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. 

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. 

Dallas Williamson

My name is Dallas Williamson, and I am a first-year Master’s student in the History program. My areas of interest are (post 1865-1950) American and United Kingdom war and society with a secondary focus on law and reform. I plan to eventually acquire a PhD in History and become a professor. During my free time I enjoy reading and consuming Star Wars and J.R.R. Tolkien content. 

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. 

Gaven Wallace

Hi! My name is Gaven Wallace and I’m a graduate student of English with an emphasis in fiction writing. I love reading and writing creatively, so I would love to workshop your creative writing with you. I have also spent a lot of time engaging with research, so I am very comfortable with working on research papers as well.  

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.  

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.  

Rachel Broome

My name is Rachel Broome, and I’m in my second year of the English literature MA/PhD program. I’ve taught seventh grade English, high school drama, a summer camp’s creative writing program, and archery. My free time is spent working in theatre and reading. 

Sam Burleson

I am a second-year, MA English Literature and Language student. I was a student-teacher for tenth and eighth grade ELA classes where I prepared lessons and taught students the concepts of writing and reading to their grade-level standard. I have experience writing in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian formats, with a publication on appropriate assessments in English Education. In my free time I enjoy playing the drums, spending time with my family and friends, volunteering, and lifting weights.  

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 

Thalia Trussell

My name is Thalia Trussell, and I am a second-year Master’s student in the English Literature program. I study contemporary young adult literature, but my specialty is Harry Potter. After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Literature and become a professor. Other than reading, I enjoy piano and watching Criminal Minds.