The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
Sophia Balunek

Sophia Balunek, Photo Editor

(She/her)

Sophia Balunek is a sophomore majoring in geography with a minor in wildlife biology. She got her start at the Cynic as a staff photographer before becoming photo editor. She has previously worked as a horse show action photographer. In her free time she enjoys birding, wildlife photography and travel.

Email [email protected] if you'd like to get in touch with Sophia.

All content by Sophia Balunek
A senior of ours, Tyler Nachilly, took this photo for our recent feature on CATS bus drivers.

A letter of appreciation to Cynic photographers

Sophia Balunek, Photo Editor
May 4, 2023
Senior Grace Yaros, president of UVM’s Audubon chapter, leading the club’s weekly bird walks to Centennial Woods March 25.

Exploring birding culture at UVM

Sophia Balunek, Photo Editor
April 11, 2023
Marsalis referenced the Cynic’s archives on the racist Kake Walk tradition at UVM that ended in 1969 in his book. He also referenced a Sept. 6, 2010 Cynic article to show the racialized narratives that continue today.

[Photo] Reckoning with our past: A conversation with author and UVM alum Simeon Marsalis

April 6, 2023
A forced triple in Wright Hall March 8.

[Photo] “100% there are discrepancies between campuses:” Students express mixed feelings over UVM housing

March 23, 2023
Photo Illustration: An RA at the front desk of Living/Learning March 9. Residential Life announced additional responsibilities for RAs beginning fall 2023, which has led to some pushback by students in the role.

[Photo] RAs, ResLife at odds over job duties 

April 6, 2023
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Students participating in BSU’s Fashion Show practice their catwalk, as well as spacing, timing and moves during the dress rehearsal in Living/Learning Feb. 19.

[Photo] “Living in Color:” UVM’s Black Student Union takes to the runway

March 3, 2023
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[Photo] Cynic Fit Check: What the new editors are wearing

March 1, 2023
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Photo of the week

Photo of the week

Sophia Balunek, Photo Editor
February 20, 2023
Danny LeFrancois of Burlington-based Danny & the Parts performing at WRUV during their “Exposure” show Feb. 8.

[Photo] WRUV “Exposure”: Danny & The Parts

February 15, 2023
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Photo Illustration: Faculty at the University are considering problems and opportunities of new artificial intelligence writing and coding tools including ChatGPT.

[Photo] AI writing tools garner concern about academic integrity, education from faculty

February 8, 2023
UVM Ski and Snowboard Club hosted “Pipe Dreams” Jan. 27, drawing a large and energetic crowd.

[Photo] UVM SSC’s “Pipe Dreams:” Behind the scenes

February 2, 2023
A fire truck and ambulance outside the Davis Center Jan. 27. The Burlington Fire Department and UVM Rescue will respond to any medical calls on campus.

[Photo] More fire trucks on campus in 2022 indicates return to pre-COVID numbers, chief says

January 30, 2023
A selected shot from a recent boudoir photo shoot for the Sex Issue.

Photo of the week

Sophia Balunek, Staff Photographer
December 4, 2022
Photo Illustration: Dining workers are now allowed to unionize without interference from Sodexo, the corporation that handles UVM’s food services.

[Photo] UVM Dining workers get neutrality agreement as unionization efforts begin

December 2, 2022
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[Photo] Cynic Fit Check: What editors are wearing

October 31, 2022
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The Mosaic Center for Students of Color Oct. 9. Alianza Latinx holds their meetings in the MCSC, which is located in L/L E-140.

[Photo] Latine students celebrate culture in Alianza Latinx

October 13, 2022
CommunityFest through the lens

CommunityFest through the lens

Sophia Balunek, Mary McLellan, and Ava Roos
October 7, 2022
First-year Alisson Fernández and senior Naomi Laver learn salsa dancing at UVM Salsa’s practice in Mann Hall Gym Sept. 30.

[Photo] UVM Salsa Team offers a supportive community for all dancers

October 6, 2022
Hille’s denim jacket with a flannel interior is from her father, who wore it when he was a teenager.

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Lorelai Gilmore inspires Hille’s bootcut jeans, Dr. Martens and red tank top.

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Black and red are a powerful color combination for Hille.

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Many pieces of Hille’s jewelry are staples from her mother and grandmother which hold sentimental value.

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One of Hille’s favorite fits is the Canadian tuxedo, a casual name for denim-on-denim.

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Sophomore Ashna Hille wears a “rock star”-level outfit for a Fit Check Sept. 19.

[Photo] Cynic Fit Check: Ashna Hille

October 5, 2022
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The Soda Plant building on Pine Street in the South End of Burlington Sept. 18. The building hosts many studios and shops that participate in Art Hop, including Brio Coffeeworks, ALKAME CO, The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery and many more.

[Photo] 30 years of Art Hop: UVM students and locals alike celebrate art and innovation

September 19, 2022
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SpringFest opener Annie Dirusso kicks beach balls back into the crowd.

Through the lens: the return of SpringFest

Sophia Balunek, Photo Editor
April 27, 2022
Dancers rehearse for the Illuminate, the Senior Dance Capstone Showcase in Cohen Hall April 24.

[Photo] Dance seniors collaborate for capstone performance

April 28, 2022
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Students attend the Psychedelic Science Club meeting April 14. The club meets every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Jeffords Hall 127.

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Psychedelic Science Club president Henry Schaer, a senior, poses in front of sophomore co-presidents Micah Bernat and Zach Grinspoon (left to right).

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Psychedelic Science club co-president Micah Bernat, a sophomore, president Henry Schaer, a senior, and co-president Zach Grinspoon, a sophomore (left to right) pose before a club meeting April 14.

[Photo] Psychedelic club educates UVM students

April 18, 2022
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[Photo] Staff Union contract remains in negotiation

April 11, 2022
A triple dorm in Davis Hall on Redstone campus.

[Photo] UVM predicts uptick in dorm triples

April 7, 2022
Equity Chair Emma Fox, a senior, Marketing Executive Lauren Drasher, a senior, President Emily Howard, a senior, Vice President Marielle Clerc, a senior, and Secretary of Communication Marguerite Jouët, a sophomore (Left to right) in Kalkin Hall March 25.

[Photo] Student-run club supports women in business school

March 30, 2022
Senator Jonah Cote, a sophomore, looks over their notes between speakers.

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SGA senator asks a question during a meeting in the Livak Ballroom March 22.

[Photo] What is SGA working on?

March 30, 2022
A senator takes notes during the March 22 SGA meeting.

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A member of Staff United stands on the Waterman Building steps, holding up a sign reading, “Not good enough!” March 16.

[Photo] Staff union protests for livable wages upon receiving administrative response to proposal

March 21, 2022
Nursing students on their way home after a lab in the Given medical building Feb. 25.

[Photo] Nursing enrollment sees slight increase

March 2, 2022
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[Photo] Hundreds protest sexual violence at UVM on Admitted Students Visit Day

February 21, 2022
A student talks to another student with a computer screen stating, “If you have any questions about what is going on, ASK ME!” during the Feb. 18 protest.

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