Dr. Holly Ryan, Writing Center Coordinator
Dr. Ryan has worked in writing centers since her freshman year at Eastern Connecticut State University. Following her tutoring days, she acted as the Associate Director of Duke University's Writing Studio, and in 2010, she joined the faculty at Penn State Berks as an Assistant Professor of English and Writing Center Coordinator. Since becoming the Writing Center Coordinator, Dr. Ryan has transitioned the Writing Center to an entirely undergraduate, peer tutoring space. Additionally, she has been conducting research in the Writing Center. This year she has two projects: one that evaluates the impact of classroom visits on student attitudes toward the Writing Center and one that assesses how well students transfer the writing strategies they learn in the Writing Center from paper to paper.
Sarah M. Bollinger, Assistant Writing Center Coordinator
Sarah Bollinger completed her BA in Professional Writing from Penn State Berks and her MA in English from Temple University. She first began tutoring in 2006 when she took English 250 and worked as a Writing Fellow in a developmental writing course. Continuing as a Writing Fellow until graduation, she worked with students from psychology, women’s studies, and composition courses. Sarah returned to Berks in 2009 to work in the Writing Center, where she currently serves as the assistant coordinator. Her research interests include writing centers, community literacy, and issues involving social class, especially within academia.
Elizabeth Boulanger, Undergraduate Tutor
Elizabeth Boulanger is a Professional Writing major. She is interested in reading and writing for pleasure to pass the time. She enjoys working in the Writing Center because she gets to help others find the joy in writing. Her interests include working with ESL students to help them find the best way to work with the English language. This is Elizabeth’s second semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Chris Brendel, Senior Undergraduate Tutor
Chris Brendel is a junior Global Studies major. Chris is currently studying abroad in England and offers online tutoring sessions. He has been an avid reader and writer for as long as he can remember, and his interest in helping others become better writers led him to tutor at the Writing Center. He is particularly interested in English as a Second Language tutoring and in finding ways to incorporate language theory into his sessions. This is Chris’ fourth semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Katrina Calvin, Undergraduate Tutor
Katrina Calvin is a junior at Penn State Berks and is studying genetics and developmental biology. She is interested in completing a psychology minor while finishing her degree. Working in the Writing Center gives her the opportunity to help other students with the specific skill of writing for the laboratory. As a science student, she encounters this style of writing often and has learned how to incorporate it successfully into her classes. She is excited to work with other students who share a common love for science. This is Katrina’s second semester as a writing fellow in the Writing Center.
Ioana Ciocan, Undergraduate Tutor
Ioana Ciocan is a junior working toward obtaining a Life Science degree. She plans to go to dental school upon graduating. Her research interests are heavily focused in biology. She is currently doing research in Dr. Mysliwiec’s laboratory. Her passion for the English language, helping others, and the sciences led her to become a writing fellow here at Berks. This is Ioana’s second semester as a writing fellow in the Writing Center.
Lydia Conrad, Senior Undergraduate Tutor
Lydia Conrad is a 10th semester super-senior. She's a double major in both Applied Psychology and Professional Writing. Initially, she aspired to become a clinical therapist, but she later broadened her interests in psychology, as well as fed into her passion for writing. She hopes to eventually become an editor and/or work for a health and wellness magazine. She especially enjoys creative writing, and due to both majors, she is familiar with both APA and MLA format. This is Lydia’s fourth semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Kara Kennedy, Senior Undergraduate Tutor
Kara Kennedy is a senior Professional Writing major. She wanted to become a tutor to help instill a love of writing in other students, and she is particularly interested in creative and online writing. She recently traveled to the International Writing Center Association Conference in San Diego with Dr. Holly Ryan and fellow tutor Chris Brendel to give a presentation about ways that tutors can use blogs. This is Kara’s fourth semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Chris Meagher, Undergraduate Tutor
Chris Meagher is a junior and a Professional Writing major. Chris plans on being an editor at a news company after graduation. In his free time, he plays guitar and bass and watches too much TV. This is Chris’ second semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Bianca Sepulveda, Undergraduate Tutor
Bianca Sepulveda, or as some may call her, Marie, is a Professional Writing major whose interests include reading and writing. Some may know her as a Resident Assistant in the halls, but what brought Bianca to the Writing Center was her interest in helping fellow classmates and expanding her knowledge of the editorial process. This is Bianca's second semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Jon Shelton, Undergraduate Tutor
Jon Shelton is a senior majoring in Professional Writing. He returned to school after seven years in the work force to complete his education. After graduation, Jon plans to attend law school. His hobbies are traveling the country and experiencing life to the fullest. This is Jon's second semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.
Britt Specht, Undergraduate Tutor
Britt Specht is a senior Professional Writing major. Her research interests include rhetoric in fiction and the Elizabethan era. This is Britt's second semester as a tutor in the Writing Center.