University Writing Center

Isabella Acierno 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Staten Island Campus

Hi all- it's so good to meet you! My name is Bella and I’m a sophomore looking to pursue a career in Communication Arts. I’m currently based on the Staten Island campus, but I plan on joining many of you in Queens for the Fall semester, and I couldn’t be more appreciative! I love to be out and about, but I’m also more than satisfied to curl up with a book in one hand and tea in the other. As someone who has faced serious medical hardships from a young age, helping others is where I’m most comfortable, and I feel it is my own personal duty to pay forward to those who need some encouragement with their writing as I am a primary source of how far kindness can go. Writing has always been a passion of mine that I kept to myself, but with a positive attitude and a push in the right direction, I became motivated to step out of my comfort zone and utilize my passion by bringing a helping hand to my fellow Johnnies. I hope that this can help to prove that writing is for everyone if you allow it to be. Writing is a way to freely express, creatively think, and along the way, hopefully inspire- and I look forward to be inspired by each of you! I'll see you in the Writing Center!!

Amal Ahmad 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I'm Amal-- a Junior Legal Studies major with a minor in Creative Writing, and now an undergraduate consultant at the Writing Center! Writing has always been an essential part of my life, and I'm so grateful and excited to share that passion by collaborating with and learning from all the student writers here at St. John's! On campus, I've found my way to writing through writing for media organizations like Her Campus or through creative English classes that challenged my perspective-- and it's taught me that everyone has something important to say, and that writing has no limits! The UWC gave me the opportunity of a safe, inclusive space where I could receive support for my writing— whether that was with revision, outlining, or even brainstorming and just talking out ideas— and I hope to provide the same for you! I look forward to working together!

Aniqa Akhter

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I’m a senior Biology major and English minor, currently enrolled in a 5 Year B.S./M.S. in Biology program! When I’m not in the Writing Center, I’m a Research Assistant in the Evolutionary Development Lab of Dr. Howarth, working on a Master's Thesis and a whole lot of plants! I’ve always loved writing and wanted to involve myself in it more, so working as a Writing Consultant in the Writing Center is a perfect balance. Being able to have the opportunity to allow others to become creative, analytical, expressive, etc. is one that I appreciate and would love to share with any of you! I’m grateful to be a part of a space full of community, collaboration, and non-stop creativity and I hope to see you there :-)  

Mark Antico

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies / St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I’m Mark — a Senior English major, TV and Film Studies minor, and Undergraduate Consultant here at the Writing Center. I’m an avid fan of television, movies, literature — really any medium that encourages storytelling. Writing has always been my creative outlet of choice, so I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work at the UWC and explore the different writing styles and voices at St. John’s. I look forward to working with you!

Joe Ciaccio 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello everybody! I'm Joe, a freshman majoring in English from right here in Queens.  In my free time, I often find myself playing guitar, watching movies, playing basketball, or going to the gym. I love to create, which is a skill I've worked on through music, film, and most especially writing.  As a consultant, I do my absolute best to make all people here at the Writing Center feel comfortable. I love to collaborate with peers and see the creations of others flourish. I'm looking forward to seeing new faces here at the Writing Center!

Juan Ferraris 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Queens Campus

My name is Juan Ferraris; I am an international student from Argentina. I am a junior majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration. In my free time, I am usually watching or playing sports, mainly soccer. My favorite author is Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentinian writer who specializes in novels and short stories. The best part of working in the writing center is getting to know a lot of people from different backgrounds and helping them to reach their writing goals. I am looking forward to working with you all!

Grace Garlisi

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The School of Education | Staten Island Campus

Hi everyone! I am so excited to meet you! I’m Grace, and I’m a junior majoring in Childhood Education with a concentration in psychology. I’m also on the e-board for Spectrum, and you can usually find me hanging out in the library (when I’m not in the Writing Center, of course!). I have always loved writing, and obviously I have always loved teaching, so I am so happy to be able to combine my two passions here at the UWC! I believe that writing is an art, not a science. I am so happy to be working here so I can help people refine their art into the best work that it can be. 

Tina Gurcharan

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Tina, and I am a sophomore majoring in English. You can find me taking pictures, reading books, and writing poetry or short stories outside of school. Writing has always been a passion of mine, so I am grateful for the opportunity to help other writers in any way they need. I believe that consultants and clients can learn from one another, even if writing isn’t your thing! Everyone has something important to say—sometimes we need help on how to say it. The Writing Center is a safe space where writers of all backgrounds can thrive and improve. I look forward to working and collaborating with you.

Derek Imeri  

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hey everybody! My name is Derek, and I’m a sophomore English major with a minor in History here at St. John’s. In addition to writing, I’m passionate about reading, music, fashion, movies, TV shows, and narrative-based video games—really anything that deals with personal expression. Writing, though, is maybe the most personal because it comes from a single voice, and each person has unique life experiences to bring to the table. Writing is really all about developing this voice and hopefully learning more about yourself and the way you look at the world in the process. Be patient with your writing, and I know you’ll find the best way for you to express your ideas! I’m looking forward to meeting you all and hearing from the diverse voices at St. John’s!

Efat Itu

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I'm a third-year Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, and it's not often that I get to sincerely and creatively write. Having found this opportunity to become an Undergraduate Writing Consultant at St. John's, I am so thankful to be surrounded by writers who share this affection for writing. Our Writing Center hosts and continuously advocates for an environment of collaboration and discussion and has exposed me to so many new perspectives in academia and literature. I look forward to helping you reach your goals as a writer. See you at the Writing Center!

Aleena Jacob

Graduate Assistant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

I’m a senior English major on the track to completing a masters in English. Outside the writing center, I’m part of the Ozanam Scholars Program and an Ignite Fellow. I love to bring my creativity to any type of writing I do, and mostly write poetry and prose. Being a consultant allows me to work with students to express their voice in any piece they write, whether it be an essay or a poem, and help students succeed in realizing their unrealized potential. I hope I can inspire the same love of writing in all of my clients. Can’t wait to see you at the Writing Center!

Kelly Kreuscher

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi, I’m Kelly, a senior majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. I love being able to connect with others through their writing and the Writing Center is the perfect place on campus to do that! In my own writing, I’m interested in fashion and pop culture as well as LGBTQ+ rights and disability advocacy. I also love getting involved in the school of education and working with children. The 2021-2022 school year will be my first working at the University Writing Center and I’m excited for all the learning experiences we will have together!

Emily Kupiec 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Emily (she/her/hers) and I am a junior majoring in English. Writing has always resonated with me because of the freedom and flexibility it offers. I am passionate about expressing myself and using writing as an outlet to have fun with my thoughts. I value the opportunity to read others' work-- I always learn so much and am grateful to be a part of someone's writing journey. That feeling of fulfillment and exhilaration one experiences after reading a piece of writing is a feeling that I cherish and one that I hope to make others feel with my writing. I am eager to learn more about writing through being a consultant and am thrilled to have this opportunity! The writing center is a safe space to express oneself and admire the beauty of displaying such vulnerability. I am looking forward to meeting you all and being able to collaborate in our sessions!

Sanjana Liliah 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Sanjana and I’m a sophomore majoring in Sociology! I’ve always been an avid reader, very willing to get caught up in any fantasy or sci-fi world. My love for fiction definitely inspired my desire to write and create my own. I have also grown to appreciate writing as a form of self-expression and as a fun pastime. For me, writing is such a genuine and creative way to take a visit in someone else’s mind and see how they think. Outside of reading and writing, I enjoy doing puzzles with my family, binging shows, and going on lunch dates with my friends. I know writing can be very daunting at times, but I look forward to meeting you all and working together to change that! :)

Sarah Martineau

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | Queens Campus

Hey y’all, my name is Sarah Martineau, and I am a sophomore. My major is currently undecided. I’m from Hempstead, NY. I have always been in love with storytelling, especially through different medias. I love music, specifically the Dreamville roster. I also love films. I have always enjoyed helping my friends with their writing and now I get to do it here at the Writing Center. I hope to help foster healthy relationships between students and their writing and I’m excited to be working here!

Leah Minerve

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Queens Campus

I am a junior Journalism major and Public Relations minor. When I'm not inside the Writing Center, you can catch me binging my favorite show, Insecure, or shopping in the city. I love great food, travel, and making unforgettable memories. My passion for writing began as a child with my interest in expressing myself through excellent storytelling. My favorite writers include Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. Their dedication to telling Black stories through literature was an escape for me growing up as a Black woman in America. I hope to increase your desire to write, engage in meaningful conversation, and foster healthy relationships that encourage you to pick up your pen.

Isabella Moore  

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hey! I’m Isabella, a sophomore majoring in English and minoring in CRES (Critical Race and Ethnic Studies). I enjoy spending my free time alone with God as well as chilling with friends and getting to know people. I’m excited that I get to be a part of such a sincere community at the writing center. There is literally no judgment here! As consultants one of our prominent roles is to encourage. It’s really cool to now be a deliverer of the same encouragement I received and still receive whenever I seek help in this center myself. Some of my favorite writing genres include poetry, short stories, and argumentative essays. I believe in the power of bringing your own perspective and experiences into any genre of your writing. All our voices are invaluable, which is why as consultants we work hard to best support your voice in your writing!

TJ Mosby  

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Peter J. Tobin College of Business  | Queens Campus

My name is TJ, I’m a sophomore and a marketing major here at St. John’s University. I love music, working out, and watching movies. Writing and I have a serious love-hate relationship. Writing has allowed me to express myself through stories, poems, music and much more. There have been days that I write a million words a minute and others where I ball up the page and completely give up. Working in the writing center has made those stressful moments much easier, with a loving environment and wonderful staff. I look forward to collaborating with you wherever you may be in the writing process!  

Alexander Murray 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

My name is Alex, and I’m a junior history major from California. I have always had a passion for writing and storytelling, drawing primarily from my life experience for inspiration. Outside of my work as a consultant, I enjoy going to the gym, arguing about the Raiders, and playing poker - I’m a fish. My goal is to help build your confidence as a writer and guide you when you feel stuck. I look forward to seeing you in the writing center!

Marie-Therese Nasah 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi y’all! My name is Marie, and I am a first-year English major from Dallas, TX. When I’m not playing sudoku on my phone or watching old seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you can find me writing poetry or reading in my bed. I am passionate about helping others feel confident in their writing, no matter what the project is. It is such a privilege to be surrounded by great minds and new ideas every day. As a consultant, I seek to create a safe space for your ideas to be recognized and understood to their fullest extent. I aspire to be a friend and a collaborator in your writing journey. I hope to see y’all in the Writing Center soon and I can’t wait to work with and learn from you! 

Nam Nguyen

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Greetings, I am a fellow student just like you! I enjoy immersing myself in a number of activities such as touching grass, agonizing over being hit in boxing club, and especially writing wondrous tales that would freak others out. Writing has always been a means of communication which allows me to fully express my thoughts without the restrictions of social anxiety and excessive nervousness. Wherever one’s emotions can be exquisitely portrayed, whether it be any sort of story or even artworks like tattoos, I will flock to it like a crazed hyena with the same creepy laugh that they have as well. Working at the Writing Center has allowed me to not only learn from the camaraderie of my peers, but also help you make your writing truly deep and close to heart!

Reem Nemmassi

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello! I'm Reem, a senior double majoring in History and Art History with a minor in Africana Studies. When I'm not playing Sims or rewatching my comfort shows, New Girl & Community, on Netflix, I like to read and write scripts and explore North African culture/ history from personal and academic perspectives. I value writing's capacity to take us as near or as far away from ourselves as we want to be. I'm excited to see you at the Writing Center!

Alex Overton

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hey y'all! My name is Alex Overton, I’m a senior English student in the BA/MA program with a minor in Sociology. I’m originally from southern California and most of my favorite activities such as surfing, ceramics, and storytelling can be found in my hometown of Ventura. I’ve always found myself enamored by stories whether that’s in literature, the arts, or even culinary creations found in food trucks. Expressing stories through writing has been one of my greatest joys and I am ecstatic to share that joy with the University Writing Center. Stop by and give me a shout, either for an appointment or to chat about special interests (P.S.: I’m a massive foodie). Can’t wait to meet y'all!

Hayoung Park

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello everyone! I’m Hayoung, and I’m currently a senior majoring in Legal Studies. I’m an international student from South Korea. I grew up abroad as a TCK (Third Culture Kid) and a trilingual, and I've been in countries including Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. I appreciate the diverse community here at St. John's, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to work as a University Writing Consultant and connect with people from various backgrounds. I value every writing of a student as a learning asset for me and others. I hope I can help you reach your full potential as a writer and be able to express your unique voice through writing. I am looking forward to working with you all and also learning from you!!

Ashleigh Plummer

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone, I’m Ashleigh! I’m a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. As an avid reader, I enjoy the lessons that can be cultivated through books and different forms of literature. My love of reading extends to my appreciation of writing. For instance, I love how multidimensional writing can be. Writing can provide solace, create new realties, and advocate for the voices of the unheard. During my senior year, I'll be working on a research study about grading policies in humanities classes and their impact on students of historically marginalized linguistic backgrounds' self-efficacy. I can't wait to take what I learn from my study and apply it to my work in the Writing Center. Let's work together to uplift student voices and expand the scope of what writing could be!

Olivia Rainson 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

My name is Olivia Rainson and I am a sophomore at St. John’s University. I study English as my major and minor in Creative Writing. I am passionate about writing and reading and have been doing so since I was young. When I graduate, I will hopefully attend graduate school and become an editor one day. I would love to work at a publishing house or become a writer. I like to believe myself to be a creative and compassionate person, so when I work with other writers, I like to try to put myself in their shoes. I can be very open and talkative, and I find with other writers this can be comforting, because no matter the topic, I know I can connect to them and find something relatable to say.

Alexa Salerno 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Alexa Salerno, and I am a junior Government & Politics student in the BA/MA program with a minor in English. I am from Long Island, New York. In addition to being a consultant, I am also a Student Ambassador on campus. As an aspiring lawyer interested in politics, I appreciate the importance of writing skills since it dominates both fields. I am excited to grow in my writing processes and inspiration with you all through this creative environment. Working at the writing center will allow me to encounter writers from all different majors, backgrounds, and stories. I have always believed writing is our most powerful tool of persuasion and understanding, and I am excited to share this passion of mine with you all! 

Olivia Seaman

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I’m Olivia – a second-year Journalism major at St. John’s University and an Undergraduate Writing Consultant at the UWC! I’m passionate about writing and see it as a way for people to come together, no matter who they are. I’m honored to be a part of a diverse and inclusive community in the UWC, and to watch collaboration and conversation thrive in our center! When I’m not at the UWC, I’m working as the Managing Editor of The Torch, exploring the city, and taking pictures. I’m so excited to help you through your writing journey, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with you!

Diana Sherwood

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi, I’m Diana. I’m a Senior English Major who formally majored in Film & Television. I’ve always loved to write, from jotting down random notes in a journal or writing a (somewhat) complete story. Even if I don’t always record them, I love to create stories, especially ones that are character driven. When it comes to the non-fictional side of writing, I enjoy researching and summarizing my thoughts on topics that I am passionate about. I am happy to help you out with anything you need when it comes to writing!

Nicole Sutherland

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Staten Island Campus

Hi everyone! I am a second-year student double majoring in English and Communications, and am a member of the Catholic Scholars Program and a writer for College Magazine. Writing has always been a means of self-expression for me - whether I am writing a short story, a poem, a song, or journaling. Unlike other areas of study, writing and creativity are not “black and white,” and are rooted in culture and experience. I have always enjoyed reading my peer’s work, as it engages me with different writing styles and introduces me to new concepts and ideas! Working at the UWC has broadened my horizons and introduced me to a variety of incredible and talented writers. I hope to amplify student voices through my work at the Writing Center! :)

Liz Thomae

Graduate Assistant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hey everyone! My name is Liz Thomae and I’m a second-year Master’s student here at St. John’s. I am thrilled to be back in a writing center (I worked at the Purdue Writing Lab while pursuing my undergraduate degree in English) because promoting student success is a deep passion of mine. I believe the writing center is a place for writers to become confident in their abilities and to find themselves along the way, and I love being able to help each individual on their journey.  Everyone has a unique story and a personal voice, and I can’t wait to hear yours. Looking forward to working with you!

Kimberly Zhao

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Queens Campus 

Hi everyone, my name is Kimberly and I am a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences. With most of my courses focusing on science and health, there's not much of a chance for me to be able to write freely. Writing has been a great way for me to express myself and my thoughts. Becoming an Undergraduate Writing Consultant has given me the platform to do so even further and collaborate with others to help them do the same. I hope that I can work and encourage you to reach your goals as a writer.

Kathleen Lubey 

Director | St. John's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

I am Director of the University Writing Center and Professor in the Department of English, where I teach courses in eighteenth-century literature and culture, the histories of feminism and sexuality, and the literature of the transatlantic slave trade. My published work looks at the significant role sexuality plays in advancing social justice, and I recently finished my second book, What Pornography Knows (Stanford 2022), which considers pornography as a dissident and feminist genre. I am also Reviews Editor of the journal Eighteenth-Century Studies. I'm proud to be among the writers and collaborators who make our Writing Center a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive University community.

As a Catholic and Vincentian university that values our internal and surrounding communities, we must continue to activate these core values that define us as an institution. At this present time, it is of great importance to support our diverse student body. We believe every department has a pivotal role to play in the fight to end police brutality and systemic racism; the time to act is now.

The series of events that have occurred (globally, nationally, and within our St. John’s community), call for an amplified ethics of care, one that the University Writing Center pledges to embody. In the weeks to come (and moving forward), we ask that faculty members proceed in ways that exercise this care regarding the various identities and lived experiences of St. John’s University students. Extended deadlines, revised syllabi, and other reasonable course adjustments should be considered.

Before students are writers, they are friends, sisters, brothers, daughters, and sons; they are people. We as consultants, pledge to prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of our student body, and re-establish our virtual and physical space as one in which our students can freely express themselves. We believe in the power of words, and we will use ours to support you. We stand with our Black student body. #BlackLivesMatter

Faculty Book Reception

Each year, the University Writing Center, the Writing Across the Curriculum Program, the University Libraries, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Office of the Provost host a Faculty Book Reception to congratulate and celebrate our faculty authors, editors, and coeditors who have published within the past year.   

If you need a disability accommodation, please contact us at 718-990-2171 or [email protected]

Coming Soon.