Department of English

Writing Center Instructors

Emily Alianello is a Ph.D. student in the English department with research and teaching interests in rhetoric, argumentative writing, and Medieval and Renaissance literature, including early modern religious lyric poetry and sermons. Hailing from Cattaraugus, NY, Emily received her B.A. in Literature from Patrick Henry College in Virginia. She teaches writing in the English department here at Catholic and has also taught SAT prep classes in Critical Reading & Writing. Emily's other writing and academic interests include creative non-fiction, philosophy, and theology.

Brian Chappell is a Ph.D. candidate in the English department with interests in Postmodernism, Historical Fiction, and Narrative Theory. Originally from Potomac, MD, Brian received his B.A. in English and Ancient Civilizations from Boston College and his M.A. in English from Georgetown University. He’s also taught middle school, lived as a prefect at a semi-boarding school, and currently teaches for MSPS and writes for THEthe Poetry (thethepoetry.com). His interests include fiction writing, travel writing, and longform journalism. Brian also serves as Assistant Director.

Creative Writing, Grammar, Humanities, Media Studies, and Classics

Bethany Duemler is a M.A. student in the English department with interests in early modern British literature and material culture. Bethany received a B.A. with honors in History from Calvin College and also majored in English. She spent a semester of her undergraduate program as a visiting student at Oxford University where she studied early modern court culture and art.

Art, ESL, Grammar, and History

Erik Gravel is a M.A. student in the English department with a focus on the British Renaissance, particularly Milton and Spenser. Originally from Burrillville, Rhode Island, Erik received his B.S. in Biology and B.A. in History from Providence College. He has taught mathematics and anatomy & physiology at the New England Institute of Technology and worked as coordinator of the Science Lab in the Academic Skills Center at NEIT, tutoring students in the medical sciences. His interests include writing in the sciences (from lab reports to reviews of scientific literature, to research papers), historical, theological, and philosophical writing.

Engineering, Grammar, History, Humanities, Classics, Math, Philosophy, Sciences, Theology

Thomas Johnson is a M.A. student in the English department with interests in Victorian literature, dystopian literature, film adaptation, and popular culture. Originally from Adelphi, MD, Thomas received his B.A. in English Literature from Loyola University Maryland, where he also completed minors in Writing and Film Studies. Thomas has professional experience as an intern for and interim secretary to the Executive editor of the Weekly Standard magazine and his writing interests include creative non-fiction, book and film reviews, and short stories.

Creative Writing, Media Studies

Heather Judd is a M.A. student in the English department with a focus on medieval literature and interests in hymnody and classical influences on English literature. Originally from Casper, Wyoming, Heather received her B.A. in Elementary Education, with minors in English and Music, from Concordia University, Ann Arbor. She previously worked as a writing consultant as an undergraduate student and taught elementary school for eight years. Her writing interests include education, music, theater/drama, and history.

Drama, Education, ESL, Grammar, History, Humanities, Classics, Music, Theology 

Sophia Mason is a M.A. student in the English department with interests in Shakespeare and the 19th century novel. Originally from Lovettsville, VA, Sophia received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, with a major in Philosophy and minor in Theology and Math. A Development Assistant for a DC non-profit, she also has experience with professional writing, including fundraising letter, grant and proposal writing, and donor research. Her interests in writing include philosophy (Thomistic/Aristotelian), politics, political science, and creative writing.

Creative Writing, Humanities, Classics, Math, Philosophy, Politics, Sciences, Theology

Rachael Mueller is a M.A. student in the English department with interests in Medieval and Renaissance literature. Originally from Ellicott City, MD, Rachael received her B.A. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in English and Political Science and a minor in Creative Writing. She also currently works at the Folger Shakespeare Library, handling antique manuscripts, and has previously worked as a blogger and has trained election judges in how to administrate the election process. Her writing interests include scientific writing and creative writing. 

Creative Writing, and Politics.

Serena White is a M.A. student in the English department with a focus on Twentieth Century literature. Serena received her B.A. with honors in English from the University of Dallas, where she also minored in Music. She has spent a semester living in Rome, Italy, where she studied Classical and Renaissance literature, architecture, and history, and was also the editor of the literary magazine at UD, Do Not Go Gentle, and leader of weekly creative writing workshops. Serena also serves as Outreach Coordinator. 

Architecture, Creative Writing, Grammar, Humanities, Classics, Music, and Philosophy
 

Looking for an instructor with a strong interest in writing in a particular subject or genre?
All of our instructors can assist you with any writing project or work with you on issues of grammar and citation, but if you’d like to request an instructor who has experience in a particular subject area or genre, please use the following list as a guide. If you cannot find your subject/genre on the list, but would still prefer a referral, please contact Dr. Kevin Rulo for assistance.

Grammar Specialists

Dr. Taryn Okuma, Director of Undergraduate Tutor Program

Dr. Kevin Rulo, Director

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Brian Chappell, Assistant Director
Sophia Mason, Outreach Coordinator