About Us
The Writing Center is named in honor of George L. Nesbitt (1903-1985), Professor of English from 1930 to 1973, and Thomas McNaughton Johnston (1904-1986), Professor of English from 1934 to 1972. Demanding and inspiring teachers, they helped two generations of Hamilton students to write thoughtful, coherent, clear, and sometimes elegant prose. Professor Nesbitt, who chaired the Department of English from 1952 to 1968, was instrumental in establishing the English composition sequence; Professor Johnston, the principal author of Hamilton’s Essentials of English Usage style guide, was known for his own graceful style, which his best students aspired to emulate. Together they constructed the foundation for Hamilton’s present reputation as an institution that teaches and values effective writing.
Jennifer Ambrose, Ph.D.
Writing Center Director
Jennifer became the Director of Hamilton's Writing Center in 2016. She obtained her PhD from the University of Iowa and has over 20 years of experience in writing center work as well as a teaching background in rhetoric, communication, scientific & technical writing, and American studies. Her work focuses on providing equitable and inclusive access to writing support for students and faculty.
Laura Widman, M.A.
Writing Center Assistant Director: Multilingual Specialist
Laura has a Master's degree in Linguistics, focused on Teaching English as a Second language, and came to Hamilton after working in the Writing Centers at Texas A&M and the University of Iowa. Their work focuses on providing academic support to multilingual students on campus, as well as helping faculty develop their pedagogy to create an environment where linguistic diversity is respected. In their free time, you can find them hiking, playing board games, baking, and hanging out with their cat, Bastian.
Riley Spellman
Writing Center Office Assistant
Riley graduated from St. Lawrence University, where she majored in English Creative Writing and Performance-Communication Arts. When she's not in the Writing Center, she spends her time pressing flowers, doodling, and going to art galleries and museums.
Kristiana Klein
Fellow for Academic Belonging
As the Fellow for Academic Belonging, Kristiana coordinates with QSR and the Writing Center to support students in Opportunity Programs. She graduated from Hamilton in May with the Class of 2026, having majored in Philosophy and minored in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. While she was a student, she worked as a psychology and neuroscience tutor in the QSR, so she knows how impactful peer tutoring can be. She’s available to help students with whatever they need, whether that be finding the right kind of support, managing workloads, or just having someone to talk to.
Student Assistants
Ronak Aggarwal ’29
Ronak is a sophomore from Rochester, New York. He currently plans to major in Government with minors in History and Geosciences. In his free time, he likes to draw, read, work on projects at the makerspace, or build model kits.
Ferrin Besong ’30
Rayaan Jeylani ’30
Rayaan is a freshman from Lakeville, Minnesota intending to major in Psychology and Philosophy. In her free time, you can find her reading fantasy novels (or rereading Babel by R.F. Kuang), crocheting, writing, or throwing on the pottery wheel. She also dabbles in a bit of drawing and painting, and enjoys puzzles, taking walks in Root Glen, and growing her fledgling Hirono and Skullpanda figurine collection.
Elys Monje ’27
Elys is a senior concentrating in Government with a minor in Art. She is from the Bronx, New York. She enjoys watching horror movies, playing video games, and collecting sea shells. In her free time, you can catch her studying in KJ, listening to music, drawing, or watching some of her favorite anime or tv series.
Ava Snyder ’28
Ava is a double major in Mathematics and Psychology from Glens Falls, New York. Outside of the Writing Center, you can find her writing proofs in CJ or spending time between activities in Taylor, KJ, or List. In her free time she enjoys reading, coloring, and watching TV.
Olivia Stevens ’27
Olivia is a junior intending to major in Geosciences. She is from Lexington, Massachusetts, and loves to read, swim, and write in her free time.
Athalie Thifault ’27
Athalie is a junior concentrating in Geoscience with a double minor in Statistics and Classics. She has an affinity for rubber ducks, alternative music, cute plushies, fashion, and all things PINK!!! A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always daydreaming about her next meal. If she’s not in class, working, eating, or online shopping, she's most definitely napping.
