Meet Our Staff

Dr. Joseph Cheatle

Joseph.NefcyCheatleFREEMississippi

I am an Assistant Professor of English and Director of the University Writing Center. My most recent scholarship focuses on how writing centers connect theory to practice and on creating collaborative approaches to improving services. My scholarship is published in the Writing Center Journal, The Journal of Writing Analytics, Praxis: A Writing Center Journal, and in Kairos: A Journal of Rhetoric, Technology, and Pedagogy. When not working, I can be found cycling, running, cooking, or learning to play the violin. 

Eugene Gordon, M.A.

eugene.gordonFREEMississippi

I am full-time professional staff and am the Assistant Director of the University Writing Center. My professional writing background includes journalism and technical writing. I have been with the Writing Center 12 years. When not working, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family, and gaming.

Dr. Sreerupa Sengupta

I am a professional tutor at the University Writing Center.  I also teach graduate and undergraduate English courses online at Grand Canyon University. After completing my doctoral studies focusing on contemporary South Asian fiction and film, I taught writing courses along with British and world literature at Auburn University and the University of Central Missouri. When not working, I love to read bio/autobiographical writings, watch international films, and spend time with my family.    

Arleigh Rodgers

Arleigh Rodgers is an English graduate student and tutor at USM’s Writing Center. Previously, Rodgers worked as a reporter in Indiana, Nevada and New York and received her bachelor's from Ithaca College. Her award-winning reporting has appeared in The Associated Press, Las Vegas Sun, Ithaca Voice, and Ithaca Times. 

Bella McGill

Hello! My name is Bella, and I’m a graduate student here at USM in Creative Writing - Fiction. I received my bachelor’s in English Literature from Ball State University in 2020 and my MFA in Popular Fiction and Publishing from Emerson College in 2022. My debut book, Princess and the Pauper, is forthcoming from Wild Ink Publishing in 2025! When not writing (or reading), I enjoy watching anime, listening to Broadway soundtracks, and playing with my cat, Jane Bennet.

Britt Page

Hi! My name is Britt Page and I’m a graduate student of English with an emphasis in Literature. I have spent a lot of time engaging with research, so I am very comfortable with working on research papers as well. I also have a background in biology, so I am comfortable helping with lab reports.

Brooklynn Smith

Hey! My name is Brooklynn Smith. I am a first-year Graduate student in English Literature. While my focus is literature now, I have a degree in Biology and a strong background in scientific and professional writing, so I’d love to workshop any style of writing with you.

Charlie Thompson

Hello! I am an undergraduate student tutor at USM’s writing center. I previously tutored at the Hinds Community College Writing Center for a year and a half. This is my junior year as an English major. When I am not tutoring, I'm usually going on nature walks, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones. 

De'Jah Felix

My name is De’Jah Felix, and I am a senior Biological Sciences major with an emphasis in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry. After graduating, I want to further my education and pursue a career in Medical Laboratory Technology. In my free time, I enjoy doing makeup, shopping, and hanging out with my family and friends. I also like to bake. 

India Smith

Hi, my name is India. I have a bachelor’s degree in English and am currently working on a master’s degree. I really value reading and writing, but I also have a minor in music. When I’m not working I enjoy singing, learning piano or guitar, and being a mediocre runner.  

Jaylin Jones

I am a Junior English major and a professional tutor within USM’s University Writing Center. I am also an Honors Scholar currently starting work on my thesis. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, watching Black films, playing video games, and spending time with my family and friends.

Jessica Wade

My name is Jessica Wade, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelors in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. My plan after graduation is to pursue a degree in Illustration so I can work in comic books, animation, and gaming. I am a major geek and a proud aunt.  

Katie Weber

Hi! My name is Katie Weber, and I am a first-year English Literature MA student. I completed my bachelor’s degree in English with Licensure here at USM, during which I wrote my undergraduate thesis, Demigod and Delinquent: Percy Jackson and the American Teenager, and completed student teaching with seventh and ninth graders. In my spare time, I enjoy collecting vinyl and trying new dessert recipes.

Kayleigh Capers

Hello! My name is Kayleigh Capers, and I am a first-year English Literature MA student. I have an undergraduate degree in English (Licensure) during which I completed student teaching with middle and high school students and wrote an undergraduate thesis with The University of Southern Mississippi’s Honors College. In my free time, I love anything to do with music. I collect vinyl and play piano and guitar. 

Kerem Topcu

Hi! I am Kerem, and I am a graduate student at USM’s English Program – Literature. I have received my BA from Istanbul University’s English Language and Literature program in 2019. After that, I have received my MA degree from the same program in Yeditepe University in 2022. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry, watching movies, and reading. I have a strong background in literary theory so I’d love to help you with seemingly daunting tasks such as argumentative essays and research. 

Lauren Coghlan

Hello, my name is Lauren Coghlan. I am a Junior at USM, and my major is History! I graduated from Brookhaven High School and attended Hinds Community College, where I earned an associate degree. I love cats, reading, and hanging out with friends!  

Nishrenika Pokhrel

I am an international student from Nepal. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. I hope to become a wildlife biologist after I graduate. In my free time, I like to read fiction, watch TV shows, and play solitaire.  

Tejus Kotikalapudi

I’m an undergraduate majoring in Math and Computer Science with a minor in Biology. While in STEM, I’m also passionate about reading and writing. One of my favorite books is the Arabian Nights. When not on the clock, I enjoy watching movies, gaming, training jiu-jitsu, and working on coding projects 

William Browning

Hello! My name is William Browning. I am a first-year master’s student in the History department. My focus is on Mississippi politics and journalism during the Civil Rights era. I am a journalist by trade, and have written for Smithsonian Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Oxford American, The New Republic, Columbia Journalism Review and other regional and national publications. I live in Ellisville, Mississippi, with my wife and young son.