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.

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.

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 

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.

Glenn, Psychology Tutor

Glenn is a returning student working towards his Master’s in Psychology. He is early in his career as an NEIU student and an LSC/CAW tutor, and he is very excited to continue his academic journey.

Fun Facts: In his downtime, Glenn writes novels, media analysis essays, and even radio plays. His work has been featured on numerous outlets such as the BBC and WIRED.

Gulhanim, Writing & TESOL 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 

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.

Jazmine, Front Desk

Jazmine is an undergraduate student majoring in English. She loves to read books across all genres. One day she might be reading Twilight and the next, The Canterbury Tales. Aside from reading, one of her favorite hobbies is watching foreign films. She finds watching the art of another country interesting. Most recently, she has seen Metropolis and Beau Travail. After completing her degree, she intends to go to law school and become an immigration attorney in order to foster a world that embraces diversity and community. 

Fun Facts: Jazmine loves to take dance classes.

Jessica, Writing Tutor

Jessica earned her B.A. in Creative Writing with a minor in Education from Columbia College Chicago in 2019. She is currently pursuing a M.A.T in Secondary Education and in the future hopes to help middle and high school students discover a love of reading and writing.

Fun Facts: In her free time, Jessica loves writing poetry and doing volunteer ecological restoration work on Chicagoland’s plentiful prairies. Her dog, Sully, is named after Sully in Monsters, Inc. 

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.

Karina, Writing Tutor

Karina (she/her) is a graduate student in the TESOL program. Her love for helping others is exemplified by her studying to become an English teacher. With a love for traveling and learning about new cultures and languages, she hopes to teach students internationally. Karina has a bachelor’s degree from NEIU with a major in English and minor in Women’s and Gender Studies (as it was named at the time). She was a WIP tutor in 2019, and in 2026, she has returned to be a Writing tutor.

Fun facts: Outside of academic life, Karina loves to travel (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, France, London, Turkiye, etc.) and has made many friends internationally. In 2024, she had a photoshoot with her best friend by the Eiffel Tower and in Turkiye as well. She loves animals, fashion, concerts, Frida Kahlo, and botanic gardens. She is vegan and finds new recipes to cook and bake.

Mariam, Sociology & WGSS Tutor

Mariam is an undergraduate student double majoring in Sociology and Woman, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Through this interdisciplinary approach, they intend on promoting sexual wellness through sexual education, social work, and related research pursuits and publishing. Despite her focus on sexuality, social policy and identity remain core to her work. 

Fun Facts: In their free time, Mariam enjoys reading, knitting, and all things music. They also co-lead NEIU’s sociology club!

Natalie, Front Desk

Natalie is a senior undergrad majoring in English and double-minoring in creative writing and marketing. She’s a writer and reader with hopes of working in the publishing industry. She is also considering teaching high school creative writing. Natalie is very passionate about music and is always interested in listening to something new.

Fun Facts: Natalie is a coffee addict and tea enjoyer. Her at-home cafe is always fully stocked and

features homemade syrups (almond syrup is her current favorite)!

Noel, Biology Tutor

Noel is a Biology major from Argentina currently pursuing a career change. After working as a marketing copywriter for years, they are now interested in doing research related to evolutionary ecology or restoration biology. When they’re not outside looking at birds, they’re inside reading about them.

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.

Remiyah, GES Tutor

Remiyah is an undergraduate Geography and GIS student who has a deep love for cities and city life. After graduation, she plans to get a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and do research supporting advocacy in the city. In her free time, she likes to read, play the saxophone, and collect fossils. 

Fun Facts: Remiyah is a lifelong Pokemon fan and her favorite pokemon is Dhelmise, the Sea Creeper Pokemon.

Rhoda, Chemistry Tutor

Rhoda is a graduate student in Computer Science. She received her BSc in Biochemistry from Ghana and a MSc in Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University. She looks forward to a career where she can incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop predictive models in the pharmaceutical industry. Rhoda loves to read, sew, and be out in nature.

Fun Facts: Rhoda’s hometown (Tema, Ghana) is located on the Greenwich Meridian (Latitude 0) about 345 miles north of the equator. Rhoda’s recent passion is baking and trying new recipes.

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.

Sarah, Anthropology & Linguistics Tutor

Sarah is a graduate student in the Linguistics Department and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her primary research interests are Algonquian, Romance, and Germanic languages.

Fun Facts:  Sarah doesn’t like light roast coffee, blueberries are her favorite snack, and – clearly – enjoys talking about food. She is a frequent user of the term “y’all” and hopes to learn French in the future for her research interests and to connect with her Quebecois heritage. 

Sarah, Front Desk 

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.

Tamia, Math Tutor

Tamia (Mimi) is an undergraduate student in Accounting. She is pursuing her CPA license and is passionate about helping others. Her experience in leadership, community engagement, and teamwork has been helpful in her personal growth, and she continues to work on her personal growth to achieve greater success.

Fun Facts: Tamia loves watching anime and action shows! She also was a podcast hostess and has two years of experience as a Podcast Instructor.

Tiara, Front Desk

Tiara is in her final semester in the Masters of Public Health program with a concentration in Public Health Promotion. She earned a B.S. in Community Health in 2025 and is currently conducting studies on the public health issues of internally-displaced persons in Northern Nigeria through the NEIU SPEED program.

Fun Facts: She trusts her intuition and she speaks up.

Tommy, Music & WIP SCED 311 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.

Will, Anthropology Tutor

Will is an undergraduate student majoring in Anthropology who hopes to also minor in History. After college, he hopes to use his knowledge to work in a museum.

Fun Facts: Will loves to play tennis, and,  contrary to popular belief, believes Federer is better than Djokovic.

Yasmeen, Writing Tutor

Yasmeen is in her final semester of the MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. After graduating, she hopes to work with adult English language learners at a community college or four-year university. Her family is originally from Egypt, and she is fluent in Arabic. Yasmeen enjoys listening to Arabic music and watching classic Arabic films. 

Fun Facts: Outside of school and work, Yasmeen spends her time journaling, walking or hiking, shopping for home décor, and exploring new restaurants and cafés around Chicago.