Writing Consultants

Learn more about our writing consultants, then schedule an appointment with them in the Penji app.

Name	Bio
Adella	Hi, my name is Adella and I am an undergraduate junior studying Developmental Psychology and minoring in Family Social Science and Family and Community Engagement. I love working with personal statements and applications, but enjoy collaborating on all kinds of writing.
Aeda	Hi! My name is Aeda (ay-da) and I am pursuing a BA in Anthropology with a minor in Technical Writing and Communication. I am a consultant who seeks to emphasize writer autonomy and accommodation; we can approach our consultation in a way that works best for you! Within a consultation, I enjoy discussing both the big-picture and minor typographical elements of a piece of writing. In addition, I find joy in working with writers on critical analysis papers, although my experience encompasses all types of writing, including STEM. Outside of consulting, I love cooking, being outdoors, and hanging out with my dog, Aja!
Ali	Hi, my name is Ali (she/her)! I am majoring in English, along with a couple of prospective minors in Gender & Women’s Studies and Spanish. I love the collaboration students get to experience in a SWS writing consultation and the chance we get to build your writing goals with you. Our community is a supportive place where writers and consultants both have something to learn from each other. In my free time, I love to get lost in a book, go to as many concerts as I can, or plan my next travel adventure. I am looking forward to reading your work and learning together!
Derek	My name is Derek (He/Him), I am a Junior majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Business Law. I love writing and working with philosophy and political topics. I speak three languages pretty well, English, Hmong and I am pretty decent at Spanish as well. Lastly, it is my hope to attend law school after undergrad and I look forward to working with you!
Ilke	Hi! I’m Ilke (eel-kay). I’m a third year double major in English and Journalism. I enjoy working with writing of any genre (personal statement, short story, lab report, critical essays) and I always look forward to working with different genres that are in disciplines I’m not too familiar with. The points in the writing process I love to assist in the most are brainstorming and planning, because I find the aspect of raw ideas becoming concrete arguments exciting, and I enjoy collaborating with writers in these processes. I’m a native Turkish speaker and have a 1000+ day streak on Duolingo in Spanish and Norwegian. When I’m not in class or consulting, I enjoy reading contemporary fiction, going to The Main Cinema to catch a new movie, and crocheting.
Janeth	I'm a full-time cat mom, and I major in Linguistics in my spare time. I love various forms of art, especially music, and writing. I believe that writing is about putting the intangible into words: your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. So, I like to take my time with you/your piece of writing in K'iche', Spanish, or English - You can skip the “how are you?” part with me — it takes me a while to figure that out :)
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!
Josie	Hello, my name is Josie! I'm studying English and Psychology, and I'm pursuing a minor in Creative Writing. I enjoy working with others to help them achieve their writing goals, and I especially like brainstorming, wordsmithing, organizing, and revising pieces of writing. Whether it's a resume or a short story that needs consulting, I'm happy to provide my support and knowledge to help you succeed!
Júlia	Hi! My name is Júlia and I am a Junior majoring in accounting and management information systems. I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family.
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!
Lisette	I'm Lisette (lee-set)! I love working on graduate school/professional school applications and anything psychology-related. I enjoy writing in general as well so I am always happy to assist with all types of writing!
Max	Hi, I'm Max! I'm pursuing a B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics, and I plan to earn my grade 5-12 teaching license in mathematics. I especially enjoy helping with argumentative papers and lab reports, but I will gladly work with you on any type of writing assignment and at any stage in the writing process. Outside of consulting, I love playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons, as well as running, reading, and walking my dog, Sascha.
Michael	I'm a UMN alum with a Comparative Literature PhD from Emory University. I love teaching writing, writing science fiction poetry, and being involved with my community. Along with teaching and tutoring, I also have experience in educational publishing.
Niya	Hi, I'm Niya! I'm an undergraduate sophomore majoring in English. I enjoy working with all kinds of writing pieces, but I especially love literary analyses, creative writing, and personal statements for any sort of application. I'm happy to chat with you no matter where you are in your writing process. When I'm not working in the Writing Center, I'm either reading, watercoloring, or cycling at the gym. I look forward to meeting with you!
Quentin	Hello! My name is Quentin. I enjoy helping writers find their voice and articulate it in ways that are both persuasive and engaging. I know the blank page can be daunting, but I try to help writers see the act of filling it not as a chore to complete, but as an opportunity to express their ideas, discover new perspectives, and better understand themselves and the world around them. My goal is to help writers recognize writing as a powerful means of communication while remaining mindful of genre, audience, and purpose.
Sirena	Hi! My name is Sirena. I’m majoring in English and Communication Studies, with a minor in Creative Writing. My goal as a consultant is to provide writers with a collaborative and supportive space to explore and improve their writing skills. I’m passionate about all kinds of writing, at any stage of the process; from creative to professional to scientific to literary, I have experience working with a wide range of projects and genres. When I’m not consulting and writing, I’m probably nose-deep in a book, painting, or researching with the Earth & Environmental Sciences department. I look forward to working with you!
Thao	Hi, I’m Thao! I’m a sophomore studying Management Information Systems. I love to share and hear about different experiences that can give you a comfortable space to thrive in your writing and studying in general. So, I’m really excited to hear and help you with your writing.
Vanessa	Hi! My name is Vanessa, and I'm an undergraduate majoring in Technical Writing & Communication and English with minors in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Mathematics. I have intermediate proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. I'm most familiar with literary analysis, creative writing, and math proofs, but I enjoy working with all types of writing. My goal is to provide a safe space where writers can learn more about themselves and their writing.