Meet the Staff & Tutors
Professional Staff
Our professional staff members have particular roles and expertise. See how to connect with them in their bios below.
Jennifer Liese
Director
401-277-4829
jliese@risd.edu
Before coming to RISD, I was an editor at Artforum and Cabinet, wrote about art, and worked in museums and galleries. I also edited an anthology of artist's writings called Social Medium: Artists Writing, 2000–2015 (Paper Monument, 2016). At RISD, I've taught courses on graduate thesis writing, professional practices, and experimental publishing, and I am the advisor to RISD student publications including v.1. I specialize in supporting artists and designers in developing authentic language and illuminating perspectives about and around their work, for themselves and others, now and into the future.
Alden Taylor
Assistant Director
Multilingual Learning
ataylo03@risd.edu
Additional Languages: Mandarin
Formally trained in history and international relations, I spent 5 years as an international student and multilingual teacher in Beijing and Taipei. I work one-on-one with multilingual students to develop and achieve actionable language goals in academic, professional, and creative contexts. I am also available to consult with faculty and staff on issues pertaining to the cultivation of an inclusive, asset-oriented environment for MLLs at RISD, such as curricular and pedagogical design.
Meredith Barrett
Associate Director
Writing & Related Literacies
she/her
401-454-6521
mbarrett01@risd.edu
My background in literature, education, and writing center theory and practice taught me that tutoring is not just about improving form, content, or even process; it is pursuing the human connection possible in communication—an interpersonal means to an interpersonal end. I carry this philosophy into all my efforts, from training tutors to supporting faculty to assisting students. Reach out to me for help matching with a tutor or support in your own communication.
Peer Tutors
Peer tutors are undergraduate and graduate students with strong communication skills who also take part in ongoing training in tutoring theory and best practices. Any of them can support you in all aspects of communication—written, spoken, and visual. In the bios below, you’ll learn about each tutor’s major, interests, and tutoring specialties.
See someone you want to work with? You can filter availability for specific tutors when you make an appointment.
Interested in becoming a tutor? See our hiring page.
Waleed Mustafa
BFA in Industrial Design, NCSS concentration
Peer Tutor
he/him
Additional Languages: Arabic
With a background in Industrial Design and Nature–Culture–Sustainability Studies, my writing weaves cultural, emotional, and speculative research. Growing up in the Middle East shaped how I approach analysis—attentive to heritage, identity, and the ways ideas unfold across contexts. As a tutor, I aim to guide you through research and critical thinking to uncover deeper perspectives, while also refining clarity, structure, and flow so your writing becomes more engaging, effective, and rewarding to develop!
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Citations - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style - Grammar/error correction support |
- Visual design advice and feedback - Adobe InDesign, Illustrator - Study skills - Art History - Literary Analysis - Public Speaking - Professional Applications - Graduate Thesis |
Sarah Chen
BFA Illustration + THAD concentration
Peer Tutor
she/her
As an avid reader with an interest in narrative illustration, I believe in language and storytelling as a powerful tool for connection. However I understand that language is not always accessible, and as a tutor I am committed to helping you break down barriers you may face at any step. Whether through brainstorming or revisions, I look forward to working with you in expressing and communicating your ideas!
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Citations - Improving clarity |
- Developing or discussing writing style - Grammar/error correction support - Study skills - Art History - Literary Analysis |
Manuela Guzmán
MFA Illustration/TLAD, NCSS concentration
Peer Tutor
she/they
Additional languages: Spanish, French
As an illustrator, I firmly believe in the power and importance of storytelling and communication. I am particularly passionate about the interplay between image and text and how it can help us cultivate and transform our relationship with the environment and our surroundings. With experience in both creative and academic writing, I can assist you in articulating your ideas clearly. I love getting to know how you relate to your work and helping you clarify your goals and find strategies that work for you. :)
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Improving clarity - Visual design advice and feedback |
- Study skills - Art History - Literary Analysis - Public Speaking - Professional Applications - Graduate Thesis |
Maham Momin
MFA Graphic Design
Peer Tutor
she/her
I’m a graphic designer and art director who also has a background in academic writing, and I see design and writing as connected ways of developing and sharing ideas. As a tutor,I enjoy breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps and encouraging students to find their own voice. I value making space for curiosity, experimentation, and growth. Outside of tutoring, you’ll usually find me watching cat videos, ballroom dance competitions, or making my own jewelry.
Specialties:
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- Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Improving clarity - Grammar/error correction support |
- Visual design advice and feedback - Professional Applications - Graduate Thesis |
Lily Berman
MLA Landscape Architecture
Peer Tutor
she/her
I believe that creativity thrives in community and that good writing starts from good conversation. My academic training is in political science and my professional background is in theater design and directing. These experiences taught me how to communicate across audiences, styles, and media. Whether you are brainstorming, drafting, or editing, I am eager to help you deepen your thinking and move your work forward.
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Citations - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style |
- Grammar/error correction support - Study skills - Public Speaking - Professional Applications - Graduate Thesis |
Tokyo Cui
BFA in Film/Animation/Video
Peer Tutor
Additional Languages: Mandarin
With a background in Ancient History and prose, my writing is grounded in archival and critical engagement. I approach both fiction and nonfiction texts as sites where historical consciousness and the aesthetic form of language intersect. I enjoy considering the tension between research-driven rigor and the generative spontaneity of language, how critical thought and aesthetic practice co-constitute one another. As a tutor, I look forward to understanding and nourishing your relationship with the English language.
Specialties: coming soon!
Sam Ngai
M.Arch Architecture
Peer Tutor
she/her
As an architecture student with a background in journalism and creative writing, I value storytelling as a driving force for design processes. From poetry and essays to drawing and architectural design, I have worked with storytelling methods across written and visual forms, all of which engage the craft of language in unique ways. I am excited to work with you at any stage of the writing process, and hope that together we can bring your voice forward.
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Citations - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style |
- Grammar/error correction support - Study skills - Literary Analysis - Public Speaking - Professional Applications - Graduate Thesis |
Killian Crow Conahan
M.Arch Architecture
Peer Tutor
they/them
My experience straddles the gap between the sciences and humanities. I'm here to help you write your truth, synthesizing quantitative data with qualitative experience. Poetry is my expertise—in concert with processing and expressing strange ideas. "Former" Mad Scientist.
The only way out of a creative block is through, but it's not a terrible commute once you get familiar with it. I'll be here if you need a guide!
Specialties:
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- Structure/organization - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style - Grammar/error correction support |
- Poetry - Creative Writing - Literary Analysis |
Ruzana Rozman
MFA in Graphic Design
Peer Tutor
she/they
Additional Languages: Bahasa Melayu (conversational), Japanese (basic conversational)
I am a designer, educator, drummer, and generally over-energized person with a love for celebrating people’s true strengths. I have designed and led leadership workshops professionally and for community engagements, but my favorite job was working as an adjunct professor with undergraduate design students. I love exploring the vast possibilities of creative ideas and expression in multiple (and alternative) formats.
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Improving clarity |
- Visual design advice and feedback - Public Speaking - Graduate Thesis |
Emma Kuo
BFA Interior Architecture
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional Languages: Mandarin (fluent), Japanese (conversational)
Before coming to RISD, I attended international schools most of my life and enjoy meeting people from different cultures. I have dabbled in everything from creative writing to illustration and find that art school is a place to experiment with all my interests. With my background in competitive speech and serving on the board for Ted x RISD, I love sharing tips on presentations and persuasive writing. Come hang out with me!
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style |
- Literary Analysis - Public Speaking |
Carolyn Nakawungu Batabye
BFA in Industrial Design, HPSS concentration
Peer Tutor
she/her
Bio coming soon!
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization - Arguments and thesis statements - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style - Grammar/error correction support |
- Visual design advice and feedback - Study skills - Literary Analysis - Public Speaking |
Elina Sun
BFA in Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Peer Tutor
she/they
Bio coming soon!
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Structure/organization |
- Citations - Improving clarity - Study skills |
Ziyu Dong
BFA in Industrial Design, CTC concentration
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional Languages: Mandarin
Hello! I was born in China but moved to Hawaii when I was 4. Some of my favorite things to do besides drawing are babysitting, reading, crocheting, and binge-watching with friends and little sister. I really enjoy connecting and communicating with new people, and the mutual learning and growth that occurs through tutoring.
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Brainstorming - Arguments and thesis statements - Citations - Improving clarity |
- Grammar/error correction support - Visual design advice and feedback - Study skills - Literary Analysis |
Fern Núñez
BFA in Iterior Architecture
Peer Tutor
Additional Languages: Spanish
Before transferring to RISD, I studied the humanities, became adept at academic writing, and cultivated an interpersonal and intercultural repertoire for two years as an international art history student. Getting one's thoughts onto paper can be a daunting endeavor, but I'm here to help demystify the process and make it more actionable, fun, and worthwhile. My aim is to help you realize your academic, creative, and professional voice and potential.
Specialties:
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- Process/planning - Structure/organization - Improving clarity - Developing or discussing writing style - Grammar/error correction support |
- Visual design advice and feedback - Study skills - Art History - Literary Analysis - Public Speaking |