Writing Consultants

Alison

Hi there! I’m Alison (she/her), a PhD candidate in Writing Studies studying the rhetoric of science. I hold undergraduate degrees in both writing and biology (focusing on botany/mycology and quantitative ecology). With this background, I've become passionate about writing in the sciences, supporting graduate writers, and translating research for diverse audiences (proposals, grants, op-eds, etc). My favorite part of working at SWS is the variety of writing we encounter! I love collaborating with writers from across the disciplines and during any stage of the writing process. Outside of school and work you can usually find me hanging out with my cat playing games (board, video, and TTRPG), performing bassoon with local orchestras, and hiking with my husband when the weather is nice (74 degrees and partially cloudy is the dream).

Jasmine

I enjoy supporting people on high-stakes writing (e.g., dissertations and personal statements). Also, knowing that writing can be such a lonely process, I'm happy to support writers through accountabilibuddy sessions, as well as through sessions where we have a conversation about the conceptual through-line of a project. I generally like to work with writers to identify strategies to address writer's block. I have a PhD in American Studies and have a background in Asian American Studies, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, and Writing Center Studies. I grew up speaking Cantonese at home.

Jax

Hey! My name is Jax (they/them/their). I’m an instructor in the Department of Writing Studies, where I mainly teach WRIT 1301. I’ve been a writing tutor since 2016 and I’ve taught university courses since 2017 at various institutions between three different states (Oklahoma, Ohio, and now Minnesota!). In the writing center, it’s important for me to create a supportive and attentive space — one that especially emphasizes care and the beauty in the diversity of writers in the world. I never expect the writers I work with to come away loving writing, but I do seek to make the process less shameful and more manageable. I have experience working with all manner of projects and essays, including ones with visual or multimodal design elements. No matter where you are in your writing process, whether planning or polishing, I’ll be excited to help!

Joe

Katie

Hi! I'm Katie (she/her)! I majored in English; had almost-minors in Music, Art History, and Philosophy; and took a loooong time finishing my own qualitative dissertation. I love collaborating with writers on finding ways to bust open new possibilities for writing in—or against—the university, or whatever other spaces/systems matter to them.

Kim

Hi, I’m Kim.  I am both a consultant in SWS (Student Writing Support) and an instructor in the First Year Writing Program in the Writing Studies Department.  I have been doing this work for over 25 years.  I have consulted and taught many, many graduates, undergraduates, and pre-undergraduates.  I can have a conversation with you about any type of writing.  You will find me a very good listener!  But professional writing is my favorite – I especially enjoy resumes, C.V.s, and cover letters.  When I’m not teaching or consulting, I’m planning the next restaurant, the next trip, the next concert or play, the next dish to cook, the next art exhibit.  Evenings and weekends at home, I like to cuddle with the family cat Snoopy and watch an old episode of Law and Order to relax.  My current personal goal is to stop doomscrolling when I’m bored or trying to wind down.  Current research says it's not good for me! 

Michael