Meet the Staff

Administrative Staff:

Dr. Carolyn Wisniewski, Director (she/her)

As an administrator, teacher, and scholar, I’m committed to the learning that takes place during the one-to-one teaching of writing. Before joining the Workshop as its Director in 2015, I worked in four university writing centers, an athletic tutoring center, and a non-profit community literacy center. I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses in persuasive writing, public writing, writing research methods, composition theory and pedagogy, and writing center theory, research, and practice. My recent research focuses on two areas: (1) response to student writing and (2) modes of writing center tutorials.  My work examining how language ideologies affect TAs’ and tutors’ values and practices for responding to student writing has appeared in publications like Research in the Teaching of English and Journal of Response to Writing. My co-authored research (with a team of writing center consultants) comparing face-to-face and synchronous online tutorials has appeared in The Writing Center Journal, and I have begun a follow-up study comparing experiences across in-person, live online, and asynchronous online tutorial modes (currently under review). Language(s): English

Kim S., Office Support Specialist (she/her)

I am here to welcome you to the Writers Workshop! I am available to answer questions, help schedule appointments, and direct you to resources to help you with your writing. If there’s something you want to know more about, I will find the answer!

I work for the Center for Writing Studies and the Writers Workshop providing marketing and management support as they help the entire campus with various writing-related needs. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management (with a minor in Entrepreneurship) from Eastern Illinois University, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Land College. I’ve held previous positions in banking, retail, and even a haunted house (despite this, I still move through them as quickly as possible!).

I have little free time due to my many roles as mom, wife, home manager, and parishioner. When I do have time to relax, I find myself catching up on my ever-growing YouTube “Watch Later” list or pursuing creative outlets including writing, reading, graphic design, and organizing spaces in my home. Language(s): English

Megan Cole, Associate Director (she/her)

I have been teaching and working with student writers here at UIUC for 9 years, first as a PhD student in the Literature program and now as a Lecturer in the English Department. I especially enjoy helping writers discover their unique voice, experiment with different genres, and develop writing habits and values. My literature research focuses on gender and sexuality in eighteenth-century British literature, and I have also been a part of research projects studying composition courses and library instructional resources here at UIUC. When not talking about writing and reading, I enjoy watching sports, working jigsaw puzzles, and planning my next big travel adventure. Language(s): English

Azlan S., Assistant Director (they/them)

Alyssa M., Office Assistant (she/her)

Hi! I’m a junior majoring in English with a double minor in Creative Writing and Medieval Studies. When I’m not at the Writers Workshop or in class, I usually can be found getting coffee from one of the two hundred places that sell it here on campus. Most of that is followed by me wishing I had gone to Dunkin’ instead. I like re-watching my favorite movies, reading outside, and taking long car rides. Language(s): English, Spanish

Josie H., Office Assistant (she/her)

Hello everyone! My name is Josie and I am a sophomore studying architecture. When I am not spending my time working on projects in the studio, I like to hang out on the quad or spend times with my friends. Some of my hobbies are painting and doing different DIY projects. Language(s): English

Maddie N., Office Assistant (she/her)

Hi! My name is Maddie and I’m a freshman majoring in history. I’m excited to be granted the opportunity to interact with the UIUC community and help students navigate the Workshop through this position. In my free time I enjoy obsessively watching Law and Order, going on long walks, and reading a good book. I’m looking forward to providing assistance to the patrons of the Workshop this semester! Language(s): English

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Consultants: 

AJ R. (he/him) Sociology

Hello! I am a PhD Candidate in Sociology and I focus on Gender and Women’s Studies from a social sciences perspective. Structure is one of my writing strengths. I prefer tutoring for non-fiction, research paper writing in English. For Spanish writing, I am capable of tutoring for both creative/fiction and non-fiction research genres. I have been leading discussion sections for two years at the 100-200 level with varying degrees of writing demand. Language(s): English, Spanish

August H. (he/they) Anthropology/American Indian Studies

August is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Anthropology. Their ethnographic work is about human-canid relationships in the context of wild animal sanctuaries, and the ethics of captivity and interspecies communication. August holds BAs in Philosophy and Sociology and a Graduate Minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Though his research interests are rooted in the social sciences and humanities, his writing practice is highly interdisciplinary, drawing from ethology, biology and the natural sciences. Prior to graduate study, they worked in the labor movement and nonprofit world, which also gave them experience in technical and grant writing. Language(s): English, Spanish

Cong W. (she/her) Curriculum and Instruction

I am a PhD student devoted to mastering the English language, a journey that began during my undergraduate studies. Over the course of six prolific years, I have gained extensive experience as a TOEFL writing instructor. My pedagogical approach prioritizes fostering logical coherence and understanding the common challenges students face when composing. With a keen understanding of these concerns, I am well prepared to facilitate an enriching writer’s workshop and guide students towards enhancing their writing skills. Language(s): English, Mandarin Chinese

Devin E. (he/him) Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

I have been a writing tutor since Fall 2020. I enjoy working with writers from all departments. Before graduate school, I worked for the federal government and two non-profits, during which time I wrote three books, over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, and had a new frog species named after me. My background is in science writing, but I like getting a taste of everything and I am happy to help with any type of writing project. Language(s): English, Malagasy

 

Drew K. (he/him) Psychology PhD student; Masters in Sociology (focuses: law, justice, and social change; health and medicine)

I hold a life-long passion for writing, both academically and creatively. I have been a teaching assistant for 4 years (and counting!) with strengths in the social sciences and humanities, as well as journalism and fiction writing. Previously, I have enjoyed conducting writing workshops with fellow first-generation college students and incarcerated youth. With pending publications in top journals of Sociology, Psychology, and Human-Computer Interaction, I love seeing people generate work they can feel proud of! Language(s): English, Spanish (basic), Russian (basic)

 

Emily L. (she/her) Speech and Hearing Science

I am a second year graduate student in Speech and Hearing Science. I have a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish for Professional Use, as well as a minor in Linguistics. I also have 4 years of prior tutoring experience and am most experienced in tutoring writing in the humanities, business writing, and writing in the allied health fields. I’d love to help you brainstorm and develop ideas, create an outline, or work with you in any stage of your writing journey! Language(s): English

 

Emma O. (she/her) English

I am a Senior here at UIUC as an English major with a minor in Sociology! I have always loved writing and have been helping students with their essays since I was a Freshman in high school. To this day, I continue to help first-generation students through the college application process to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible! I enjoy helping students work through their writing process, whether that is with a completed first draft or brainstorming essay ideas! Languages: English, Spanish

 

Fin M. (they/she) English/Writing Studies

Fin is a Ph.D. student in Writing Studies, specializing in multimodal writing. They have previous experience supporting writers as a writing tutor and as a teacher. At UofI, they have taught Rhet 105, 101, and 102, as well as INFO/WRIT 303: Writing Across Media. Their goal is to ensure that writers leave their appointments more confident and comfortable in their writing, ready to revise and improve their project for their specific goals and purposes. Language(s): English

 

Gabriella H. (they/them) English, MFA in Creative Writing

I am an MFA candidate in Creative Writing, specializing in fiction. I have previous experience supporting writers and researchers as a teacher of RHET 105 here at UIUC. My personal writing experience involves not only creative work, but also extensive work in multimodal forms (including social media), literary criticism, persuasive essays, anthropological research, healthcare communications, and other standard professional communications. I believe writing is a process, and I’m here to help you at any step along the way! Language(s): English, French (basic)

 

Hannah C. (she/her) English/LiteraryStudies

I am a Ph.D. student in Literary Studies, and my research areas surround Asian American Literature and Poetry as well as Disability Studies. I have previous experience teaching Rhetoric 105 and tutoring papers in the humanities. As a tutor, I aim to help writers during any part of their writing process and to discover their writerly voice. Language(s): English

 

Hector I. (he/him) Aerospace Engineering

Hello! My name is Hector Ibarra, my pronouns are he/him, and I am an undergraduate (junior) in Aerospace Engineering. I speak English and Spanish. My past experiences of writing include 2 years of writing tutoring at my high school (Illinois Math and Science Academy), research in physics for Fermilab, and engineering tech writing in NASA student challenges. In addition to STEM writing, I also have experience tutoring rhetorical writing for humanities courses (especially literature and history) and standardized testing for English and math (SAT). I look forward to helping with any writing you may have! Language(s): English, Spanish

 

Hilary M. (she/her) Music

Hilary is a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology who specializes in writing about music and sound. She enjoys all stages of the research and writing process and has years of experience tutoring STEM students in writing in the humanities. As a tutor, teacher, and learner, Hilary is especially interested in understanding and utilizing diverse learning processes, especially for students with cognitive disabilities. Language(s): English, French, Tibetan

 

Kevin N. (he/him) Biology

I am a 4th year PhD student studying ecology and evolutionary biology! Between undergrad and grad school I have taught courses and workshops in biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics, published four first-author papers, and successfully written numerous grants. I also have worked as a science writer for the Institute for Genomic Biology at UIUC. I have extensive experience with lab reports, research papers/manuscripts, data analysis and interpretation, grants/fellowship applications, personal statements for graduate school and medical school, and pop science articles/press releases. While science writing is my specialty, my approach is general and I’d be happy to help with writing from all disciplines! Language(s): English

 

Kirsten J. (she/her) iSchool/Library and Information Science

I am excited to be starting my fourth semester as a tutor with the Writers Workshop, and my first semester as a graduate consultant! After graduating from UIUC with my B.A. in English in spring 2024, I am now pursuing my Master’s in Library and Information Science. I have experience working with writers on anything from personal statements to papers in a variety of subjects through my time here at the Writers Workshop. I’m excited to work with you on any writing need, but brainstorming and helping writers organize their ideas is my favorite thing about tutoring! Language(s): English

 

Liz M. (she/her) English and Medieval Studies

I am a Ph.D. candidate in English and Medieval Studies. I have 6 years of experience teaching writing, 6 years of tutoring experience, and 5 semesters of experience teaching literature at the 100 and 200 levels. I’m happy to work with you no matter where you are in the writing process — from brainstorming to final revisions! I have experience working with writers on application essays, research papers, resumes, cover letters, and long-term writing projects such as theses and dissertations. Writers from all fields and specialties are welcome. Language(s): English

 

MacKenzie G. (she/her/ella) PhD Student – Comparative and World Literature

I have five years of experience working at two different Writing Centers (Wright State University and the University of Maryland) as well as several years in independent writing consultation, and I particularly love to work with non-native English speakers! As an undergraduate student, I earned a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and as a Masters student I spent a semester upgrading my Center’s training materials on explaining grammar to students. I am fascinated by the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of grammar in written communication and love explaining these concepts to students (or anyone else who will listen). Language(s): English, Spanish

Marina T. (they/them) Information Sciences

I am a PhD student in Information Sciences, a field that involves writing and analyzing humanistic, scientific, and other interdisciplinary works. Within this field, I research the content, marketing, and teaching of youth literature. My BA is in English, and my college coursework involved equal amounts of literary analyses and creative writing, chiefly creative nonfiction, long-form journalism, and prose. I am a big fan of writing multiple drafts, and I look forward to supporting you as we polish your words and sharpen your insights, in any form and in any field! Languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese (heritage speaker)

 

Mark S. (he/him) Secondary Education (Curriculum and Instruction)/Creative Writing/History

Hello! I’m excited to work with you at the Writers’ Workshop. I enjoy helping brainstorm or work on outlines for any genre or topic. I’m most familiar with the requirements of history research papers, rhetorical analyses, and English papers. I also enjoy talking about application essays, taught LAS 122 a few years ago, and have written multiple short stories and films. I look forward to working with you! Language(s): English

 

Martha L. (she/her) English

Martha obtained a dual honors B.A. in English Literature and B.F.A. in Creative Writing with a minor in Women’s Studies at Penn State University; she began tutoring in Fall 2013 and received the Outstanding Writing Tutor Award for the 2015 academic year. She came to the University of Illinois to pursue her doctorate focused on Renaissance literature in 2017. Martha comes to the Writers Workshop with specialized experience working with English as Second Language (ESL), Neurodivergent (ND), and STEM students on every kind of writing imaginable! She looks forward to helping you develop your writing skills. Language(s): English, French (novice)

 

Meng-Hsien (Neal) L. (he/they) 

I’m a sixth-year Ph.D. student in English/Writing Studies, focusing on transnational literacies/intersectional identities. Prior to being a graduate student at UIUC, I had taught writing domestically and internationally in various educational settings. At UIUC, I have taught Rhet 105, Rhet 233, & WRIT 300, and implemented a wide array of pedagogical tools and methods in my own class. My latest publication focuses on graduate teaching assistants’ becoming during one-on-one writing consultations. Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese

 

Portia E. (she/her) Chemical Engineering

I am an undergraduate (Junior) majoring in Chemical Engineering. I always love talking to writers about their ideas and interests. My strengths lie in brainstorming, generating outlines, and creating clarity. I am always ready with a listening ear, and my goal is for you to leave your appointment feeling confident in your writing! Language(s): English

 

Sarah O. (she/her) Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience

My name is Sarah and I am a fourth year PhD student in the Cognitive Neuroscience program! I have 3 years of experience working with students on their writing, including second language writing. I especially enjoy working on research proposals, application pieces (e.g., personal statements, CVs), and manuscripts. One of my strengths is helping students emphasize the most important points in their writing. I am excited to work with writers in any specialty! Language(s): English

 

Valerie R. (she/her) Curriculum and Instruction

I am a Ph.D. student specializing in language and literacy education, and I’ve received an M.Ed. in TESOL from BU. My academic journey has provided me with a profound understanding of second language acquisition, language education and English learners. I once served as a Study Abroad Consultant, supporting students in preparing application documents, such as statements of purpose, academic resumes, cover letters, research proposals, etc. I have also been an Academic Writing tutor for two years, where I instruct students on English academic writing of various genres, particularly in humanities and social sciences. I’m truly passionate about working with writers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to help enhance their writing skills! Language(s): English, Mandarin Chinese

 

Virginia W. (she/her) English

My name is Virginia, and this is my second semester consulting for the Writers Workshop! In 2023, I interned as a communications specialist for the University of Illinois Neuroscience Program, and I just completed a proposal writing internship with the global technology services firm CAI this past summer. While I enjoy and appreciate all genres of writing, I especially love working with students on professional, application, and humanities pieces. My interests include reading, listening to podcasts, doing jigsaw puzzles, and going to coffeeshops with friends. Language(s): English

 

Yonjin S. (she/her) Human Resources and Employment Relations

Hello, I am a PhD student at the School of labor and employment relations, whose research focuses on DEI issues in organizations, work and family relationships, strategic leadership, especially in relation to human resource management and innovation. I also have a minor in college teaching at UIUC at the graduate level, and a BBA and MS in business administration and management. I have taught classes on business administration and management as well as introductory statistics. I have also tutored several students in terms of writing on various topics in the social sciences, especially in situations where english was not their native language. I am open to various genres, but my expertise and experience is most likely to fit those students who focus on the social sciences. Language(s): English, Korean

 

Zion T. (he/him) History and Latina/o Studies

I am a Junior majoring in History and Latina/o Studies, and this will be my second semester as a consultant. I have extensive writing experience in American and Latina/o history and some experience in sociology and literature. I have had short-form articles published in Chicago’s Puerto Rican community newspaper “La Voz del Paseo Boricua” and I have been an editor with the Undergraduate History Journal at Illinois for what will be my 3rd year. I have some experience writing personal, argumentative, and analytical essays in Spanish as well as some experience in helping with Personal Statements. Language(s): English, Spanish (intermediate)

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