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) feedback on student writing and (2) modes of writing center tutorials. In 2018, I was awarded a research grant from the Council of Writing Program Administrators to support a study of how graduate instructors from across the curriculum learn to respond to student writing. My co-authored research (with a team of writing center consultants) comparing face-to-face and synchronous online tutorials recently appeared in The Writing Center Journal, and I have recently begun a follow-up study comparing experiences across tutorial modes as the Writers Workshop returns to on-site tutoring in addition to our live online and asynchronous online appointments.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy cooking, reading detective fiction, and hiking with my horgi (huskey-corgi mix), Barley, and my Great Pyrenees, Booger (from Boogertown Gap, Tenn.).
Dan Z., Assistant Director
Dan Zhang is a PhD candidate in the department of English and the Center for Writing Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before coming to UIUC, she earned a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Secondary Education and taught English Language Arts in Kansas. At UIUC, while pursuing her PhD, Dan keeps teaching a variety of English writing courses and works with writers at the Writers Workshop. Language(s): English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese
Dani N., Assistant Director (she/her)
I am a DMA candidate in Flute Performance & Literature with a minor in Ethnomusicology. In addition to my work as a writing consultant, I have years of experience as a private flute instructor, flute & music education teaching assistant, and peer writing & research mentor. Currently writing my dissertation on classical flute practice in Bulgaria and its intersection with local expressive culture (research funded by a Fulbright study/research grant), I am interested in the global-historical complexity of Western art music and how understanding both its systemic situatedness and its intrinsic diversity can provide a path forward for a more critically, socially, and globally engaged practice. I am a co-founder/editor of the online, public-facing interdisciplinary arts publication The Collective. When I am not fluting, writing, or attending the local Alexander Technique training course, I read quasi-philosophical escapist fiction (mostly), watch anime with my husband, and play with our spicysweet tortie cat, Sila. Language(s): English and Bulgarian
Rayven M., Assistant Director (she/her)
I am a 4th year Ph.D. student in Education Policy, and I’ve received both my B.S. and M.A. from UIUC. My research is focused on Black women’s racialized, gendered, and classed experiences in higher education. With a heavy background in Gender and Women’s Studies, I am very proficient in social justice topics and how to critically analyze texts about race and gender (as well as other identities). One genre I enjoy working with is diversity statements, and I have facilitated presentations about writing diversity statements for the academic job market! Language(s): English and African-American Vernacular 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 ranging from organizing spaces in my house to coloring in children’s coloring books (those tiny, restrained coloring spaces in adult coloring books cause more tension for me than they release. Give me some large, adorable characters, shapes, and scenery to color!).
Faith C., Office Assistant (she/her)
Hi! My name is Faith and I’m a junior majoring in political science and minoring in psychology. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going out, and spending time with friends. Outside of the Writers Workshop, I’m involved with a professional pre-law frat on campus. I’ve been with the Writers Workshop for almost two years, and I’m happy to help out with any questions you may have! Language(s): English
Hannah K., Office Assistant (she/her)
I am an undergrad majoring in bioengineering with minors in computer science and chemistry. I have a penchant for helping others accomplish their goals and am thrilled that I have the opportunity to be the first face writers see when arriving at the workshop! When I’m not at work or in class, you can find me reading feminist literature on the quad, debugging my code, or looking for new shows to binge-watch! Language(s): English, Hindi
Jenna M., Office Assistant (she/her)
Hello! My name is Jenna and I am a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Informatics. I transferred from Elgin Community College last semester and so I am still adjusting to life here. I enjoy reading, shopping, and grabbing drinks with my family. I am looking forward to ending my educational journey at Illinois and I am really grateful to be working at the Writers Workshop this semester. I am ready to help anyone and everyone so feel free to reach out! Language(s): English
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Consultants:
Alen G. (he/him) Aerospace Engineering
I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. My background is in engineering/mathematics and my current research is in the field of optimal control theory. For the past few years, I have served as the teaching assistant for different engineering and mathematics courses. In particular, I enjoy putting scientific and other technical ideas into writing. Languages: English, Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Persian (Farsi)
Alex G. (he/him) Communication
Allison C. (she/they) Social Work
Allison is a fifth-year doctoral student in Social Work, with a minor in College Teaching. This is their third year with the Writers Workshop. Her research focuses on applying social justice theory to criminal legal social work education through restorative and transformative justice practices. They love to work with writers on theoretical and philosophical brainstorming; organization and outlining; identifying writing barriers; and experimenting with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral writing strategies. She excels in a variety of genres, including case and clinical writing, narrative and reflective writing, course assignments in the social sciences and postsecondary education, graduate school and job application materials, personal statements, dissertation and thesis chapters, and APA style. She enjoys working with writers from diverse backgrounds, particularly neurodivergent writers and non-traditional students. Language: English
Anna F. (she/her) English, Ph.D. Literary Studies
I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of English, with a focus on Black literature. If you are a humanities or arts-based student, I am your consultant! Prior to being an English major, I was in theater and dance, so I have a well-rounded balance of creativity and research writing. I am versed in writing and looking over research papers, conference papers, short stories, and poetry. Language: English
Antonio H. (he/him) English/Writing Studies
Azlan S. (they/them) English / Writing Studies Ph.D. Candidate
Bess S. (she/her) Classics
Brendan L. (he/him) English
Bri L. (she/her) English / Writing Studies
Devin E. (he/him) Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
I have been a writing tutor for two years. 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 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. Languages: English and Malagasy
Elizabeth A. (she/her) Library and Information Science
Elizabeth S. (she/her) Library and Information Science
I have been working as a writing tutor for four years, and I love every minute of it. My own research sits at the intersection of urban history, book history, and digital humanities. I regularly work with Python, XML, and rest APIs. I enjoy helping writers at any stage of the writing process whether they are an expert researcher in need of an eager listener or they are approaching their first research assignment. Language: English

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: English
Jordan S. (he/him) Physics, Biophysics
Julia K. (she/her) Education/Curriculum & Instruction
Kirsten J. (she/her) English
Liz M. (she/her) English
I am a seventh-year Ph.D. student in English and Medieval Studies. I have 6 years of experience teaching writing, 4 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 drafts! Language: English
Maha K. (she/her) Political Science / English
This will be my 4th semester as a writing consultant at the Writers Workshop. I have also taught LAS 101, assisted Professor Ben Miller with his research, interned for State Representative Carol Ammons, been a part of the Illinois Trial Team, and worked with Professor Hale at the Freedom School. Currently, I am an RA at Bromley Hall, the VP of Illini CHAARG, and a senator in Illinois Student Government. I love working with students on their creative writing projects and with their professional application material. Languages: English and Hindi (Fluent)
Marissa L. (she/her) Communication & Media
Hi! I’m Marissa! I am a senior in Communication with a minor in Media, focusing on cinema studies and advertising. I have written multiple short stories and am passionate about the creative writing process. In addition, UIUC has presented me with the Richard Murphy award for the most outstanding undergraduate research paper. UIUC’s Communication major frequently involves public speaking, so I am proficient in speech outlines and presentations. I enjoy working through the entirety of the writing process and look forward to helping with any research papers, creative writing assignments, or public speaking assignments. Language: English
Mark S. (he/him) Creative Writing / History
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. Languages: English and French (novice)
Meng-Hsien (Neal) L. (he/him/they/them) English/Writing Studies
I’m a fourth-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 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 and Mandarin Chinese
Minh N. (he/him) Bioengineering
I have tutored for a year in the Writers Workshop as of August 2022, and have several more years of writing tutoring outside of the Writers Workshop. I enjoy personal statements and have helped with many graduate school applications, scholarship essays, and also enjoy public speaking and presentations. Languages: English and Vietnamese
Nabilah N. (she/her) Law
I’ve worked as a tutor since 2017, specializing in academic writing, history, math, and test preparation. I have also worked as a copywriter and editor for small businesses, as an adjunct instructor for international law students, and have a BA in literature. In addition, I have a diverse legal background and have considerable research experience. I especially enjoy helping students write essays for various subjects, do research, and prepare personal statements, cover letters, and resumes for professional programs. My goal is to support writers, regardless of where they are in the process. Excited to work with you! Languages: English, Hindi, and Urdu
Nic Q. (they/them) English
Peizhen W. (she/her) English Literature
Sarah U. (she/her) Library and Information Sciences
Before my transition into information science, I was an assistant professor of biology for two years. I have a lot of experience with scientific writing in the classroom and professional science writing. I’m happy to help with any point of the writing process and especially love helping people hone their voice for applications and fellowships. Language: English
Shefali M. (she/her) English
Sofia D. (she/her) English
Tara M. (she/her) Journalism
Tim B. (he/him) Music Performance and Literature (Voice), D.M.A.
I have a research base in Gender Studies and Musicology, specializing in feminism in the Victorian Era. In addition to working on a dissertation focusing on Jenny Lind and her tour with P.T. Barnum (1850-1851), I have also written on Aaron Copland and the McCarthy hearings as an exploration of Copland’s The Tender Land through Gender and Political Studies. Language: English
Vanessa P. (she/her) Social Work
I served as the teaching assistant of SOCW 300 Diversity: Identity and Issues for four semesters, and will teach this course as an adjunct professor in Fall 2022. I have a Master of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Languages: English and Spanish (working professional proficiency)
Zoë F. (she/her) English