Meet the Writing Fellows

Class: 2025

Major(s): Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Minor(s): Statistical Data Analytics

Hobbies/interest/clubs: The Environmental Justice Project, Phi Sigma Pi, reading, running, cooking

Favorite books and authors: Mary E. Pearson, “Lord of the Rings”

Advice to college writers: Write as often as possible!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Health Behavior Science

Minor(s): Business Administration, Global Health

Hobbies/interest/clubs: On campus, I am a Blue Hen Ambassador and Diversity Enrichment Leader, an undergraduate researcher in the department of Epidemiology, as well as an active member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Hillel! Outside of school I love to dance, play soccer and am learning how to cook!

Favorite books and authors: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an amazing biography that weaves together science and storytelling making it one of my favorites. I love Ayn Rand as well, and of course will always return to The Hunger Games or Harry Potter when I am in the mood for some fantasy!

Advice to college writers: Many professors will provide you with prompts that leave room for freedom. When presented with a choice of topic, be sure to choose something that you are interested in or passionate about! Your best writing will come when you are truly engaged with and excited by the topic.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Statistics

Minor(s): Computer Science, Economics

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Intramural athletics, soccer, baseball, running, math, UD Sports Science Program, Blue Hen Chess Club, UD Sport Management Club

Favorite books and authors: Books: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis; Authors: George Orwell, Jeff Passan

Advice to college writers: Find what works for you and stick with it. This applies to many aspects of one’s writing: style, creative process, work environment, writing process, and more.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Environmental Engineering

Minor(s): Coastal and Marine Geoscience

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I am involved in world scholars, climate scholars and work as an undergraduate research assistant at Chin Lab. During my free time, I enjoy crocheting and painting.

Favorite books and authors: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin; Educated – Tara Westover; The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller

Advice to college writers: The writing process differs for everyone, so do not be discouraged if your process strays from your peers. Be confident in yourself and know that perfection does not need to be achieved with your first draft!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Human Services & Cognitive Science

Minor(s): Disability Studies

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Around campus, I serve as Student Representative for E-52 Student Theatre and love everything from set construction to show publicity, and I work as a student ambassador and tour guide on campus, planning admissions events and outreach to prospective students from across the region and community as the Special Projects Coordinator. I also work in undergraduate research and virtually tutor with Teach for America. In my free time, I love to listen to all genres of music and often write poetry!

Favorite books and authors: Eggs by Jerry Spinelli, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, and several works by Zora Neale Hurston

Advice to college writers: Writing can be really intimidating, and it can be very easy to second guess yourself. But that little voice of self-doubt is just another obstacle to you achieving your most authentic and brilliant writing! Try to silence the doubts, free write, construct your ideas and voice without boundaries, and build a support system of literary inspirations and collaborators that lift your voice!

Class: 2025

Major(s): Cognitive Science (PPSLP)

Minor(s): Disability Studies, Human Development & Family Sciences

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I’m a NSSLHA member and a Research Assistant at the ARO Lab on campus. I enjoy spending time outside, finding/listening to new music, going to the gym, and crocheting! I will also never say no to getting take-out.

Favorite books and authors: Some all-time favorites include Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Verity by Colleen Hoover and The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood are more recent favorites.

Advice to college writers: Writing is a process but there are so many ways to go about it. Use each writing experience to find what works best for you and to learn something! Discovering who you are as a writer will lead you to improve and achieve more than you know!

Class: 2026

Major(s): English Education

Hobbies/interest/clubs: In my free time I enjoy singing, creative writing, plant-based cooking, playing volleyball and basketball, and being active in nature.

Favorite books and authors: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Beloved by Toni Morrison

Advice to college writers: Writing, like anything else, takes practice to develop. Find your voice and what you really want to say. With time, revision, and hard work, you will exceed your expectations of yourself as a writer (and maybe even find something extraordinary along the way)!

Class: 2024

Major(s): Environmental science and wildlife ecology and conservation

Hobbies/interest/clubs: gardening, reading, playing/listening to music

Favorite books and authors: Eragon (Christopher Paolini), The Stormlight Archive series (Brandon Sanderson)

Advice to college writers: Be patient with yourself. Give yourself time and the freedom to explore the different directions you can take and don’t pressure yourself to be perfect from the first draft.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Neuroscience and Computer Science

Minor(s): Philosophy

Hobbies/interest/clubs: On campus, I’m a Munson Fellow, research assistant for Griffin Lab, TA for intro computer science classes, and a member of PhiDE (the pre-med fraternity). In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, baking, exploring cities, and running.

Favorite books and authors: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, and anything written by Haruki Murakami

Advice to college writers: Don’t feel pressure to achieve perfection in your first draft or any draft. Remember, there is no universal formula for great writing. Instead, focus on writing with passion and curiosity. Let your voice shine through to allow your writing to reflect your personal perspective and the subject matter.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Marine Biology

Hobbies/interest/clubs: ComUDy (stand up comedy club), painting, reading, hiking and being outside

Favorite books and authors: Circe- Madeline Miller, the Percy Jackson series, and anything recommended by you guys!

Advice to college writers: There’s no such thing as a perfect writing process. Writing in your own way is the only way your truth and your unique experiences can be revealed to the world. Keep writing!

Class: 2025

Major(s): Medical Diagnostics Pre-PA

Minor(s): Biological Sciences and Neuroscience

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I spend a lot of my time working as an EMT for Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Co. I also play trumpet for the UD marching band. I enjoy hiking, skiing, and playing softball.

Favorite books and authors: The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

Advice to college writers: The beginning of the writing process has always been the most intimidating for me. Don’t feel like your draft needs to be perfect. Put your ideas on paper first. You can always go back to revise them later.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law & Society

Minor(s): Disability Studies and Philosophy

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Treasurer of StUDent Government Association, member of the President’s Student Advisory Council, point coach for UD’s Career and Life Certificate program, member of HenLaw, and also a member of book club!

Favorite books and authors: My favorite books are Normal People, Gone Girl, and To Kill a Mockingbird. My favorite author is Sally Rooney.

Advice to college writers: Every draft has potential! No matter where one starts, there is always a strong finish ahead. Just keep working for it!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Health Behavior Science

Minor(s): Public Health

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Reading, painting, traveling, and photography. I am in the Lovers of the Library club.

Favorite books and authors: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Advice to college writers: My advice would be to make sure you are writing papers you are proud of instead of just trying to write what you think will get a good grade. It is obvious if a student is passionate about a topic through their writing.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Communication, English

Minor(s): Journalism, Environmental Humanities

Hobbies/interest/clubs: On campus I’m the Editor-in-Chief at The Review and a writing intern for CEOE. In my free time I love baking, going on hikes, and spending time with my friends and family!

Favorite books and authors: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me by Jason Brian Rosenthal.

Advice to college writers: Don’t overthink it! Sometimes just getting your thoughts onto paper is the best way to start.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Psychology and English

Minor(s): French

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Phi Sigma Pi, Reading, Writing, Walking, Listening to music

Favorite books and authors: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Little Prince by Saint Exupéry, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Advice to college writers: Don’t be afraid to let yourself flow onto the page. Great writing contains the essence of the author in every line.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Minor(s): Statistical Data Analytics

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I am the President of Gamma Sigma Sigma, member of Students for the Environment and the Yoga Club, and Munson Fellow with the Honors College. I enjoy reading, baking, working out, hiking, and traveling.

Favorite books and authors: Some of my all-time favorite books include Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan, Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, and The Giver by Lois Lowry

Advice to college writers: It is okay to ask for help! Whether you go straight to your Writing Fellow, the Writing Center, or even a trusted friend, many good ideas can come from brainstorming with someone other than yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take risks, and get creative with your writing!

Class: 2025

Major(s): International Business Studies and Marketing

Minor(s): French and Advertising

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Ice skating, running, swimming, hiking, traveling, cooking, and reading

Favorite books and authors: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Advice to college writers: Open up a document and write anything that comes to mind as you read and reread the prompt. Do not worry about whether your writing is perfect in the planning stage because it will stop you from organizing your thoughts and forming your opinions. Writing is a process, and be sure to write, rewrite, and revise until you are proud of the end product!

Class: 2025

Major(s): Neuroscience

Minor(s): German

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I am volunteering at a local dog training center, as well as training my own dog. You can find us out hiking or walking around campus. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching foreign film & TV, or hanging out with friends, in addition to trying food at every restaurant on main street. I am also involved in German Club, University Media Services, and undergraduate research here at the university.

Favorite books and authors: The Locked Tomb Series – Tasmin Muir, The Mirror Visitor Quartet – Christelle Dabos, Salem’s Lot – Stephen King, When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi, All the Crooked Saints – Maggie Stiefvater, Never Whistle at Night – Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr

Advice to college writers: Reading good (and bad!) writing is a great way to find your own writing style and help you generate ideas on what to write. One of the biggest challenges is starting an assignment, and my way to overcome this is to simply write the first thing that comes in to my mind even if its completely unrelated. Sometimes doing a writing warm-up before sitting down for a big assignment can help break up this block as well. I also do not edit as I write; I write everything out first and let it sit for an hour to a day before I begin to revise.

Class: 2026

Major(s): English Education

Minor(s): History

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Am a poetry Editor in Caesura, love to make earrings, read, and craft with my friends

Favorite books and authors: Vicious by V. E. Schwab, Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin, Mona Awad

Advice to college writers: Try to just get words on the page! Revision is your best friend, especially if you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed. You’ll find what writing techniques work best for you in this time and learn a little from those around you too!

Class: 2025

Major(s): English, Asian Studies

Minor(s): Chinese

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I love reading and am an editor for Caesura, the undergraduate literary journal. In my free time, you’ll likely find me cooking, frequenting coffee shops, or hanging out with friends. I also enjoy seeing plays/musicals/concerts and taking long walks around our beautiful campus!

Favorite books and authors: Books: Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo, Circe – Madeline Miller, The Anthropocene Reviewed – John Green, Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir. Authors: J.R.R. Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, Shakespeare & Jane Austen (English major, of course)

Advice to college writers: As much as you can, choose a topic based on what you’re passionate about, interested in, or something relevant to your life. Then, discuss that topic in a way that matches the prompt. In my experience, backtracking to focus your writing is easier than pulling teeth over a subject you don’t care about.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Business Analytics

Minor(s): Journalism

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Lug Ice Hockey, Skiing

Favorite books and authors: Albert Camus The Stranger

Advice to college writers: Research research research

Class: 2026

Major(s): English and Spanish Studies

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I spend my time on campus as a Peer Tutor for the Writing Center, an editor for Caesura Literary Magazine, and a Peer Support Specialist at Sean’s House. As for my hobbies, I love to read, write, and listen to music!

Favorite books and authors: My favorite books would have to be The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Some of my favorite authors are V.E. Schwab, Ruta Sepetys, and Banana Yoshimoto!

Advice to college writers: Think of writing as an exploration! Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, taking risks, and experimenting to find your voice. Writing might get a little messy at times, and that is completely okay, so make sure to give yourself some grace!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Cognitive Science (Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology)

Minor(s): Disability Studies and Neuroscience

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Running, Cooking, and Founder of Women in Healthcare club here at UD

Favorite books and authors: Lessons in Chemistry (a recent favorite) and Stephen King

Advice to college writers: Be open minded! Coming into college, I never thought I would grow to love writing so much and eventually become a Writing Fellow. My best advice is to be as open as possible to the writing process and developing your skillset.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Kinesiology

Minor(s): Strength & Conditioning

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I love to read, watch movies, and drink coffee to relax. I also enjoy going to the gym with my teammates on the Club Gymnastics team here at UD!

Favorite books and authors: Recently, I’ve been really enjoying mysteries and psychological thriller novels, but my favorite series of all time is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I recommend it and her other works to anyone that loves a fantasy escape.

Advice to college writers: My advice is to focus less on the whole paper, and take it one idea at a time. Writing essays can be a daunting task, especially the first college papers you write, so taking them in steps and making sure to avoid getting overwhelmed are very important. Remember to breathe and let that nervous energy help you to generate your best ideas, not get in your way!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Art History, French

Minor(s): Museum Studies, Africana Studies

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I am a member of E-52, one of the theater groups on campus, where I have acted, stage-managed, and am now directing a show! I am also a peer mentor for First Year Seminar. In my free time, I love to cook, travel, and watch terrible reality TV (if you have recommendations for any of these, send them my way!).

Favorite books and authors: The Martian by Andy Weir, Beloved by Toni Morrison, Tar Baby by Toni Morrison, Circe by Madeline Miller, and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Advice to college writers: You don’t have to—and may not be able to—write in huge, hours-long chunks to be a productive writer. Chipping away at an assignment for even 5 minutes every day makes a bigger difference than you think! There is power in letting your writing develop over the course of several days or weeks, as it helps your ideas grow and brings your writing to more interesting places.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Music Education (Choral/General)

Minor(s): Disability Studies

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I am actively involved with E-52 Student Theatre, and beyond my experiences running the booth and performing onstage, I also currently serve as treasurer for the organization. I’m also a member of the UD Chorale and teach a ukulele class to elementary school students through UD’s Community Music School.

Favorite books and authors: In preparation for my Shakespeare-centered fall recital, I’ve been rereading plays including Hamlet and Twelfth Night. Beyond that, some of my other favorite books include A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams.

Advice to college writers: Never be afraid of a “bad” first draft. You can always go back and edit, but never let a fear of perceived failure stop you from getting your ideas out on the paper.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Biology

Minor(s): Forensic Science, Domestic Violence Prevention & Services

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Horror movies, skiing, swimming, the outdoors, cats

Favorite books and authors: Something is Killing the Children (don’t know if this counts because it’s a graphic novel), The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski, Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

Advice to college writers: 1.) MOST IMPORTANT!!! Write about something that interests you! You will enjoy the process and care about what you are writing so much more if you pick a topic you actually find interesting
2.) Don’t be afraid to experiment! So many professors offer some sort of a check in before you turn in a draft, so consider trying things you haven’t done before. This could help you find your style and voice and allow you to elevate your writing.

Class: 2024

Major(s): Psychology, Cognitive Science

Minor(s): Interactive Media

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Undergrad research assistant @ the Impression Formation Social Neuroscience lab, photography, hiking, writing, overanalyzing my favorite TV shows and movies

Favorite books and authors: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Normal People by Sally Rooney, S. by Doug Dorst and J.J. Abrams

Advice to college writers: Reading is almost always the cure to writer’s block. And this isn’t limited to books—news articles, blog posts, movie reviews, your friend’s bad poetry, Wikipedia research spirals—read anything that makes you think.

Class: 2026

Major(s): Psychology

Minor(s): Medical Diagnostics

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Women in Healthcare, Honors Engaging in Neighborhood Service (HENS), running, cooking, and reading

Favorite books and authors: The Hunger Games series and The Song of Achilles

Advice to college writers: Everyone’s writing process is different! Try new things when writing to see what works best for you. Use what you learn to create your own unique writing process.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Human Physiology

Minor(s): Spanish

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Currently, I am the Co-President of Chabad at UD and the Vice President of IAC-Mishelanu. I am also a member of Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity. I am a research assistant in the Cardiovascular Nutrition Research Lab at UD and part of the Urology Research team at Hartford Hospital. I love to run, and am a member of the Club XC/TF team. In my free time I love to read, bake, go to coffee shops around campus, and enjoy being outside.

Favorite books and authors: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Triology by Stieg Larsson, and currently my favorite author to binge read is Emily Henry.

Advice to college writers: Start from anywhere, whatever that means to you as a writer. Whether you write your thesis first, your topic sentences, or even your conclusion, everyone’s writing process is unique and what may work for one student may not work for another. If you need help getting started/creating a plan, always feel free to reach out to your writing fellow or visit the writing center. We want you to succeed!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Political Science

Minor(s): Legal Studies

Hobbies/interest/clubs: I love going to the gym, reading, and spending time with friends/family. I am Vice President of HenLaw and also a part of the Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter.

Favorite books and authors: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Advice to college writers: Don’t worry so much about writing a perfect first draft. Just get your thoughts out on the paper. Then go back to edit, revise, and make it your own!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Biological Sciences

Minor(s): Public Health and Business Administration

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Blue Hen Leadership, OAE Individual Tutor, running, music, cooking, reading

Favorite books and authors: November 9 by Colleen Hoover, The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Advice to college writers: Be confident throughout every writing project! You are your biggest critic, and often times people find your writing much better than you find it. Along with that, still be open to feedback, as the opinions of your peers and professors are a valuable resource to have.

Class: 2025

Major(s): Human Physiology (BS), Spanish StudIes (BA)

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Swimming, study abroad/travel, ADPI sorority

Favorite books and authors: The Guest List, Lucy Foley; Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid

Advice to college writers: Just start typing your ideas down onto the page, even if you don’t have a fully clear vision of the structure or content of you writing piece!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Human Physiology

Minor(s): Spanish for Healthcare & Leadership

Hobbies/interest/clubs: On campus I’m involved in the Leadership & Service Office as a QUEST Peer Mentor and UDaB Site Leader, I’m a member of both Alpha Xi Delta and Phi Delta Epsilon, and I’m a Certified CPR Instructor. Outside of these activities, I love reading, going on walks and hikes, listening to music, and spending time with my friends.

Favorite books and authors: I love memoirs and romance! Some of my favorite authors are Emily Henry, Kristin Hannah, Jennifer Weiner, and Taylor Jenkins Reid. My current favorite memoirs include Glass Castle, Letter to a Young Female Physician, and Educated.

Advice to college writers: Follow your passion. Find ways to tie everything back to your interests, passions, and hobbies in order to keep your writing and your life enjoyable!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Neuroscience & Psychology

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Hobbies: Thrifting, Crafts, and Photography; Clubs: The New, Young Democratic Socialists of America, Nu Rho Psi

Favorite books and authors: Looking for Alaska by John Green, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens by Alice Walker

Advice to college writers: As Nikki Giovanni once said, “Writing is a conversation with reading; a dialogue with thinking.” Good writers learn from engaging with the literature that they enjoy. Embrace your interests and exercise your thoughts!

Class: 2026

Major(s): Medical Diagnostics Pre-Physician Assistant

Hobbies/interest/clubs: Alpha Delta Pi, Yoga Club, boating, cooking, nature walks, reading

Favorite books and authors: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes; Gillian Flynn, Stephen King

Advice to college writers: Don’t be afraid to try new things! You may have been taught a “right and wrong way” to write, but this time is perfect for you to discover who you are as a writer and to explore different techniques and styles.