People

Professional Staff

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Alexandra Smith

PhD, English

Assistant Director, Writing Center
Instructor, English

Phone: 206-296-5309

Building/Room: LEML 253

My research focuses on twentieth century multi-ethnic literatures of the United States with a specific interest in literatures that take up “the street” and urban space. I have taught a number of composition courses at a variety of institutions and am interested in theories of writing and writing pedagogy as well. I am also a founding member of Process: Journal of Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Scholarship, an online journal that publishes undergraduate work from around the world.

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Hidy Basta

Ph. D. Language and Rhetoric, University of Washington 2010
MATESOL, University of Washington, 2001

Director
Languages: English, Arabic

Phone: 206-296-6453

I have a Ph.D. in Language and Rhetoric and an M.A.T. in English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Washington. My research and teaching interests include critical discourse analysis, interdisciplinary writing, genre theory, language ideology and identity, bilingualism, and narrative analysis. I have taught several classes in service learning and the Interdisciplinary Writing Program at the University of Washington and at Antioch University.  Over the past few years, I directed the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Academic Support Lab at Antioch University Seattle.  My current research focuses on exploring the role of feedback on students’ writing and the role of peer consultations in facilitating creativity and risk-taking in academic writing. I enjoy good conversations and good food, hikes, camping under the stars, adventures with my family, and to varying degrees of helplessness: gardening and video games.
 

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Riddle, Chelsea

Library Specialist- Patron Accounts, Billing, and Analytics

Phone: 206.398.4449

Office Assistants

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Brandon

Major: English Literature
Minor: Communication & Media

1st-Year Office Assistant
(he/him)

Hi! My name is Brandon, and I am in my second year at Seattle University. I am an English Literature major and a Communication and Media minor in the University Honors Program. I am originally from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California. I love listening to K-pop (I am a fan of groups like BTS, TXT, and ITZY), Conan Gray, Selena, lo-fi music, and jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Laufey. You can often find me studying or walking around with headphones in because I am almost always listening to music! During my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and eating with friends. I love watching TV, and some of my favorite shows are "Gilmore Girls", "Our Beloved Summer", "Heartstopper", and "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha". I am so excited to meet everyone and be helpful at the Writing Center!

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Cami

MBA

Lead Social Media OA
2nd-Year Office Assistant
(she/her)

Hi there! My name is Cami, and I'm a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration focused on marketing & Innovation. I'm originally from Bogotá, Colombia, but I've been living in the U.S since 2019. My hobbies are listening to audiobooks and podcasts, hiking, working out, and reading. I look forward to assisting and connecting with you! please stop by and also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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Emma

Communications and Media focuses on Journalism and Strategic Communications
Minor in Creative Writing

Co-Lead OA
2nd-Year Office Assistant
(she/her)

Howdy! My name is Emma, and I am a fourth-year Communications and Media major. When I’m not in classes or working on campus, I love finding new coffee shops around Capitol Hill to read at. I look forward to assisting you!

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Kat

Criminal Justice specialization in Criminology & Criminal Theory

Co-Lead OA
2nd-Year Office Assistant
(she/they)

Hi! My name is Kateri, but I usually go by Kat, I'm a Junior majoring in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminology & Criminal Theory. I'm originally from Montana, but I've lived all over the state as my family moved a lot. My hometown is in Harlem, Montana which is about 45 miles from the Canadian border. When I'm not at the Writing Center, I'm spending time with my dogs, reading, painting, dancing, or exploring Seattle!

Writing Consultants

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Bailey

Juris Doctorate

1st-Year Law Consultant
(she/her)

Hi there! My name is Bailey Brandvold and I’m a second-year law student at Seattle University School of Law. I graduated from the University of Evansville in 2019 with a degree in Theatre Studies. I’m from Great Falls, Montana, but before moving to Seattle, I lived in New York City. I look forward to working with you!

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Cara

Civil Engineering
minor in Environmental Science

1st-Year Consultant
Languages: English & Spanish
(she/her)

Howdy!! My name is Cara and I'm a second-year civil engineering student with an environmental science minor. I'm super excited to start my first year as a writing consultant!! I grew up in the Seattle area and I'm big into hiking, gardening, drawing, cooking, and staring off into space. I love to talk to folks, and I especially love to talk to folks about their writing! Hope to see you at the center, I'm excited to start working with everybody!

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Eleanor

Major: Creative Writing

3rd-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hi! I'm Eleanor and I'm a senior creative writing major from Portland, OR. This is my third year as a writing consultant and I'm excited to work with you to support all of your writing needs. I like watching movies, going for hikes, and meeting all of the cute dogs at the dog park. I'm always listening to music and would love to hear any song or band recommendations you have!

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Fin

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Minor: International Studies

3rd-Year Consultant
(she/they)

Hello, my name is Fin, and I'm a senior! I'm from Portland, Oregon, and I am an avid enthusiast of coffee, video games, nature, and writing. I look forward to working with all of you and hope to see you soon!

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Isabella

English/Creative Writing

1st-Year Consultant
Languages: English & French
(she/her)

Hello, my name is Isabella! I'm a Creative Writing major and this is my first year as a consultant for the Writing Center. I spend most of my time doing archery. I also love to read and write all sorts of fantasy and sci-fi. I look forward to working with you!

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Jai-Lynn

English & Political Science
minor in Criminal Justice

1st-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hi, my name is Jai-Lynn, I'm a 3rd-year student studying English and Political Science. I use she/her pronouns, and when I'm not busy studying I enjoy doing puzzles, reading, going for walks, and watching movies/tv shows and most sports. I look forward to meeting with you and working collaboratively with you on your writing, see ya soon!!!

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James

Major: English
Minor: Spanish

3rd-Year Consultant
Languages: English, Tagalog, Spanish
(he/him)

Hi Friends! My name is James, and I am a Fourth year English major and Spanish minor. This is my third and final year with the Writing Center, and I am really excited to be back for another great year with the SU community. When I am not working, you can catch me reading or writing poetry around campus, exploring Seattle, and binge-watching Marvel films with friends. Growing up, I've always enjoyed writing, and my passion for writing is constantly growing. I hope to share this passion with you this year. Please know that I am always here as a friend and resource. I am so excited to be back, and I look forward to working with you all soon. Happy Writing!

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Maddy

Major: Criminal Justice, Psychology

3rd-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hi! My name is Maddy, and I am a second-year writing consultant. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, and I am currently majoring in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. I love hanging out with friends and exploring the city! When I have extra time on my hands you can find me at a local coffee shop, trying new recipes, or hiking. Stop by and let’s chat!

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Max

Political Science

1st-Year Consultant
(he/him)

Hello! My name is Max, and I am a third-year political science major. I am originally from San Jose, California, but I choose to go to school in Seattle because I love the PNW. I am very excited to work for the Writing Center as a consultant, as I enjoy seeing people's writing styles and works. When I have free time, I love playing with my dogs, gardening, and building computers. I look forward to starting to be a consultant!

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Meghan

English/Creative Writing

1st-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hello! My name is Meghan, and I am a sophomore here at SU, studying Creative Writing. I am so excited to be working in the Writing Center this academic year. Outside of the Center and when I'm not doing homework, I love to read, watch movies, and hang out with friends around the city. I am looking forward to meeting you and aiding you in all your writing needs!

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Olivia

Criminal Justice

1st-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hi! My name is Olivia, and I'm a second-year criminal justice major. I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area and this is my first year as a writing consultant. When I have free time, you can find me reading, drinking matcha in coffee shops, and listening to Taylor Swift. I can't wait to work with all of you, and I hope to see you soon!

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Rida

Accounting and Analytics (MSAA)

1st-Year Grad Consultant
Languages: English, Hindi, and Urdu
(she/her)

Hi there! I’m Rida. I graduated from Luther College with double majors in Accounting and Business Management. I am an Accounting and Analytics Graduate Student. I worked as a Research Analyst in Pakistan because I enjoy writing and helping others with their writing concerns. Some of my interests outside work and school are cooking South Asian food, playing badminton, and doing embroidery. I am also fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi, and I will be more than happy to help you in any of these languages you feel comfortable talking in. I am very excited to meet and work with you all soon.

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Sabrina

Major: Masters in Teaching
Secondary, English Language Arts

1st-Year Grad Consultant
(she/they)

Hi! I'm Sabrina, and I'm a Masters in Teaching student, specializing in Secondary English Language Arts. I'm originally from the San Francisco Bay Area but I attended SU for undergrad and decided to stick around for another year! My hobbies include baking, listening to music, and reading. I can't wait to meet you and help you tackle your paper!

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Srinidhi

Kinesiology
minor in Creative Writing

1st-Year Consultant
(she/they)

Hi! My name is Srinidhi Nanduri, I am a senior from Issaquah, WA. This is going to be my first year working as a writing consultant for the writing center, I have previous tutoring experience from high school and freelancing. I am majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Creative Writing! Post-graduation I intend to get my DPT to become a licensed physical therapist. In my free time, you can catch me singing karaoke, reading, dancing, listening to music, and exploring new coffee shops around Seattle. I look forward to working with you all this year!

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Tess

Nursing

1st-Year Consultant
(she/her)

Hi! My name is Tess and I'm a first-year writing consultant. I'm a third year Nursing major from the Portland, OR area. Most of my spare time is spent playing video games with friends, reading, or watching movies and shows! I also enjoy the outdoors, all kinds of baking, and trying new restaurants and cafes around Seattle. I look forward to meeting you and working together!