Meet Our Staff
Our writing consultants are a team of professionals from across the campus community.
Director of the Writing Center:
Writing Consultants:
Vivian Aladren
Vivian Aladren graduated from Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College with a BA in Theatre Performance and Playwriting, as well as from Rutgers School of Law. She works as an adjunct here at NJIT, and also as a media critic and video essayist online. Her work focuses on exploring the narratives, themes, and ideas expressed in multiple forms of art, including video games, music, television, and film. She also has released independent albums, and runs a growing Youtube channel where she publishes her essays.
Ben Apatoff
Ben Apatoff teaches English and Technical Writing at NJIT. He is the author of Metallica: The $24.95 Book (2021, Rowman & Littlefield) and Body Count (33⅓) (2023, Bloomsbury).
David Bushman
David Bushman is the author of five books, most recently Murder at Teal's Pond: Hazel Drew and the Mystery That Inspired Twin Peaks (January 2023) and Forget It, Jake, It's Schenectady: The True Story Behind 'The Place Beyond the Pines.' (June 2023). He spent two decades as a TV curator at The Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television + Radio). He's a board member of the New York chapter of Mystery Writers of America and cofounder/copresident of two indie publishing houses, Fayetteville Mafia Press and Tucker DS Press.
Jennifer Fischl-Kruger
Jennifer Kruger began her career as a journalist writing for FinancialWorld Magazine, United Press International, and other business publications. After graduating from Rutgers-Newark with a masters in English in 2009, she taught developing writers at Morris County College. Teaching first year writing since 2012 and ENGL 99 for the past two years, she has worked with native speakers and English language learners at NJIT.
Bridget Hawkins
Bridget Hawkins is a New Jersey native, a writing educator, and a poet. She studied creative writing at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she earned a BFA, and at New York University, where she received her MFA. Her work was previously published in the anthology, It Occurs to Me I Am America, in 2018.
Nicole James
Dr. Nicole James retired from Corporate America in 2020 after 21 years of service and has transitioned into the world of education. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Purdue University and a doctorate in reading and literacy from Capella University. She is working to complete a TESOL certification with the American College of Education (ACE). She also works with ACE as a dissertation editor, scholarly writing teacher, and dissertation committee member, and holds a New Jersey Core Writing Certification. Her teaching experience spans from high school English literature to master-level writing-research courses and doctoral dissertation committees..
Peer Tutors:
Abrar Awadeh
Abrar Awadeh is a senior student majoring in Biology with a minor in Literature. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans on applying to medical school and hopes to pursue a career in Pediatrics. She has been a peer tutor since Fall of 2022 as she enjoys helping other students achieve their academic goals through writing. Outside of academics, she's passionate about volunteering, researching, and reading in her free time.
Abdullah Elsobky
"As an immigrant from Egypt who arrived in this country at the age of 16, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. Despite the obstacles I faced, I pursued a degree in computer science, and I am now determined to help others achieve their own academic and professional goals. My native language is Arabic, and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise to assist others in reaching their full potential. If you ever find yourself struggling or in need of guidance, I encourage you to pay us a visit."
Jonathan Morse
"I am a Texas native, second year computer science major and honors scholar with an interest in artificial intelligence."
Marlene Muhammad
"I am a sophomore studying forensic science with a concentration in biology. I aim to become a forensic technician working both on and off scene. My first language is English, but I am fluent in Arabic. My goal at the writing center is to aid students as best I can in developing their writing skills."
Malika Sako
Malika Sako is a Senior majoring in Mathematical Sciences, with a concentration in Mathematics of Finance and Actuarial Science. She is a member of the NJIT cheerleading club, president of NJIT Girl Gains, and secretary of the NJIT Finance and Actuarial Society. She's also a veterinary assistant and an avid crocheter and baker.
Prajwal Shah
Prajwal Shah is an international student from Nepal. "I’m the Secretary for the Nepali Student Association (NepSA) and handle public relations for the NJIT soccer club. I enjoy reading fiction, making bookmarks, and playing the ukulele in my free time. I joined the Writing Center because I love reading and appreciating the various ways people express themselves in their writings." He is a sophomore studying Computer Science, and speaks Maithili, Nepali, Hindi, Bhojpuri, and English.