Specialized Support for Graduate Students

Our Graduate Writing Coaches bring diverse expertise from various graduate degrees across both campuses. They provide tailored support to help you tackle the complexities of graduate-level writing, professional publication, conference proposals, and more.

To establish recurring appointments with a graduate writing coach, contact graduatewritingcenter@kennesaw.edu.

Types of Sessions:

  • Work one-on-one with a Graduate Writing Coach in the KSU Writing Center on either campus.

  • Interact with a Graduate Writing Coach using audio, video, or chat feed online.

  • Receive revision tips from a Graduate Writing Coach within 48 hours of your appointment (available only to students in 100% online degree programs).

Resources

The KSU Writing Center’s resources are crafted to provide clear, concise, and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of graduate-level writing.

  • Writing at the Graduate School Level

    The demands of writing graduate papers, capstones, theses, and dissertations can feel overwhelming. Come to this workshop to gain a better understanding of the expectations of graduate-level writing. 

     

    Writing Literature Reviews for Graduate School

    Struggling to make sense of the mountain of research? This workshop will guide graduate students through the process of crafting a strong literature review—from organizing sources and identifying gaps to synthesizing findings and building a compelling narrative. Whether you're just starting or refining your draft, you'll leave with practical tools and a clearer path forward.

     

    Graduate Research Refresher

    This workshop is designed to equip returning graduate students with essential research writing skills. We'll revisit how to identify credible sources, apply effective research methods, and integrate evidence seamlessly into academic writing. Whether you're preparing for a thesis, dissertation, or coursework, this session will boost your confidence and competence in conducting and presenting scholarly research.

    Turning Class Papers into Academic Articles

    Graduate students often produce strong research papers in their coursework—why not take them further? Learn how to revise and reshape class assignments into publishable academic articles. The session covers identifying a suitable journal, refining arguments, enhancing structure and clarity, and understanding the submission and peer review process. Gain practical strategies to elevate your work for a broader scholarly audience.

Get to Know Us

Meet our team of graduate writing coaches, each bringing unique academic and professional expertise to help graduate students succeed in their writing journey. Their varied experience will be an invaluable resource to those in need of writing support over the course of their master's program.

a picture of ashley: a korean woman with glasses

Ashley

Ashley is a Graduate Writing Coach with a BS in Computer Science, a minor in Korean, and recognition as an Honors Research Scholar. She is currently pursuing an MS in Data Science and Analytics. Ashley began her work in writing support as an undergraduate Writing Assistant and has since transitioned to working with graduate students. Passionate about STEM, she specializes in data visualization, conducting research focused on student retention. She also serves as the President of Girls Who Code, a student organization dedicated to fostering interest and opportunities in technology. Outside of her academic and professional work, she enjoys video games, reading, and figure skating.
John Thornton

John

John is a Graduate Writing Coach with a BS in Political Science, who is currently earning an MA in Professional Writing. Formerly an undergraduate Writing Assistant at the Writing Center, he has returned to help graduate students along their writing journey. His academic interests include game writing, fiction writing, and applied writing with a focus on political science. During his free time, he enjoys playing table-top role-playing/ video games, reading manga, and spending time with his cat, Hashladûn.
A picture of Karla wearing a green jacket

Karla

 Karla is a Graduate Writing Coach with a BA in Literary Studies and an MBA. She is currently pursuing an MA in Professional Writing. She has work experience in government policy, nonprofit advocacy, and sales and marketing, and her academic interests include creative writing, particularly poetry and playwriting, as well as the persuasive writing of personal essays and op-eds. She’s looking forward to working with graduate students on all phases of the research and writing process. Outside of school, she is an avid theater buff and enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling. 
Person with shoulder-length green and purple hair and clear-framed glasses, photographed outdoors in a wooded area.

Lex

Lex is a Graduate Writing Coach with a BA in English and a minor in Psychology. They are currently pursuing an MA in Professional Writing. Previously they worked as a Graduate Professional Assistant for the KSU Writing Center, and currently, they are certified as a Paraprofessional Educator. They have a passion for the power of words to change the world and love to help others obtain the tools to communicate as desired. Their academic interests include queer theory, fiction writing, and rhetoric. In their free time they enjoy anime, horror media of any kind, and fiber arts. 

Testimonials

KSU’s Graduate Writing Center is well-versed in providing technical writing guidance for mathematical and statistical manuscripts. The consultants did not shy away from niche subject areas and were able to help me write much more clearly about a difficult subject. They helped me soften the tone change from describing mathematical concepts to lay terms. They also helped with grammar, spelling, and formatting. The consultants that helped me were familiar with manuscript submission processes as well. I look forward to working with them on future manuscripts on my journey through the PhD program in Data Science.

Lauren Staples

PhD, Analytics and Data Science

 I’ve had the pleasure of working with several graduate writing assistants and they have far exceeded my expectations. The graduate writing assistants are exceptionally knowledgeable and welcome the opportunity to educate me on the ever-evolving writing guidelines.  The Graduate Writing Center goes above and beyond to accommodate deadlines and to ensure that KSU graduate students excel with the written word.  In my opinion, I believe that the link and/or email to the Graduate Writing Center should be included on every graduate course syllabi, as this invaluable resource enhances the overall KSU experience and prepares us to accurately and effectively communicate far beyond our years at KSU.

Lillian Edge

MS, Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development

As a multilingual writer, who does not use English as my first language, having the consistent help from the KSU Graduate Writing Center has been invaluable to all my scholarly endeavors and my productivity.  Since my time at KSU, Fall 2017, I have been utilizing their services frequently. I would send the consultants my drafts from grant proposals, award applications, manuscripts for publication, to promotion dossiers about one week or sometimes two days’ notice. The consultants have always been prompt in scheduling online written response sessions and tried their best to meet my timeline for submission. The consultants’ feedback on my writing has not been limited to micro editing issues but macro issues, such as the purpose of the written genre, the intended audience, and organizational issues. I like that my writing is challenged by their detailed feedback. Their comments remind me that writing is always work in progress. I have introduced the KSU Graduate Writing Center to all my colleagues with whom I collaborate, and I will continue to do so. Their services are a gravely missed opportunity for faculty who do not get their writing checked by another set of informed eyes before submission.

Jayoung Choi, PhD

Associate Professor, Inclusive Education Department Bagwell College of Education

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