Meet Our Student Staff
Adam, English Literature Tutor
Adam (he/him) is a non-traditional undergraduate student majoring in English. He is part of the accelerated masters program, pursuing an MA in English Literature. He hopes to eventually teach in higher education.
Fun Facts: Adam and his wife both decided to pursue English degrees at the same time. They raise their daughter together, balancing work, family, and academic life. Somehow amidst that chaos they take care of four cats.
Adarsh, Writing Tutor
Adarsh (he/him) is a graduate student in Special Education. He is a first-generation college student and hopes to not only be a practicing special educator, but also one day be a principal of a school.
Fun Facts: Adarsh’s favorite show is "Breaking Bad;" he's seen it six times and counting. He has been described as a walking talking encyclopedia for all things relating to video games, movies, TV shows and history. He is a major foodie and loves visiting new food joints.
Adrianna, Social Work Tutor
Adrianna is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Psychology. She plans to pursue a career as a mental health and substance abuse social worker.
Fun Facts: Adrianna enjoys pampering herself by getting her nails done every month. She also enjoys listening to music and watching TikTok videos during her free time.
Alby, History Tutor
Alby is an undergraduate student working on a bachelor's degree in History with plans to obtain their Master's Degree in Secondary Education. In the future, Alby hopes to become a high school history teacher and eventually work on their Ph.D. to become a history professor specializing in U.S. and Middle Eastern history. Outside of academia, Alby has a love for all sorts of arts ranging from music, fashion design, graphic design, reading, photography, and spray painting.
Fun Facts: Alby has a pet parrot named Rocky and enjoys their free time playing guitar, cooking, and film photography.
Anika, Philosophy & Political Science Tutor
Anika is an undergraduate student majoring in philosophy and political science. She has been a tutor at LSC/CAW for over a year. She plans to attend law school after earning her bachelor’s degree.
Fun Facts: In grade school, Anika was the “stage director” for a student-run musical showing of The Pirates of Penzance. She also likes doing jigsaw puzzles.
Ayesha, Front Desk Aide
Ayesha is a senior studying computer science with a minor in marketing. She develops websites for all types of clients and plans to continue doing so in the future.
Fun Facts: Ayesha is a big NBA fan and loves travelling.
Brian, Math Tutor
As a math major, Brian is excited to be a member of the LSC/CAW tutoring team. He graduated with a paraprofessional certificate from Harper College in 2023 with the goal of becoming a high school teacher.
Fun Facts: Brian can be found around campus jogging, biking or working out at Campus Rec.
Crystal, Korean Tutor
Crystal is studying Business Marketing. She is passionate about communication, social media, and presentation work, and she hopes to pursue a career in media, marketing, or sports management after graduation.
Fun Facts: Crystal figure skated for several years, enjoys going to the gym, and loves watching basketball and lacrosse. She also has a talent for social media and enjoys curating creative content.
Dhruv, Math Tutor
Dhruv is a math tutor pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a strong
passion for artificial intelligence and machine learning. Beyond academics, he enjoys learning
about space and exploring the universe through books. Soccer is also a big part of his life—he
loves playing the game, watching it, and supporting his favorite team, FC Barcelona.
Fun Facts: Dhruv rarely misses a FC Barcelona match. He enjoys collecting FC Barcelona jerseys and buys all new ones each season.
Emily, Front Desk Aide
Emily is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at NEIU. She received her MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in photography from Northern Illinois University in 2013 and has worked as a freelance artist ever since. Originally from Metro Detroit, Emily has lived in Chicago for 12 years.
Fun Facts: Emily loves gardening and makes her own fruit preserves and pickles - this hobby led her to a job at a restaurant doing canning with in-season produce from local farms. She loves to discuss gardening, cooking, and food preservation!
Fareeha, Biology Tutor
Fareeha is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and is an international student from India. After graduating, she wants to work in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Eventually, her plan is to pursue a master's degree. As an international student, she hopes to gain as much experience as she can and participate in research and internships before graduation.
Fun Facts: Fareeha loves trying out different coffees and playing badminton. She spends most of her time watching k-dramas and anime. She recently discovered an interest in press-on nails and hopes to create her own press-on nail designs.
Gabe, Writing Tutor
Gabe is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English Composition. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Creative Writing from NEIU in December 2021. His passion for writing led him back to NEIU, where he began his journey to a master’s degree in Fall 2022. He is also the Campus Arts and Life Editor for NEIU’s newspaper, The Independent.
Fun Facts: Gabe works for his family-owned fencing company. In his spare time, he enjoys long walks, cooking, spending time with his family, and traveling.
Genevieve, Front Desk Aide
Genevieve is studying Anthropology. She has come to love the opportunities that NEIU has to offer. The programs, clubs, and overall environment feel nourishing to the newfound yet overwhelming freedom of adulthood. Continuing with the Marine Officer Program, she hopes to change the world through an eye-opening perspective.
Fun Facts: Genevieve can do a phenomenal Yoshi impression and has a cute fluffy cloud ball of a cat named Spiro!
Grace, Economics Tutor
Grace is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She transferred to NEIU after obtaining an Associate of Arts in Business and Accounting. In the future, she hopes to become a CPA.
Fun Facts: Some of Grace’s hobbies in her free time include reading and playing tennis.
Gulhanim, Writing Tutor
Gülhanim Mübin is an English teacher and a graduate student in the TESOL master’s program. She enjoys supporting students with their writing in her role as an LSC/CAW tutor. She is passionate about teaching, learning, and building a life full of new experiences.
Fun Facts: Gülhanim Mübin loves discovering new cafés and trying different kinds of coffee. She enjoys making playlists. She speaks Turkish and English—and is learning Arabic. She always has a journal with her to capture thoughts, ideas, and reflections.
Habib, Math Tutor
Habib is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He is an international student from India. He plans to gain a lot of experience and participate in internships before graduating.
Fun Facts: Habib really enjoys reading, especially crime thrillers, and watching psychological thriller movies. Recently, he has been into rap from his home country and loves beatboxing. He was a runner up in a local beatbox tournament.
Jatziry, Learning Strategies & Spanish Tutor
Jatziry is an undergraduate student double majoring in Spanish and K-12 Education with a minor/endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). In the future, Jatziry hopes to teach Spanish and ESL at the high school level, while also helping to run an ESL program for parents and guardians within her school district.
Fun Facts: Jatziry loves to spend time with her loved ones, reading and cooking during her free time. She also enjoys being out in nature and bike riding during the summer.
Jaz, Front Desk Aide
Jaz is an undergraduate student working towards a BA majoring in Latin American Studies and with a minor in creative writing. She intends on spending most of her time post-degree raising her child, working in/for/around her community, and publishing as much work as she’s able to comfortably put out.
Fun Facts: Jaz loves puzzles, riddles, and board games. They’ve spent an obscene amount of time playing Dnd and love to nerd about it.
John, Psychology Tutor
John is an undergraduate student in psychology. He is a McNair Scholar and Honors student with a full-ride scholarship to NEIU. John plans on applying to Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology to follow his dream of becoming a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). John also intends to stay involved in research and academia, perhaps one day becoming a professor.
Fun Facts: When he is not tutoring, studying, or hanging out with his lovely girlfriend, John is likely training Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He’s also a huge "Star Wars" fan.
Joyce, Art History Tutor
Joyce is a non-traditional, retired student. She is seeking a bachelor degree in Visual Art
and Art History for her personal enjoyment. She has travelled extensively in her career and
truly enjoys connecting the art to the culture and history that inspired the artists to create.
Fun Facts: Joyce is passionate about classical and jazz music and takes every
opportunity to hear live music in Chicago venues. She is a glass artist and enjoys making
colorful patterns with glass and melting glass into decorative forms.
Mateen, Senior Math Tutor
MK, Front Desk Aide
MK is an undergraduate student of Sociology and Woman, Gender, & Sexuality
Studies. While her research centers Middle Eastern and North African racial formations, she
intends to pursue a career in community sexual wellness outside of academia. They also
lead NEIU’s sociology club!
Fun Facts: In their free time, MK enjoys writing, knitting, and dancing accompanied by one of their 150 Spotify playlists and cat Irbis.
Nnennaya, Writing Tutor
Nnennaya is a graduate student in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion. She holds a Doctor of Optometry degree (OD) from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. She is currently a student researcher and hopes to work with the World Health Organization as a Public Health Expert upon graduation. Nnennaya loves helping students piece together their ideas and make them feel confident in their writing!
Fun Facts: Nnennaya is an ardent medical volunteer in eyecare, giving back to the community through outreach. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling and seeing movies.
Rotan, Arabic Tutor
Rotan (she/her) is a Biology major on the pre-dental track. She hopes to attend the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry after completing her undergraduate studies. Rotan is passionate about science and enjoys supporting other students through tutoring as they learn Arabic. She enjoys helping students build confidence in their language skills and connecting Arabic to culture.
Fun Facts: Rotan enjoys going on walks, cooking, and baking.
Sara, Biology Tutor
Sara is a master’s student studying Biology. She has a B.S in Biology from NEIU and has a passion for cellular and molecular biology. She hopes to pursue research and science education.
Fun Facts: Sara has a cat named Panther, who she dedicates most of her free time to spoiling. She enjoys reading, playing video games, TTRPGs, and is an INTJ-T.
Sarah, Anthropology & Linguistics Tutor
Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016. Before attending college, Sarah spent a year in Bahia, Brazil and worked with a sociocultural anthropologist in the field. She has been living in Chicago for almost a decade and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Linguistics.
Fun Facts: Sarah likes cozy English mysteries in book and movie formats, and has been spending a considerable amount of time listening to Steeleye Span. You might find her practicing Irish Gaelic le cupán beag tae (with a wee cup of tea).
Sarah, Front Desk Aide
Sarah is an undergraduate student majoring in Cybersecurity and double minoring in Management and Marketing. She enjoys learning computer science algorithms and ethical hacking. She has participated in computer science internships before, and hopes to continue to land more internships in the future.
Fun Facts: Sarah loves trying new restaurants and coffee shops. She also enjoys reading fast paced thrillers.
Sharon, Writing Tutor
Sharon is a graduate student in Linguistics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Literary Studies. She enjoys teaching and has taught middle and high school students. Coming from a diverse linguistic background, she finds the language acquisition process very fascinating. Hence, her desire to pursue a Ph.D. to eventually become a professor.
Fun Facts: Sharon’s favorite thing to do is snack on something light. Maybe that’s why you would always find her whipping up a new recipe she found on Instagram. Sharon also loves to share the proceeds from her cooking escapades with loved ones while spending time with them.
Simon, Philosophy Tutor
Simon is a non-traditional student majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Art History. He plans on attending law school in 2026.
Fun Facts: Simon's hobbies include writing poetry, listening to drone music, and adding new things to his bucket list. The last book he read for fun was Calvin Coolidge's autobiography.
Stacey, Sociology Tutor
Stacey is an aspiring public health professional studying Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. With more than 15 years of experience in healthcare finance and administration, she is passionate about health equity, community outreach, and improving outcomes for underserved populations. After graduation, she aims to continue this work by pursuing a Master of Public Health. Stacey is passionate about fostering community, mentoring peers, and empowering students through leadership.
Fun Facts: Stacey has a Cocker Spaniel named Dolly. She also has a not-so-secret affinity for teen angst books, is an aspiring event planner, and loves all things musical theater.
Tashee, WIP NDP 310 Tutor
Tashee is a transfer student from Malcolm X College, where she studied in the Mortuary Science program. She is now pursuing Social Service and Community Development through the University Without Walls program. Tashee is passionate about making a difference in her community through service and support.
Fun Facts: Tashee loves shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Tommy, Music Tutor
Tommy is a transfer student currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, with his voice as his primary instrument. He has always had a deep passion for performing and loves working with kids. This is why, once he graduates, he hopes to become both a music teacher and a professional performer!
Fun Facts: Tommy loves acting and dancing, and has a theatrical background. He has performed in many shows and hopes to write one himself one day.
Tyler, Writing Tutor
Tyler is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student who received his B.A. in History from UCCS. He loves to help people with all types of writing and wants to talk about all of your research ideas. Tyler dreams of opening his own private counseling practice someday.
Fun Facts: Tyler is an amateur astronomer and outdoor enthusiast. He also loves science fiction, baseball, and playing strategy games in his free time. If he had to pick a favorite book, board game, and movie it would probably be "Dune."
Unseba, Community Health Tutor
Unseba is a trained dentist and is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Pakistan before moving into the field of public health to broaden her impact on communities and health systems. With a strong background in clinical practice and a growing expertise in population health, she is passionate about bridging the gap between individual patient care and community-wide health initiatives. To her, learning and sharing knowledge are key ways to grow, connect with others, and explore different perspectives in health and beyond.
Fun Facts: Unseba enjoys exploring new cultures through food, is an avid learner always seeking out new ideas, and loves spending time outdoors for relaxation and fitness.
Victor, Writing Tutor
Victor received an M.A. in History (medieval) from Northern Illinois University in 2022. He is currently working on an M.A.T. in Secondary Education and aspires to work with adolescents in Chicago. Victor has over a decade of experience as a writing and content tutor. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian and has a reading knowledge of Latin.
Fun Facts: Victor's black cat, Theodora, was named after the sixth-century Byzantine empress.
Victor, Math Tutor
Victor is a Mexican-American, first-generation student studying Applied Mathematics. He is planning on working in the finance world at a financial institution after he graduates. Victor believes that mathematics is an essential skill for everyday life that can greatly benefit us and enhance quality of life.
Fun Facts: Apart from loving mathematics, Victor greatly enjoys music. He can play the tenor saxophone and focuses on learning jazz music, America’s classical music. Victor is also an avid movie watcher, enjoys playing card games, and loves to bike ride in the woods.