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Our Staff

The Clark University Writing Center has a Director and a staff of graduate and undergraduate Writing Consultants who are described below.

Jennifer Plante
Jennifer Plante

Assoc Dean Academic Success

Jennifer has been working at Clark since 2000, and has been the Director of the Writing Center  since 2006.  During her time at Clark, Jennifer has taught a variety of courses, including Expository Writing, Queer Horror, Writing: The Beats (a course that studies texts from Beat Generation writers), and she has taught Continuing Education courses in both literature and film.

Jennifer comes to this position with a lengthy history in the Worcester area.  She graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Humanities; after working as a technical writer in the area, Jennifer decided to pursue a graduate degree in English from Clark University.

Writing Consultants

Headshot of Kate smiling into camera

 

Kate Smolens (they/them) is a junior majoring in Psychology with a double minor in English and Creative Writing. Kate has the most experience with research papers, analytical essays, short stories, and journalistic writing, but will assist with any kind of writing! They also love visually mapping ideas and are happy to help with outlines. In their free time, Kate enjoys playing music, reading, and doing any kind of puzzle.

Vesper smiles in a field of flowersVesper (they/them) is a sophomore majoring in English with a track in gender and sexuality studies with a declared minor in creative writing. They hope to declare a double minor in Women’s and Gender Studies soon. Vesper is experienced in writing creature pieces such as poetry, personal essays, and fiction (short stories, novellas, and more). They also are experienced in writing analytical and research pieces. Outside of school, Vesper loves reading and writing, as well as astronomy and listening to music. After graduating they hope to become an English professor after receiving their MA and PhD.

Abby Beilman headshot

Abby Beilman (they/them) is a 5th year ADP student in the MS Environmental Science & Policy Program, with a concentration in Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, and a thesis examining carbon cycling and climate change in the Blackstone River Watershed. They did their undergraduate degree in Environmental Science with an Earth Systems Science track, and a minor in Political Science. This is their third year working at the writing center – they are particularly experienced with writing scientific manuscripts, policy briefs, review papers, and research papers, but they are happy to help with any kind of writing at any stage of the writing process. Outside of the writing center, Abby likes to cook, play video games, hike, and do crossword and jigsaw puzzles. After Clark, they hope to pursue a career in nonprofits, government, or academia.

Abby’s favorite place to study on campus:  The geography building lobby

Sarah smiling with trees and grass in backgroundSarah is a senior double-majoring in Sociology and Political Science with a concentration in Law & Society. She has experience writing research papers, argumentative essays, news articles, legal briefs, and cover letters. She recently finished a capstone paper considering the potential democratizing effects of a legislative override and is currently writing a thesis about Worcester’s access to justice crisis. Outside the classroom, Sarah is a member of Clark’s Swim and Dive team, the Clark Athletics Inclusion Coalition, Clarkies for Kindness, and the Pre-Law Society. After graduation, Sarah will attend law school.

Grace Dowling (she/her) is a senior at Clark, majoring in Sociology with plans to complete a masters degree in Community Development and Planning through the 5th year accelerated degree program. With 2 years of experience being a writing tutor in high school, Grace is eager to return to tutoring this year and work with students at all stages of the writing process. Grace has the most experience reading / writing research papers and argumentative essays in the humanities, but appreciates working with students in various fields, with all kinds of writing backgrounds. Grace’s writing and tutoring strengths lay in brainstorming, mind-mapping, and working out a logical flow of ideas / points (and she is a big believer in outlines!). Outside of the writing center, Grace is the co-president of Diabetics of Clark, and works at the Worcester Community Action Council, a local social services nonprofit. In her free time, Grace enjoys writing in her journal, biking and walking around the parks of Worcester, and engaging in long conversations with friends. After Clark, she intends to pursue a career in social services and spend time with her family in The Bronx, New York.

Sophia standing on the beach smiling

Sophia is a junior at Clark University pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science on the American Government and Public Policy track and a minor in English. Sophia has experience writing analytical essays, research papers, and creative writing in both poetry and prose. Outside of the Writing Center, Sophia is a Peer Mentor and the News Editor for the Scarlet, Clark University’s student-run newspaper. Sophia loves hiking, rock climbing, and listening to music in her free time. She is pursuing a career in journalism.

Nick looking into the camera and smiling, flashing the peace sign

Nick Dlugos (he/him) is a sophomore here at Clark, and is studying English and Philosophy. He has plenty of experience writing both academically and creatively, and he is excited to bring his skills to the Writing Center this year! Nick likes to use his knowledge of Literary theory and Philosophy in his writing to give it just a little bit of oomph, and work together with peers to help them both improve their papers, and their abilities as a writer. When not working, Nick can be found spending time with his friends and partner, listening to music (and jamming out), hiking, writing, taking photos, reading, and doing homework on the 5th floor of the library. Thanks for scheduling!

Contact Information

Writing at Clark

Office Location
  • Academic Commons, Suite 104
    Goddard Library, First Floor
    950 Main Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

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