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. 

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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 and interests. 

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.

Hrishita Acharya
BFA Industrial Design, CTC and NCSS concentrations
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional Languages: Hindi

Having lived between languages and spaces, I see writing as a way to cross worlds, linking ideas, perspectives, and people. My practice is rooted in people-first problem-solving, and I’m interested in building objects and spaces for connection. As a tutor, I hope to share my joy for building bridges with words. Wherever you are in the process, I’m excited to help you craft communication that is clear, meaningful and true to your voice.
Yik Heng Lee
MFA Textiles
Peer Tutor
he/him
Additional Languages: Mandarin

As a double major in architecture and linguistics in undergrad, I explored the intrinsic correlation between Language and Design—specifically, how language serves as a precursor to cognition and imagination, and how it influences the perception of form and materiality in design. It's challenging to fully elucidate ideas while navigating the imperfections and constraints of language; I'm excited to discover with you the biggest ideas through your writings, drawings, and design gestures.
Manuela Guzmán
MFA Illustration, NCSS concentration
Peer Tutor
she/they
Additional languages: Spanish, French

As a specialist in Children’s and Young Adult literature, I firmly believe in the power and importance of storytelling and communication. I am particularly passionate about the interplay between image and text. 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 messages.
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!
Zorka Zsembery
MArch Architecture
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional Languages: Hungarian

With a background in philosophy and a passion for story-telling, I find written and verbal communication to be the cornerstone of idea exchange. I take an inquisitive and collaborative approach to the writing process; I find that the beauty in story-telling—whether through art or writing—is in connecting with others. I'm excited to hear your vision and work together to untangle ideas into authentic expressions that make you feel confident in sharing your story.
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.
Susana Garcia
BFA Illustration, LAS concentration
Peer Tutor
they/them

I'm a queer Latine who loves making art of any kind about the dark and macabre. I'm a huge creepypasta fan, love goth and punk rock, and am obsessed with web history and culture. I started writing as a child who was engrossed in storytelling. My favorite thing to write is paranormal fiction, but I'm adept at taking the skills I've developed out of passion for writing and using them to clearly articulate myself in an academic setting.
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.
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.
Julæ Lynn-Tanning
MLA Landscape Architecture
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional languages: Mandarin Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia

Deploying language in a clear and compelling manner is not a mystical impossibility. Before coming to RISD to study Landscape Architecture, I acquired skills for doing just that through a writing-intensive undergraduate programme at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture. I love sharing what I have learnt with others and am excited to work with y'all to elevate your writing!
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!
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!
Sarkis Antonyan
BFA Interior Architecture, LAS Concentration
BA Urban Studies, Brown University
Peer Tutor
he/him/his
Additional Languages: Armenian

As a poet and essayist, I use writing to unpack topics and generate unforeseen ideas. I bring my love for experimentation, revision, and specificity to the writing process to convey arguments in nuanced, vivid ways, often by successively layering information to hunt for hidden themes. I relish the fact that writing, through its flow and impressionism, can simultaneously heal and invigorate both writer and audience. I specialize in creative writing, art journalism, academic research, and resume drafting.
Grace Demopoulos
BFA Film/Animation/Video
Peer Tutor
he/him, she/her

Coming from a background involving academic and creative writing, I am thrilled to offer an extra set of eyes and work together with peers to perfect their vision. My strengths lie in my ability to research and my eagerness to connect. Communication is a crucial skill regardless of career or personality type—my goal is to make the language behind it accessible and clear.
Avrie Allen
MFA Graphic Design
Peer Tutor
she/her

With a background in art history, fine arts, graphic design, and humanities, I am passionate about interdisciplinary, research-based, and theoretical approaches to art and design. My creative and writing processes always begin with talking to people I trust. Whether I can support you in talking through your ideas, highlighting strong threads in your work, crafting arguments, or reviewing materials, I want to make you feel confident about sharing your ideas beyond A&L.
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.
Angel Wang
BFA Industrial Design
Peer Tutor
she/her/hers

Bio coming soon.
Amelia Jeoung
BFA Illustration
Peer Tutor
she/her
Additional Languages: Spanish

As a visual storyteller and avid reader who was raised overseas by linguists, language has been intrinsic to my life. I am always writing, whether for fun, for routine, or for my creative process, which hinges on a balance of practiced methods and spontaneity. From tackling grand ideas in brainstorming to fine-tuning the final details of your writing, I look forward to working with you at any stage of the process!