Department of English

Zachary Carlson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a BA in Professional Writing and Publishing. He previously worked as an editorial assistant for Wisconsin People & Ideas Magazine and then as the Web Editor for the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, an independent non-profit organization. While attending UW-Whitewater, Zachary worked on the staff of The Muse—the campus literary and arts publication—and was a staff writer for the business and technology section of the campus newspaper.

Zachary hopes to use the power of professional communication to advance the mission of non-profit organizations, and he is eager to explore all facets of the field of professional writing.  

Katherine graduated with honors from Oakland University in Michigan in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and Rhetoric, English, and Political Science. While at OU, she worked for two years in the professional sector writing corporate litigation and technical summaries for Fiat Chrysler Automotive. With her time here at CMU, she hopes to gain the practical skills in technical and professional writing to find a career in the writing world, with a particular interest in computer software writing (and programming) and political writing (particularly in a way that could serve under-represented communities). In her spare time, Katherine enjoys all genres of television and movies (with a particular love of sci-fi), reading, and petting dogs.

I graduated from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, India in April 2017, with a BA in Communication Studies. During the past 4 years I have worked with multiple nonprofit organizations and Direct Media. After working with the country’s leading national daily newspaper, Deccan Herald, starting my own blog and also writing blog posts for other forums, I quickly realized my love for writing is one that is unparalleled. I’m excited to study professional writing at CMU, along with exploring the more creative sides with fiction and non-fiction writing. I am passionate about travel, and will take any chance I get to pack a bag and go somewhere new. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, binge watching, and all things music. At CMU, I hope to hone my skills as a writer, explore career opportunities that excite me, and get to know Pittsburgh well enough to call home.

Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude from High Point University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a minor in Writing. During his undergraduate career, he was an active member of Sigma Tau Delta and the English club, held a leadership role in his fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and served as an editor for the campus literary magazine, Apogee. In his hometown of Williamsburg, Va. he is employed as a freelance writer for a local magazine, Next Door Neighbors. Michael enjoys reading and is very interested in the world of publishing, but would like to explore all of the options in the professional writing field during his time at CMU.

Kylie graduated Cum Laude from Youngstown State University with a B.A. in Professional and Technical Writing with a minor in Creative Writing. During her undergraduate career she completed an internship with Women in Technology International (WITI).

While attending CMU, Kylie would like to explore her options in the professional writing field, but is currently most interested in publishing and digital media design. She hopes to then decide whether to enter the professional writing workforce or pursue future graduate work in rhetoric and composition. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music.

Graduating from West Virginia University in 2013, Alexis received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.During her time at WVU, Alexis explored a variety of academic interests, including African music and dance, the German and Russian languages, calculus, jazz dance, and even advanced practical chemistry. It was her interest in language and love of writing, especially the editing process, that brought her to Carnegie Mellon University’s professional and technical writing master’s program.

Outside of academia, Alexis frequents dance lessons, avidly reads, and energizes and recenters with her partner, Caleb. She also enjoys sharing her love of craft beer, dark chocolate, avocado, and her long & tiny cat, Sasha.

Emily Nagin earned her BA in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon in 2011 and her MFA in fiction from the University of Michigan Helen Zell Writers' Program in 2015. Her creative and academic work has appeared in SAIL Journal, the Uncommon Core Fiction Anthology, and New Ohio Review, among other publications. She has served as an editor and social media manager at the online literary journal, Print Oriented Bastards, and as an editorial assistant at Upstart Crow Literary Agency. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor in the Literary Arts Department at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12.

Emily is very excited to be returning to Carnegie Mellon for the MAPW program, where she plans to further develop her editing and publishing skills and explore grant writing for non-profits, in addition to science and technical writing.

Jiexi graduated from Beihang University in Beijing, China with a B.A. in English in 2017. She was once an exchange student at CMU and was attracted to professional writing during her exchange semester. Therefore, she decided to come back after her graduation and pursue a Master's degree in professional writing. During her college years, Jiexi enjoyed reading English literature and writing for fun. She also completed an internship at a traveling company, writing and translating introductions for traveling products. During her free time, Jiexi enjoyed singing and playing tennis. She was a member of the A cappella group at Beihang University.