University Writing Team
The University Writing Team is a collaborative group of full-time administrators and undergraduate and graduate student workers. We plan and implement University Writing operations, the Miller Writing Center, workshops, faculty development, and special events.
Director
Pronunciation: Kriss Bass-gear
Pronouns: he/him/his
Christopher Basgier received his Ph.D. in English from Indiana University in 2013. He has extensive experience working with faculty on teaching with writing, and he has consulted with departments about integrating writing throughout undergraduate and graduate curricula, particularly in support of high-impact practices like ePortfolios. His research, which spans writing across the curriculum, genre, threshold concepts, and digital rhetoric, has appeared in venues like Across the Disciplines, The WAC Journal, Composition Forum, and Studies in Higher Education. He is also active in national organizations like the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum, the Conference on College Composition, and Communication, HIPs in the States, and the WAC Clearinghouse.
Christopher Basgier, Ph.D.
Pronunciation: Kriss Bass-gear
Pronouns: he/him/his
Christopher Basgier received his Ph.D. in English from Indiana University in 2013. He has extensive experience working with faculty on teaching with writing, and he has consulted with departments about integrating writing throughout undergraduate and graduate curricula, particularly in support of high-impact practices like ePortfolios. His research, which spans writing across the curriculum, genre, threshold concepts, and digital rhetoric, has appeared in venues like Across the Disciplines, The WAC Journal, Composition Forum, and Studies in Higher Education. He is also active in national organizations like the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum, the Conference on College Composition, and Communication, HIPs in the States, and the WAC Clearinghouse.
Associate Director
Pronunciation: kAEth-rihn brOWn
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Katharine H. Brown joined the University Writing team as a graduate assistant in 2020 and began her current position in 2022. At University Writing, she focuses on cultivating a culture of wellbeing for writers, particularly graduate students. She finds joy in mentoring and supporting University Writing’s graduate assistants. Recently, Auburn University recognized her work with these students by granting her the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award. Katharine completed her M.A. in English in 2011 and her Ph.D. in English Education in 2023 at Auburn University. She has over fifteen years of experience supporting student success through teaching English courses and working in writing centers in a variety of capacities. She researches graduate student writing self-efficacy, writing and wellbeing, and welcoming practices in writing centers. A recent project includes a National Science Foundation Innovations in Graduate Education funded collaboration with faculty in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to develop new methods to support graduate writers in STEM fields. Her research has been published in venues including The Writing Center Journal, WAC Clearinghouse, Composition Forum, and Praxis: A Writing Center Journal. An experienced yoga teacher, Katharine and enjoys spending time with her three cats and finding balance through mindfulness.
Katharine H. Brown, Ph.D.
Pronunciation: kAEth-rihn brOWn
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Katharine H. Brown joined the University Writing team as a graduate assistant in 2020 and began her current position in 2022. At University Writing, she focuses on cultivating a culture of wellbeing for writers, particularly graduate students. She finds joy in mentoring and supporting University Writing’s graduate assistants. Recently, Auburn University recognized her work with these students by granting her the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award. Katharine completed her M.A. in English in 2011 and her Ph.D. in English Education in 2023 at Auburn University. She has over fifteen years of experience supporting student success through teaching English courses and working in writing centers in a variety of capacities. She researches graduate student writing self-efficacy, writing and wellbeing, and welcoming practices in writing centers. A recent project includes a National Science Foundation Innovations in Graduate Education funded collaboration with faculty in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to develop new methods to support graduate writers in STEM fields. Her research has been published in venues including The Writing Center Journal, WAC Clearinghouse, Composition Forum, and Praxis: A Writing Center Journal. An experienced yoga teacher, Katharine and enjoys spending time with her three cats and finding balance through mindfulness.
Associate Director
Pronunciation: Sair-uh Fred-ricks
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah Fredericks received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Arizona in 2020. She brings over 15 years of experience working in writing centers and teaching multimodal writing and technical and professional communication. Her research focuses on peer tutor development, asynchronous tutoring, and generative AI literacy in writing pedagogy and writing center operations. She is an active member of the International Writing Centers Association (IWCA) and the Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA). She also serves on the advisory board of the Current, Future, and Former Writing Center Directors special interest group. Outside of her writing center work, Sarah researches the life and writings of Mark Twain and has published more than a dozen journal articles and book chapters on Twain and other American and British authors. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels, hiking with her dog, and dabbling in drawing and painting.
Sarah Fredericks, Ph.D.
Pronunciation: Sair-uh Fred-ricks
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah Fredericks received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Arizona in 2020. She brings over 15 years of experience working in writing centers and teaching multimodal writing and technical and professional communication. Her research focuses on peer tutor development, asynchronous tutoring, and generative AI literacy in writing pedagogy and writing center operations. She is an active member of the International Writing Centers Association (IWCA) and the Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA). She also serves on the advisory board of the Current, Future, and Former Writing Center Directors special interest group. Outside of her writing center work, Sarah researches the life and writings of Mark Twain and has published more than a dozen journal articles and book chapters on Twain and other American and British authors. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels, hiking with her dog, and dabbling in drawing and painting.
Program Administrator
Pronunciation: JAYk Gehb-HART
Pronouns: he/him/his
Jake Gebhardt began working for University Writing in August 2021. He received his M.A. in English from Sam Houston State University, his B.A. in English Education from LeTourneau University, and is currently working on his Ed.D. in Literacy, focusing on digital literacies. Jake has worked in writing centers and connected student support services for over ten years. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his partner and their two dogs while working on any number of creative writing endeavors.
Jake Gebhardt, M.A.
Pronunciation: JAYk Gehb-HART
Pronouns: he/him/his
Jake Gebhardt began working for University Writing in August 2021. He received his M.A. in English from Sam Houston State University, his B.A. in English Education from LeTourneau University, and is currently working on his Ed.D. in Literacy, focusing on digital literacies. Jake has worked in writing centers and connected student support services for over ten years. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his partner and their two dogs while working on any number of creative writing endeavors.
Program Administrator
Pronunciation: WIT-nee day-vis
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Whitney Davis joined the University Writing team in May 2023. She began working in higher education after receiving her BBA from Mercer University in 2009 and has served students through roles in financial aid, financial services, and development. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events, reading in coffee shops, and exploring new places.
Whitney Davis, B.B.A.
Pronunciation: WIT-nee day-vis
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Whitney Davis joined the University Writing team in May 2023. She began working in higher education after receiving her BBA from Mercer University in 2009 and has served students through roles in financial aid, financial services, and development. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events, reading in coffee shops, and exploring new places.
Administrative Specialist II
Pronunciation: LEE-sa Grif-fin
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Lisa Griffin began working for University Writing in June 2022. She received her B.A in English with a concentration in Renaissance Literature from Auburn University in 2011. While a student, Lisa frequented the Miller Writing Center, which assisted largely in Lisa’s successful undergraduate career at Auburn. Since graduation, she has worked administratively at Auburn in Athletics and over a decade in Poultry Science. Lisa is happy to assist University Writing in efforts to further the careers of students, faculty, and staff. In her spare time, Lisa reads, crochets, and enjoys time with friends and her family, especially her husband, daughter, and three cats.
Lisa A. Griffin, B.A.
Pronunciation: LEE-sa Grif-fin
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Lisa Griffin began working for University Writing in June 2022. She received her B.A in English with a concentration in Renaissance Literature from Auburn University in 2011. While a student, Lisa frequented the Miller Writing Center, which assisted largely in Lisa’s successful undergraduate career at Auburn. Since graduation, she has worked administratively at Auburn in Athletics and over a decade in Poultry Science. Lisa is happy to assist University Writing in efforts to further the careers of students, faculty, and staff. In her spare time, Lisa reads, crochets, and enjoys time with friends and her family, especially her husband, daughter, and three cats.
Professional Graduate Consultant
Pronunciation: JEN-uh-fer
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Jennifer Jones is a professional graduate consultant for University Writing. She began as a graduate assistant while earning her Master’s degree in Adult Education from Auburn University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a gifted endorsement from the University of Georgia. With 28 years of experience in K–12 public education, Jennifer brings a strong commitment to supporting learners and meeting the needs of all students. She has served in leadership roles as a department chair, mentor, and school council representative, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2020. In that role, she also contributed to the Advanced Learning Curriculum Cadre as a representative for Union Grove Middle School teachers. In her current role, Jennifer provides client-centered writing support while helping graduate writers build confidence. She believes that all individuals, regardless of background, have the potential to grow and thrive as lifelong learners. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, along with their Boston Terrier, Betty, who is quite the diva.
Jennifer Jones, M.Ed.
Pronunciation: JEN-uh-fer
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Jennifer Jones is a professional graduate consultant for University Writing. She began as a graduate assistant while earning her Master’s degree in Adult Education from Auburn University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a gifted endorsement from the University of Georgia. With 28 years of experience in K–12 public education, Jennifer brings a strong commitment to supporting learners and meeting the needs of all students. She has served in leadership roles as a department chair, mentor, and school council representative, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2020. In that role, she also contributed to the Advanced Learning Curriculum Cadre as a representative for Union Grove Middle School teachers. In her current role, Jennifer provides client-centered writing support while helping graduate writers build confidence. She believes that all individuals, regardless of background, have the potential to grow and thrive as lifelong learners. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, along with their Boston Terrier, Betty, who is quite the diva.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: hwAHN L-YEH-oh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Since joining the Miller Writing Center in 2022, Huan has consistently helped and supported writers across different disciplines. She has facilitated various graduate writing programs and led writing workshops on campus. Huan earned an M.S. in English for Speakers of Other Languages in 2023 and is now seeking a Ph.D. in English Language Arts Education. With a passion for languages, in addition to her native language, Chinese, she has learned English, Korean, Japanese, and Persian. She aspires to be a multilingual educator in the future. In 2024, Huan was awarded Graduate Student Employee of the Year at Auburn and also received the National Graduate Student Employee of the Year award through the National Student Employment Association.
Huan Liu, M.S.
Pronunciation: hwAHN L-YEH-oh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Since joining the Miller Writing Center in 2022, Huan has consistently helped and supported writers across different disciplines. She has facilitated various graduate writing programs and led writing workshops on campus. Huan earned an M.S. in English for Speakers of Other Languages in 2023 and is now seeking a Ph.D. in English Language Arts Education. With a passion for languages, in addition to her native language, Chinese, she has learned English, Korean, Japanese, and Persian. She aspires to be a multilingual educator in the future. In 2024, Huan was awarded Graduate Student Employee of the Year at Auburn and also received the National Graduate Student Employee of the Year award through the National Student Employment Association.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: Si-Vah
Pronouns: he/him/his
Siva is a Ph.D. Student in Applied Economics at the College of Agriculture, Auburn University. He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics (University of Peradeniya) and a Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education (Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka) from Sri Lanka. With over a decade of expertise in teaching and research, specializing in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Siva is committed to giving back to society. Beyond academia, he finds joy in farming, hiking, and jogging.
Pathmanathan Sivashankar, M.A.
Pronunciation: Si-Vah
Pronouns: he/him/his
Siva is a Ph.D. Student in Applied Economics at the College of Agriculture, Auburn University. He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics (University of Peradeniya) and a Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education (Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka) from Sri Lanka. With over a decade of expertise in teaching and research, specializing in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Siva is committed to giving back to society. Beyond academia, he finds joy in farming, hiking, and jogging.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: AHN-dray-uh mee-RAHN-duh PIE-ez
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Andrea Miranda Paez joined the University Writing team in summer 2025. She completed her BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University and her MS in Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, where she is now a PhD candidate in the Conservation and Genomics Lab. Her research focuses on using genetic data to understand wildlife populations and disease dynamics to inform conservation and management. She is passionate about science communication and community outreach and has served as a Science Communication Fellow and also helps manage social media for her research lab and other societies. Outside of research, Andrea enjoys dancing, cooking and baking, tending to her plants, hunting, and spending time outdoors.
Andrea Miranda Paez, M.S.
Pronunciation: AHN-dray-uh mee-RAHN-duh PIE-ez
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Andrea Miranda Paez joined the University Writing team in summer 2025. She completed her BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University and her MS in Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, where she is now a PhD candidate in the Conservation and Genomics Lab. Her research focuses on using genetic data to understand wildlife populations and disease dynamics to inform conservation and management. She is passionate about science communication and community outreach and has served as a Science Communication Fellow and also helps manage social media for her research lab and other societies. Outside of research, Andrea enjoys dancing, cooking and baking, tending to her plants, hunting, and spending time outdoors.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: deh·stuh·nee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Destini earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Harrison College of Pharmacy, where her research centers on investigating pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between botanical supplements and pharmaceutical drugs using in vitro models. Driven by a passion for advancing scientific understanding and optimizing therapeutic outcomes, she is dedicated to collaborative, results-driven research. Outside the lab, Destini enjoys watching movies, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Destini Thornton, B.S.
Pronunciation: deh·stuh·nee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Destini earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Harrison College of Pharmacy, where her research centers on investigating pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between botanical supplements and pharmaceutical drugs using in vitro models. Driven by a passion for advancing scientific understanding and optimizing therapeutic outcomes, she is dedicated to collaborative, results-driven research. Outside the lab, Destini enjoys watching movies, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: Gr-AY-ss HAN-uh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Grace Hannah rejoined University Writing in summer 2025. She completed her BS in Global Studies in Human Sciences at Auburn University in spring 2025. During her undergraduate studies, Grace worked as a Peer Writing Consultant at the Miller Writing Center for two years. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Development Practice at Auburn University. Grace is committed to helping others and solving problems in lasting and positive ways and is grateful to be back to helping all writers at all stages of the writing process. After college, she hopes to change the world for the better, or at least positively impact the lives of everyone she interacts with. Grace is passionate about creative problem solving and rethinking how we do things. Outside of school, Grace has collected an assortment of hobbies from writing for fun to crocheting.
Grace Hannah, B.S.
Pronunciation: Gr-AY-ss HAN-uh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Grace Hannah rejoined University Writing in summer 2025. She completed her BS in Global Studies in Human Sciences at Auburn University in spring 2025. During her undergraduate studies, Grace worked as a Peer Writing Consultant at the Miller Writing Center for two years. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Development Practice at Auburn University. Grace is committed to helping others and solving problems in lasting and positive ways and is grateful to be back to helping all writers at all stages of the writing process. After college, she hopes to change the world for the better, or at least positively impact the lives of everyone she interacts with. Grace is passionate about creative problem solving and rethinking how we do things. Outside of school, Grace has collected an assortment of hobbies from writing for fun to crocheting.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: HAY-lee STEPH-uhns
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Haley Stephens joined the University Writing team in summer 2025. In 2021, she received her BS in microbiology here at Auburn University, where she stayed to pursue a PhD program with the Department of Biological Sciences under Dr. Mark Liles. Her research is focused on designing probiotic treatments to benefit soybean plants through increased growth promotion and fungal pathogen protection. Haley has always had a passion for writing, and though her research mainly requires technical writing expertise, she enjoys writing fantasy novels during her free time. Outside of her work, Haley enjoys drawing, sculpting, and spending time with her three cats.
Haley Stephens, B.S.
Pronunciation: HAY-lee STEPH-uhns
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Haley Stephens joined the University Writing team in summer 2025. In 2021, she received her BS in microbiology here at Auburn University, where she stayed to pursue a PhD program with the Department of Biological Sciences under Dr. Mark Liles. Her research is focused on designing probiotic treatments to benefit soybean plants through increased growth promotion and fungal pathogen protection. Haley has always had a passion for writing, and though her research mainly requires technical writing expertise, she enjoys writing fantasy novels during her free time. Outside of her work, Haley enjoys drawing, sculpting, and spending time with her three cats.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: EYE-ur-luhnd RYE-lee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Ireland joined University Writing in May of 2026 following her graduation from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in Global Studies and a minor in Business. She is currently pursuing her Master of Development Practice degree while serving as a Graduate Assistant, where she enjoys supporting students and fostering meaningful learning experiences. After college, Ireland plans to attend law school to study International Human Rights law, as she has a strong passion for empowering and advocating for women and children so that communities can build enduring, sustainable change. Outside of her academic work, Ireland enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.
Ireland Riley, B.S.
Pronunciation: EYE-ur-luhnd RYE-lee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Ireland joined University Writing in May of 2026 following her graduation from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in Global Studies and a minor in Business. She is currently pursuing her Master of Development Practice degree while serving as a Graduate Assistant, where she enjoys supporting students and fostering meaningful learning experiences. After college, Ireland plans to attend law school to study International Human Rights law, as she has a strong passion for empowering and advocating for women and children so that communities can build enduring, sustainable change. Outside of her academic work, Ireland enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: suh-MAN-thuh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Samantha joined University Writing as a graduate program assistant in May of 2026 after working as an undergraduate peer consultant with the Miller Writing Center since 2022. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Consumer and Design Sciences. Through her work in writing support and peer education, Samantha has developed a passion for fostering welcoming learning environments and supporting effective communication across disciplines. Upon finishing her M.S., she hopes to work in the fashion industry before returning to school for her PhD. Outside of academics, Samantha enjoys fiber arts, baking, and expanding her collection of porcelain clown dolls.
Samantha Neno, B.S.
Pronunciation: suh-MAN-thuh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Samantha joined University Writing as a graduate program assistant in May of 2026 after working as an undergraduate peer consultant with the Miller Writing Center since 2022. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Consumer and Design Sciences. Through her work in writing support and peer education, Samantha has developed a passion for fostering welcoming learning environments and supporting effective communication across disciplines. Upon finishing her M.S., she hopes to work in the fashion industry before returning to school for her PhD. Outside of academics, Samantha enjoys fiber arts, baking, and expanding her collection of porcelain clown dolls.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: AN-droo So
Pronouns: he/him/his
Andrew earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Auburn University in 2024. He is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree while serving with University Writing. Andrew is passionate about helping students develop confidence and clarity in their writing while fostering supportive and collaborative learning experiences, with particular interest in the role of free writing and reflective writing in reducing anxiety and strengthening the writing process. Having lived in four countries and speaking both Mandarin and English, he values working with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Outside of academics and work, Andrew enjoys music production, DJing, listening to audiobooks, and cooking.
Andrew So, B.A.
Pronunciation: AN-droo So
Pronouns: he/him/his
Andrew earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Auburn University in 2024. He is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree while serving with University Writing. Andrew is passionate about helping students develop confidence and clarity in their writing while fostering supportive and collaborative learning experiences, with particular interest in the role of free writing and reflective writing in reducing anxiety and strengthening the writing process. Having lived in four countries and speaking both Mandarin and English, he values working with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Outside of academics and work, Andrew enjoys music production, DJing, listening to audiobooks, and cooking.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: KAY-Tee TEM-puhl
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Katie Temple joined the University Writing team in summer 2026. She received her Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, and went on to work as a wildlife conservation biologist across the continental United States and Hawai'i before earning her Master of Wildlife Sciences from Auburn University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Wildlife Sciences, focusing on ways to improve conservation management of at-risk wildlife species, particularly threatened and endangered birds. Outside of her research, she enjoys hiking, bird watching, cooking, reading, and a variety of crafts. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family and two indoor-only cats.
Katie Temple, M.S.
Pronunciation: KAY-Tee TEM-puhl
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Katie Temple joined the University Writing team in summer 2026. She received her Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, and went on to work as a wildlife conservation biologist across the continental United States and Hawai'i before earning her Master of Wildlife Sciences from Auburn University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Wildlife Sciences, focusing on ways to improve conservation management of at-risk wildlife species, particularly threatened and endangered birds. Outside of her research, she enjoys hiking, bird watching, cooking, reading, and a variety of crafts. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family and two indoor-only cats.
Graduate Program Assistant
Pronunciation: BEN-NET
Pronouns: he/him/his
Bennet joined University Writing as a Graduate Program Assistant in May 2026. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration and Policy in the Department of Political Science, where his research focuses on water infrastructure governance, environmental policy, and nonprofit studies. He holds an M.Phil. in Public Administration from the University of Ghana. Bennet is passionate about helping students build confidence in their writing, supporting graduate writers, and fostering welcoming learning environments for multilingual and international students. Through his teaching and research experience, he enjoys helping students communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. Outside of academics and work, Bennet enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and reading.
Bennet Nyadzi, M.Phil.
Pronunciation: BEN-NET
Pronouns: he/him/his
Bennet joined University Writing as a Graduate Program Assistant in May 2026. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration and Policy in the Department of Political Science, where his research focuses on water infrastructure governance, environmental policy, and nonprofit studies. He holds an M.Phil. in Public Administration from the University of Ghana. Bennet is passionate about helping students build confidence in their writing, supporting graduate writers, and fostering welcoming learning environments for multilingual and international students. Through his teaching and research experience, he enjoys helping students communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. Outside of academics and work, Bennet enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and reading.
