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. 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, and forthcoming publications from this study will appear in 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 recently 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.
Azlan S., Assistant Director (they/them)
Azlan holds an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction), and is working on a Ph.D. in Writing Studies. Their research interests include: 1) collaboration, storytelling and fiction as research, 2) art research, 3) public art facilitation, 4) the role of storytelling in knowledge creation, 5) multimodal writing, and 6) scholarly communities across departmental boundaries. Language: English

Meng-Hsien (Neal) L., Assistant Director (he/him/they/them)
I’m a fifth-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. As an AD, I commit to bettering the writing center community and creating a learning environment where writing can be fun! Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese
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
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
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
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Consultants:
Antonio H. (he/him) English/Writing Studies
Bess S. (she/her) Classics
Brendan L. (he/him) English
Bri L. (she/her) English / Writing Studies
Cong W. (she/her) Education
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. Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese
Dani N. (she/her) Flute Performance & Literature
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. I love working with writers on a variety of projects from creative, academic, and ethnographic work to applications for grants and jobs and professional documents like contracts and syllabi. I am passionate about the writing process as an exercise in self-discovery, expression, and empowerment and especially enjoy working with writers from diverse backgrounds. Currently writing my dissertation on classical flute practice in Bulgaria and its intersection with local expressive culture (research funded by Fulbright), I am also training to teach the Alexander Technique and enjoy editing an online, public-facing arts publication The Collective. When I’m not fluting, writing, or Alexandering, I enjoy reading quasi-philosophical escapist fiction, watching Whose Line is it Anyway? reruns with my husband, and playing with our spicysweet tortie cat, Sila. Language(s): English, Bulgarian
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, Malagasy
Elizabeth A. (she/her) Library and Information Science

Emily L. (she/hers) Speech and Hearing Science
I am a first year graduate student pursuing my master’s 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 3 years of prior tutoring experience and am most experienced in tutoring English and literature papers, business writing, and writing in the humanities. I’d love to help you brainstorm and develop ideas, create an outline, or work with you to revise a draft! Language: English
Fin M. (they/she) English/Writing Studies
Finola is a Ph.D. student in Writing Studies, specializing in multimodality and collaborative writing. They have previous tutoring experience at their undergraduate university’s writing center and as an independent tutor. 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: 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, French, Tibetan
Issy M. (she/her) English/Literary Studies
Hi! My name is Issy (she/her/hers) and I am a first year Ph.D. candidate in the Literary Studies (English) Department. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UIUC. During my undergraduate career, I triple majored in English, Political Science (Law and Power Concentration), and Latino/a Studies, with a double minor in History and Spanish. On campus, I have tutored through the Humanities Research Institute, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, and have taught RHET 105. I enjoy working with all forms of writing, including professional development materials, class assignments, future publications, and anything else that comes my way! Languages: English, Spanish (intermediate)
Jade W. (she/her) English
I am a 5th year PhD candidate in the Department of English studying Contemporary Black Literature. I have taught Rhetoric and Composition at UIUC since 2021 with prior tutoring experience dating back to 2014 in my undergraduate program. As a humanities scholars and creative writer, I particularly enjoy working in those areas, but I have experience with various genres and disciplines! Language: English
Jordan S. (he/him) Physics
Kirsten J. (she/her) English
Liz M. (she/her) English
I am a Ph.D. candidate in English and Medieval Studies. I have 6 years of experience teaching writing, 5 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
Mark S. (he/him) Creative Writing / History / Curriculum & Instruction
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, French (novice)
Nic Q. (they/them) English
Peizhen W. (she/her) English Literature
Rayven M. (she/her) Education Policy
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
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, fellowships, and presentations. Language: English
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 first 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. Languages: English, Spanish (intermediate)