Meet Our Tutors
Tutor Biographies
Writing Consultants
Claire Becker is a PhD student in the History Department. Their research focuses on the history of early modern Spain and the Iberian Atlantic, but they also love reading theory and have a background in Visual and Cultural Studies. Claire’s strengths lie in the humanities, but they are open to working with writers in any discipline and at any stage in the writing process.
They/she
Claire Corbeaux is a PhD student in the English Department. Although she studies English, she minored in physics as an undergraduate and hopes to be able to use her interdisciplinary training to assist students in their writing across disciplines. Claire enjoys working with writers and feels happiest when reflecting on the growth that she and the writers she works with have made through the tutoring process.
She/her/hers
Fluent in French
Alay Desai is a PhD student in Chemical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He has a strong foundation in scientific writing, but is also passionate about various forms of academic and creative writing. He enjoys helping others refine their skills and can assist with personal statements and graduate application essays.
He/him/his
Fluent in Hindi and Gujarati
Bethany Fincher is a PhD student in Visual and Cultural Studies studying post-1960s land art, body art, and systems aesthetics through an ecocritical lens. This research has led her to read widely across disciplines, including history, geology, and environmental and energy studies, and so she appreciates working with students in any field of study. With a BA in art history and philosophy, she particularly enjoys close reading and formal analysis, as well as argument and structure, and she aims to help strengthen these skills in her tutoring sessions. Most importantly, she aims to provide a supportive environment that empowers students to approach writing with confidence.
She/her/hers
Whitney Gegg-Harrison has a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Science and an MA in Computational Linguistics, an interdisciplinary background that ties together interests in all things related to language(s), mind(s), writing, and computers. Whitney teaches many different classes within the WSAP, especially enjoys working with multilingual writers, and loves helping all writers figure out what they want to say and how they want to say it.
She/they
Yue Guzhang is a PhD student in the department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Her research focuses on eye movements and visual perception. She specializes in scientific writing, but is happy to help in any discipline. She enjoys having intellectual conversations and brainstorming with writers on their writing projects. She is also happy to help with personal statements and application essays.
She/her/hers
Fluent in Mandarin
Dustin Hannum is an associate professor in the WSAP. He enjoys working with students in all areas of academic writing.
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Renee Jin is a PhD student in Visual and Cultural Studies, specializing in the convergence of Chinese contemporary art and anthropology. With a specialization in the humanities and arts, Renee excels in visual analysis and cultural studies. She is also adept at crafting research papers, application essays, and artist statements. Renee welcomes collaborations with writers from all disciplines and at any phase of their writing journey.
She/her/hers
Fluent in Mandarin
Emily Lowman is a PhD student in the English Department, with backgrounds in English and Psychology. She teaches rhetoric-based courses for the WSAP and enjoys working with students from all disciplines, particularly in the areas of developing and supporting argumentative writing, and in strategizing about the writing process. She is the co-coordinator of the Graduate Writing Project and welcomes opportunities to work with all writers on all kinds of writing projects.
She/her/hers
Fluent reading in French
McKayla Okoniewski is a professional tutor and the Writing and Speaking Center Assistant. She has a background in Writing and Rhetoric and Medieval European Studies. McKayla is deeply invested in the process of writing and how it is individual for each writer. She has worked with people on many genres—ranging from astrophysics journal articles, to medical and graduate school applications, to a book proposal on public speaking, to essays about Taylor Swift—and loves to learn new things and work with people from all backgrounds.
She/her/hers
Apoorv Pandey is a PhD student in the English Department. His research interests include British Modernism, Indian Writing in English and English translation, Queer Studies, and World Literature. Apoorv holds an MA in English and an MPhil in Comparative Literature, and as an undergraduate he minored in History and Psychology. He hopes to be able to help both undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines in all aspects and genres of writing.
He/him/his
Fluent in Hindi
Liz Phinney is a PhD student in the Chemistry Department, researching nanomaterial synthesis for photocatalytic applications. Her strengths are in scientific writing but she enjoys helping tutor other types of academic or creative writing as well. She can also help with personal statements or graduate application essays (particularly for STEM fields). Her goal is to help students take away valuable tips and techniques for future writing through the open dialogue that one-on-one tutoring allows.
She/her/hers
Katherine Schaefer has a PhD in Biological Sciences and an BS in Biochemistry. Her background is in immunology, but she also loves reading about public health, psychology, and the Black Death. Her writing studies work focuses on genre: how particular disciplines develop forms and conventions for writing and how writers learn those genres, and she is particularly attuned to working with writers who want to explore how writing differs between majors. She enjoys working with writers from any discipline and any stage of the writing process.
She/her/hers
Gabby Tapia is a PhD student in the English Department who studies lots of queer theory, literary theory, and ecocriticism. Their interdisciplinary research has caused them to learn a strangely resourceful amount about biology, geology, history, and multimodal studies. They enjoy learning from all disciplines and have consulted for writing projects across many genres—from college essays and research proposals to personal statements and cover letters. Their hope is to assist students at any stage in the writing process by providing a safe and open space for the sharing of ideas.
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Xinyue Wang is a doctoral student in the Ed.D. in Counseling program at the Warner School. She has backgrounds in Communication Studies, English, and Educational Psychology. She has been mainly working with international students since her undergrad. She is interested in understanding international students' experiences and fostering the development, well-being, and sense of belonging for the student population in higher education settings. She loves writing and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Being a writing consultant, she enjoys exchanging ideas and generating new ideas, as well as learning and growing with other writers.
She/her/hers
Fluent in Mandarin
Caroline Warrick-Schkolnik is a PhD student in the English department with a primary focus is twentieth-century American literature and social justice. She also minored in art and art history in undergrad and enjoys working with students across any discipline. Caroline likes creating a safe and inclusive space for writers to develop new ideas and strengthen their abilities and confidence in their writing practice.
She/her/hers
Micah Williams is a PhD student in the English Department. His interests are in African American literature, 20th and 21st-century American literature…rather any literature associated with social justice, particularly those that intersect race, gender, and sexuality. Micah has tutored for two years at his previous institution, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and hopes to continue assisting students at the U of R with articulating their thoughts and developing their unique voices in inclusive, interdisciplinary ways. He appreciates working and learning with all students on many types of writing, but his favorite projects to tutor include argumentative essays, personal statements, and narrative writing.
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Suzanne Woodring is excited to return to tutoring this year! She holds a PhD in Human Development, which has granted her opportunities to research and write in a variety of social science disciplines such as psychology, education, and the learning sciences. She also teaches several different writing classes within the WSAP and is happy to tutor students working on writing projects ranging from academic papers to application essays to creative pieces (and anything in between).
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Writing Fellows
Kobina Asafu-Adjaye - Neuroscience; Minor in Music Cognition
I have always had a hesitancy for starting writing assignments, especially when they are long research papers for classes. I can easily relate to all students with procrastination stemming from perfectionism or the idea of beginning to write being daunting. My hope is that I can help alleviate any stress and anxiety students have about their writing, and encourage them by explaining how putting something on a page is always better than nothing (and to be proud of their work at every stage in the writing process)!
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Temerlyn Boyle - English and Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Hello! Writing is incredibly important to me as a communicative tool, and I aim to help others feel their writing is effective and true to their thinking. Despite having two very different majors, an appreciation for language and its effect has always tied the two together. Because of this, I've gained experience with many different types of academic writing, and I am excited to work with any paper you may bring in!
She/her/Hers
Fluent in Spanish
Maya Brosnick - English and Math
Hello! I'm Maya, and I'm an English and Math major, which means that I do a lot of different kinds of writing. I love looking at all the different kinds of writing people do, and I like working with people to get their writing where they want it to be.
She/her/hers
Fluent in Spanish
Stella Carleton - English and Film
As an English & Film Major, the creative spark behind writing has always fascinated me. Starting with a vague idea and turning it into a well-formed piece of writing can be a grueling process, but it is a process I love to help along! I hope to help writers stay connected with that spark throughout the whole process.
She/her/hers
Nora Chen - Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Hello! My name is Nora and I'm a sophomore studying psychology and BCS---in short, it's a whole lot about the brain. I enjoy tutoring because it's a great space to bounce around ideas and refine them. People come in with so many different pieces of writing, and I think it's so interesting to hear about all the various topics that people are writing about.
She/her/hers
Drew Consorti - English: Creative Writing and Film & Media Studies
Site Coordinator
Though it can be daunting, there is so much to love about the writing process. Coming to the Writing Center is a great first step to conquer those fears! My goal as a tutor is to help my peers know that they're not alone and to foster an environment where they feel confident in their writing and themselves. I'm most comfortable with argumentative essays, research papers, and creative writing, but I love to explore all disciplines.
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Nora Culver - History
Writing is a collective conversation to which you can pull up a chair, eavesdrop, or join in anytime. In tutoring it, I'd like to be a supportive voice or discerning critic-- whatever you feel will help you develop stronger, more confident opinions on your own work and what you'd like for it to become. I have the most personal experience with research papers and analytical writing, but I've dabbled in many disciplines here and am happy to look at anything.
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Abraham Fernández - Anthropology and Music
Writing becomes fun when you actually mean what you write! I think there's much more to it than grammar, fancy vocabulary and word limits. Writing is about creating, exploring, challenging and sharing ideas, whichever they are. As a tutor, my greatest goal is to help people say what they want, the way the want.
He/him/his
Fluent in Spanish and Italian
Anisha (Ani) Goorha - Biochemistry and BCSC
I’ve always loved writing and reading. I think that writing is a great way to express yourself in whatever form that you like. I love to work with others to learn about how they best express themselves through writing. I am always excited to meet new people and to chat about stressful writing assignments or to help brainstorm ideas!
She/her/hers
Charlotte Hennessey - General Biological Sciences; Minor in Psychology
I strive to create a respectful environment in which my peers feel empowered to explore writing in new and innovative ways. By employing empathy and genuine interest in the objectives of each student, I hope to help tutees transform writing from an intimidating chore into a skill they can practice confidently—and perhaps even enjoy!
She/her/hers
Nai'a Keith-Handschuh - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology
As an ecology major and an anthropology major, I love finding the connections between everything big and small, always asking "why?" I try to approach writing with this same curiosity and I believe that every stage of revision, from brainstorming to final edits, reveals a new layer or perspective. I find that treating writing like a treasure hunt or an experiment takes a lot of the pressure off the process and my tutoring style reflects this playful trial and error, as I believe that no writing is a waste of time, since the choices that don't "work" only help us get closer to finding the ones that do.
She/they
Zaynab Khan - Economics and Health Policy
Writing can be a very scary and vulnerable process...and that's also why I love tutoring! Despite all the challenges that come with writing, there is nothing better than seeing students work through their thoughts and finally reach that "I got it" moment during a session. My hope is that students learn to take risks and be daring in order to reach their fullest potential as a writer.
She/her/hers
Quinn Kubistek - Linguistics and Creative Writing
Despite currently being a linguistics and creative writing major, I have had much experience in the STEM fields, having taken many classes in high school and on Rochester's BME track. I have seen and experienced the struggles in many types of writing (from fiction to lab reports) and wish I had had someone to go to with these struggles to talk and work through them. I am excited to be able to be that person I never had for my peers.
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Khanh Le - Business (Finance Track)
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling writing shouldn't be as stressful as it is! As an international student, I have spent years learning how to write and definitely resonate with a lot of the struggles you often encounter. Therefore, I really hope that I can be your companion, encourage you to explore different ideas as you write, and help you have fun in the process!
She/her/hers
Fluent in Vietnamese
Ajay Macherla - Neuroscience and Business
As someone with interests in both STEM and business, it took me a while to find value and enjoyment in writing––but whether you feel the same or not is totally okay! As a tutor, my primary goal is to facilitate a safe and inclusive atmosphere where all backgrounds and experiences are invited. From brainstorming ideas to the final edits of a paper, I'm ready to support you in all-things writing.
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Adya Mohapatra - Biology: Molecular Genetics and English: Creative Writing
I think writing is a wonderful form of self-expression that has been taught as a methodical process instead. I want to encourage students to embrace the fun and personalization behind writing, and produce assignments for class that always reflect its writer rather than just the writing prompt. I also love to see greater awareness for how important writing is in every discipline, and how various disciplines integrate writing into their fields.
She/her/hers
Eva Naik - Brain & Cognitive Science and Studio Art
Advertising Coordinator
Hi! Writing has always been a big part of my life, and I have come to love the feeling of having everything "fall" into place. That being said, the process of getting there can sometimes be tricky or frustrating. My favorite part about tutoring is facilitating the writing process and helping writers gain confidence in their writing. I strive to create a safe and accepting environment, and am ready to support you in whichever stage of the writing process you are in!
She/her/hers
Fluent in Hindi
Quynh Anh (Angie) Pham - Computer Science & Digital Media Studies
President
Writing is hard - and that's okay! Let's talk it out! My favorite part of tutoring is seeing writers take control of the writing process (everyone's process is different). My background is primarily in visual & interface design and technology, and I am excited by how integral writing is to these seemingly disconnected disciplines.
She/they
Fluent in Vietnamese
Alexander Piper - Physics and Business
Hi! I'm Alex. I study physics and business, but I'm most passionate about creative writing and game design. I practice those on the side. Problem solving and teamwork have been two of the most exciting parts of these interests, which is what set my eye on becoming a Writing Fellow. I hope to make each tutee more confident and comfortable with their writing.
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Akash Prabhakar - Clinical and Translational Sciences
Hello! I'm Akash and I am majoring in Clinical and Translational Sciences on the pre-med track. As such, the types of writing I'm most used to are research papers and application writing for internships, medical school, etc. That being said, I am here to help anyone from any academic background with their writing no matter where they are in the writing process—in fact, I learn so much through working with people with different subject interests that I myself grow as a writer and a student, which is my favorite aspect of tutoring!
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Keira Ritzman - Political Science; Minor in Psychology
Hi! I am majoring in political science and minoring in psychology with the goal of going to law school. I love to write, and I enjoy helping others with their various writing goals in any way that I can.
She/her/hers
Nora Rooney - Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Minor in History
One of my favorite feelings while writing is that moment everything suddenly clicks. The writing process can be difficult, but I think that these kinds of realizations make the challenge worth it. As a Writing Fellow, I love watching other writers have their own epiphanies with their work, as all of the pieces start to fall into place. It reminds me why I love writing so much.
She/her/hers
Lillian Stolberg - Mathematics and Business; Minor in Statistics
What I enjoy most about tutoring is the way both of us will learn something new from each session. I love playing around with organization and testing flow - I'm consistently amazed by the way switching two parts of a piece of writing can completely change its meaning.
She/her/hers
Lilli Tamm - Biochemistry and Philosophy; Minor in Chemistry
Vice President
My approach to writing is all about communication: who am I talking to? Why is what I’m saying relevant? How can they best understand what I’m saying? What am I really engaging with? My backgrounds in STEM and the humanities contrast and complement each other, and I hope to help tutees strengthen their confidence and unique voices in their own disciplines.
She/her/hers
Fluent in French
Sunahra Tanvir - Political Science and English
Writing is super fun for me but I know that's not the case for everyone. As a tutor, I always keep that in mind. I'm a Political Science and English major, which means I've been in a lot of small, discussion based classrooms. However, I haven't always felt comfortable or heard. But I want to ensure that you are. As a tutor, I want to ensure that I create a space where you feel safe being vulnerable about your writing and excited about your ideas. I understand how important it is to have someone to look at your writing and care about your work. I hope to be that person for you!
She/they
Fluent in Bangla
Aaron Tran - Mechanical Engineering; Minor in Spanish
If you have a session with me, you’ll find that: 1. I tend to be straightforward, and 2. I like to ask a lot of questions so that I can help in as much depth as possible. As an engineer, I’m also in a good position to work with you on writing that’s related to the hard sciences.
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Carlina (Carly) Velicer - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Writing isn't easy—that’s why I’m here to help! The most rewarding part of tutoring is helping you express your unique voice as a writer. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas or reviewing a final draft, I strive to create a supportive and productive environment where you can meet your goals for the session. I have experience writing for a variety of STEM and humanities subjects, and am happy to assist with anything from creative writing to research papers or application essays.
She/her/hers
Kathy Yan - Business Analytics; Minor in Chinese and Anthropology
Recruitment Chair
Writing can be difficult. Trust me, we've all been stuck somewhere in the writing process, unable to produce a single ounce of writing. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your work, to test out different methods. I'm here to offer a space for kind, non-judgemental feedback on work from any discipline :)
She/her/hers
Fluent in Mandarin
Speaking Fellows
Zakilya (Zak) Brown - Brain & Cognitive Sciences and Psychology; Minor in Creative Writing
The really cool thing about public speaking, presentations, conversations, and interviews is that anyone can be amazing at these skills; all we need is a safe place to practice and grow. Trust me, I used to be the worst at all of these. As a Speaking Fellow, I enjoy being a safe place for students who are early in their speaking journeys :)
She/her/hers
Suchi Mehta - Statistics; Minor in Epidemiology
Hi! My name is Suchi and I am a senior majoring in statistics and minoring in epidemiology. I enjoy tutoring because it's very rewarding to watch people really gain confidence and grow as speakers, and it's an honor to be a small part of that journey and to help someone develop those skills. I also love getting to meet so many different people as a part of this job; I learn something in return from each person I meet in a tutoring session!
She/her/hers
Fluent in Hindi, Gujarati
Juliana Montes - Cognitive Ethnomusicology
Hola hola! My name is Juliana and I am a junior. I have created my own major here at the university that is focused on cultural music and how it affects the brain differently. I have a big background in research specifically focused on music and its effects on us mentally. Since I am also Mexican and first generation student, I understand that trying to navigate academics at a predominantly white institution can be a bit anxiety-inducing. This anxiety can double when it comes to having to communicate or present to an audience you are not used to, but that is why I am here to provide a helping hand!
She/he/they
Fluent in Spanish
Willow Nagai - Environmental Studies and Political Science
I love chatting to anyone about anything! I might chat your ear off about my favorite environmental topic, but above all, I love connecting with other people through language. I am excited to help you learn and grow as a speaker :)
She/her/hers
Christin Napierkowski - Mathematics and British American Literature
I am an undergraduate senior working towards degrees in math, English lit, and teaching. I am passionate about tutoring because helping students find confidence in their own voice brings me so much inspiration and joy!
She/her/hers
Caro Naranjo - Health Policy and Japanese
Hi there! I am a junior interested in international public health, which is heavily fueled by my love of language-learning! Besides my fluency in English and Spanish, I am proficient in French and am building proficiency in Japanese. What I love about tutoring is how everyone's unique background influences their approach to speaking. I love being able to assist someone in finding their own voice and develop confidence in their speaking abilities!
They/them/theirs
Fluent in Spanish
Charles Ndlovu - Business and Finance
Hi, it's your boy Charles! I am a business major with a keen interest in Investment banking. When tutoring, I love watching the progression from beginning to end of the session. Comparing where someone starts with a project or presentation to the progress they make by the end of the session is so fulfilling. It reminds me that if you put in an effort, change or improvement can happen without you even realizing it.
He/him/his
Fluent in Ndebele, Zulu
Srimathi (Sri) Sundar Rajan - Molecular Genetics and Business Administration
I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to connect with others who may struggle with communication, just as I once did. It's incredibly rewarding to help someone build their confidence and find their voice. Tutoring gives me the chance to turn my past challenges into a source of support for others.I learn so much and it helps me grow as a person, too.
She/her/hers
Fluent in Tamil, Hindi
Lillian Ravikoff - Linguistics and Brain & Cognitive Sciences; Minor in American Sign Language
My passion for speaking comes from a love of spoken word poetry and I developed an appreciation for the power that comes from expressing yourself verbally over the written word. Although I am a bit of a chatter box, the moment I get up to speak in public, I start shaking. As a Speaking Fellow I hope to help people work though speech anxiety and be able to express themselves clearly and confidently.
She/her/hers
Campbell Sy - English: Creative Writing; Minors in Social Psychology and Journalism
I love language and having the ability to make it unique to yourself. I believe everyone's voice matters and should be backed by their confidence in it. Being a speaking fellow allows me to help peers gain confidence in their voice, and find ways to make it themselves. I have had a long journey of self confidence in my voice, and especially here at Rochester. I am always excited to be able to help someone else along their own journey.
She/her/hers
Sarina Trivedi - Finance and Economics
I believe communicating with others is one of the most important skills you could ever have. Everyone deserves to feel confident about what they have to say, and as a tutor I love helping people find their true voice!
She/her/hers
Hannah Wang - Clinical and Translational Sciences; Minor in Psychology
Hi! I am a junior on the pre-med track. I love being a tutor because it's so fun to meet new people!
She/her/hers
Alex Yang - Political Science and Business; Minor in Music
One reason why I've always loved public speaking is because I find the thrill of speaking to people to be fun. I believe that it's always easier to improve at things if you enjoy them so, as a tutor, seeing people having fun with things that were previously stressors has been immensely rewarding.
He/him/his
Fluent in Mandarin
Andrew Zhang - Philosophy
I have been a Philosophy major since I started college and was on the pre-med track up until the end of my Sophomore year. Shifting my academic plans came with a fair share of struggles, and that's motivated me to help students with whatever they seek help with! I especially look forward to assisting people with conversation and interviews as a Speaking Fellow :]
He/him/his