Our Staff
Writing Center Consultants
- Lisa Biesemeyer has a Master’s Degree in Literature from San Francisco State University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Capella University, and a Certificate in TESOL. Her goal is to facilitate a learning environment by encouraging effective written communication, thoughtful discussion, an engaging, compassionate peer learning community, and providing access to a knowledgeable, trustworthy, empathetic teacher. She has taught all levels of writing since 2001, and has taught Writing in Psychology, which focuses on writing APA style literature reviews, since 2005.
- Jason Bowers has a Master's Degree in Composition Instruction from San Francisco State University. He has taught in the Writing Program at SFSU and researches the interaction between grading policies and feedback on student writing.
- Shelwyn Corrigan has a Master's Degree in Linguistics and a Master's Degree in Digital Media and Learning. She has been an instructor at the University of San Francisco in the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences since 2001.
- Onllwyn C. Dixon (he/they) is a proud alumnus of USF, having earned his Ed.D. and M.A. in International and Multicultural Education. He currently serves as National Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Year Up, a national nonprofit workforce development organization. Onllwyn has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. He is an avid foodie, reader, traveler, and concert goer.
- Melisa Garcia has a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing and a Master's of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Poetry) from the University of New Mexico. Her research focuses on non-dominant narratives, immigration issues, alternative discourses, and linguistic diversity.
- Anjili Maharaj is a graduate student in the MAPC program focusing on Health Communication. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies (minor in Asian American Studies) from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an Associate’s Degree in Communications from Diablo Valley College. As someone who visits USF’s Writing Center regularly, she aims to give all students the skills they need to be confident in their writing through a thoughtful approach. Previously, she tutored students at Diablo Valley College’s Academic Support Center and found her passion for writing through those experiences.
She has always enjoyed working with students and hopes to use her background in communication to encourage accessibility, inclusion, diversity, equity, and kindness in academic spaces. Outside of school and work, you can find Anjili at the beach, at a concert, traveling, or spending time with family and friends.
Anjili is the Writing Center's Lead Peer Coach. - Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko (pronoun agnostic / gender atheist) received their Master's in Fine Arts (MFA) in Dramatic Writing from Columbia University in the City of New York while also a Point Scholar. Nick also received their B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) in Literature-Writing from Columbia University. Nick has written three books: Str8 Up Queer African (Scientists and Poets, 2023); Waafrika 123 (UnCut/Voices Press, 2016) and Waafrika (UnCut /Voices Press, 2013).
- Matthew McKinnie earned his Master's Degree from San Francisco State University in TESOL and Composition. His background is in linguistics, and his work has been oriented toward linguistic approaches to reading, language contact for multilingual speakers, and discourse communities in translation/textual analysis. He welcomes writers at any stage of their process, in any genre, at all times.
- Maia Patton (she/her) is a second-year student at USF. She is studying English with a concentration in literature and creative writing. She loves exploring her own writing and challenging herself to grow and expand her skills. Her future goals are to become an editor and writer.
- Cynthia Schultes has taught at Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and Notre Dame Seishin University in Okayama, Japan. At USF, she teaches in the Rhetoric & Language Department, the Master's program in Professional Communication, and the Master's program in Asia Pacific Studies. She has a PhD in History from the George Washington University.
- Valeria Serrano (she/her) brings a unique perspective to the Writing Center as a first-generation college student. Currently a senior, she is pursuing a major in advertising and a minor in design, blending creativity with communication skills. Valeria is passionate about helping others amplify their voices and craft compelling narratives. With her bilingual proficiency, she ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all students. Additionally, her background in photography enriches her understanding of visual storytelling, offering a multifaceted approach to writing support. Valeria's commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment aligns perfectly with the goals of the Writing Center, where she strives to empower students to express themselves confidently through the written word.
Valeria is the Writing Center's Marketing Director
- Mona Shaath has been tutoring students in Writing Centers since 2018; she began teaching in the 90s. Throughout her teaching career at area universities such as USF, the Academy of Art, and San Francisco State University, Mona has been passionate about engaging students using a variety of approaches to reading and writing. Mona recently co-authored a chapter about "good writing" in Perspectives on Good Writing in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (University of Michigan Press, 2023). Her pedagogy draws on a social justice perspective informed by an M.A. in Sociology from New York University. In 2023, Mona Shaath graduated with an M.A. in Composition from San Francisco State University.
Writing Center Director
- Jonathan Hunt is the Director of the USF Writing Center and Professor in the Department of Rhetoric and Language. He can be contacted via email at jhunt2@usfca.edu.
The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers
Gleeson Library | Geschke Center | Lower Level G03
2495 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED