My specialty is Creative Writing and Contemporary Fiction. In my classes, I focus on how we can use language as an observational and interpretive tool to bring the world closer to us and how writers craft stories to explore issues present in contemporary life. To this end, I try to create space for students to think creatively and critically about their experiences and, ultimately, their place in society.  Class projects focus on argumentative writing, the foundations of storytelling, and narrative perspective. We consider topics such as culture, immigration, assimilation, and equality.  My classes aim to promote flexible thinking that encourages empathy and helps build acceptance for ourselves and others.

Contemporary Fiction, Creative Writing, Narrative Techniques

English Composition A-1 / A-2, Cultures of the English Speaking World 1 & 2, Creative Writing, North American Creative Studies (Seminar), Global Studies (Issues of Contemporary Literature)

My seminar is a practice-based seminar for students interested in working on an extended piece of creative writing or researching and writing critically about the creative process of American writers and artists. Creative projects can include writing either Fiction (short stories or a novel), Non-fiction (essays or memoir), Plays, or a collection of Poetry. During the class, we will explore how writers find and develop their 'voice' on the page, the choices writers make when constructing their work, and the techniques writers use to tell their stories.