also was a Line Editor, helping reporters develop content that met publication standards and worked with Image Magazine.

Lonyae’s interest in journalism and writing began when she took her first high school journalism class her sophomore year.  She started off with broadcasting but eventually found the love for writing and working on the newspaper staff her junior and senior year of high school. Her other interest outside of journalism is enjoying her time with family and friends,  reading, painting, visiting museums and traveling. At The Des she is most excited for working with new staff, expanding her storytelling skills in her writing as well as expanding her knowledge in the criminal justice system.