University Writing Center

Isabella Acierno 

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

Hey everyone! My name is Bella and I’m a third year majoring in Communication Arts. I love to be out and about, but I'm also more than satisfied curling up with a book in one hand and tea in the other! I am 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. 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, inspire -- I look forward to being 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 Senior 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 

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

Hi everyone! I’m a Master's Student studying Biology. 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, or planting my own flowers! I’ve always loved writing and wanted to involve myself in it more, so working 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 :-)   

  Jamila Chowdhury 

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

  Hi there! I'm Jamila and currently a fourth-year in the St. John's Pharmacy Program. I am a bookworm, skincare enthusiast, and sunset chaser. Working as a Writing Consultant at the UWC is so exciting to grow as a writer & be a member of the community. I look forward to working with you and helping you through the power of collaboration, writing, and discussion! Hope to see you soon :D 

Joe Ciaccio 

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

Hello everybody! I'm Joe, a sophomore 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!

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 senior 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. 

Jessica Gorovoy

Graduate Assistant | The School of Education | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica, and I am currently completing my final year of the SJU School of Education 5-Year TESOL [Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages] program. I am also the president of the St. John's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi - International Honor Society in Education. In my free time, I love listening to music, spending time with friends and family, drawing, and reading. I have also loved writing ever since I was little and writing my own picture books for fun. Due to this, teaching writing to my fifth graders during my student teaching last year was a true full-circle moment that made my love for writing even greater. In my work here at the Writing Center, I look forward to helping students grow as writers and empowering students to proudly take ownership of their writing. See you at the Writing Center! :)

Tina Gurcharan

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

  Hi everyone! I'm Tina, a senior majoring in English with a minor in WGSS (Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies). My additional research interests include Caribbean Studies, Third World Studies, & Asian Studies. Outside of campus, you can find me reading, writing poetry, or taking photos with my camera. Writing has always been a passion of mine, which is why every day at the University Writing Center is just as fulfilling as the next. I believe that consultants and clients can learn something from one another, whether it be a new writing technique or seeing the world in a different light! The UWC is a welcoming environment where writers of all backgrounds can find a safe space and a community of creative minds. We're here to support you no matter what your writing needs are! 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 Junior 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!

Christopher Ingram Jr.

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

Christopher Ingram Jr. (He/Him/His) is a second-year graduate student (M.A.) in the English Department at St. John’s University from Freeport, New York. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) in English from Saint Augustine’s University in the spring of 2022. Chris was commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 2022. Chris is currently a Graduate Assistant for the St. John’s University Writing Center. When he is not reading and researching he loves to spend time with his family and girlfriend Alyssa.

Odim Kalu

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

Hello everyone, my name is Odim Kalu.  I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Economics here at St. John’s Tobin School of Business. While I’m looking to pursue a career in Business Sales and consulting, writing will always be my first love. Sparked by my 5th-grade English teacher, my love for poems and short story writing (along with reading whenever I have a moment to spare) has stood the test of time. Working at the writing center has allowed me to tap into that love more in the short time I’ve been here than in a long time and I appreciate it so much. I hope I can bring that love to every one of my consultations and help you grow that writing muscle so you can reach further than you ever thought you could.

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 junior 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 as both a form of self-expression and as a fun pastime. I know writing can be very daunting at times, especially academic writing, 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 Junior. 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 Senior 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 Junior 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!

Kat Morocho 

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

Hi! My name is Kat! I’m from Brooklyn, NY. I’m a sophomore English Major with a minor in Government and Politics and an undergraduate writing consultant at the University Writing Center. Outside of campus, I dedicate myself to volunteering as a Girl Scout Junior Leader, Youth Mentor, and 3rd Grade Catechist. In my free time, I love to hyper-organize my Spotify playlists, go shopping for new stationery items, spend time with my dog, and write new story prompts. It is no surprise that my love for writing comes from my short stories, and I especially enjoy learning from other people’s writing. My goal as a consultant is to help you express yourself in writing and gain the confidence to press submit! I hope to work with you soon!! :) 

TJ Mosby  

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

My name is TJ, I’m a Junior 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!  

Marie-Therese Nasah 

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

Hey y'all, my name is Marie (she/her/hers)! I am a sophomore English major from Dallas, TX. I love to crochet, read, listen to music, write poetry, and talk about all things pop culture. I've always loved writing and helping people find their voice in whatever it is they have to write. 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 the most helpful collaborator I can be 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!

Olivia Rainson 

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

My name is Olivia Rainson and I am a Junior 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.

Taylor Robinson

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

Hey! My name is Taylor, and I am a Junior Government and Politics major with a minor in Business Law. Writing is my outlet and has always been something I use to express myself and my ideas. When I am not in the Writing Center, you can find me listening to music, doing hair, or hanging out with friends. Everyone has a story to tell, and sometimes, we need a little help getting it out. My goal is to help you be more confident and comfortable with your writing skills, so you are able to share your ideas and stories. You are already taking a big step by seeking additional support at the writing center, and I applaud you for that. I look forward to helping you with all of your writing needs.

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 senior 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 third-year Journalism major at St. John’s University in the BS/MS program in International Communication-- 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 writing, 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!

Owen Taylor

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

Howdy, my name is Owen. I’m a sophomore majoring in English from Syracuse, NY, and a recent hire at the University Writing Center. I come from a family of professors whose jobs I am trying to steal, and my employment here is the first step to a (hopefully) long career in education that I wish to pursue. I’ve always felt very comfortable writing, I wrote a lot of very annoying short-stories and plays in high school, and I know for a fact that I can help infuse your work with “the good stuff.” I also enjoy art house cinema and playing the banjo.

Kimberly Zhao

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

Hi everyone, my name is Kimberly and I am a Junior 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.

Thomas Seweid-DeAngelis 

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

Hi everyone! My name is Thomas and I am the Assistant Director of the University Writing Center at St. John’s University. I earned a Master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Brooklyn College. I am thankful for the opportunity to engage with students’ writing. In consultations, I encourage writers to 1) explore their ‘whys’ for each piece of writing they show up to, 2) learn how to revise their own writing, 3) be patient with themselves throughout the writing process - even this short bio took several drafts to complete!

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