In 2021, the Writing Center received a generous endowment given by Ann Jackson and Ken Wilson to continue advancing Writing Across MSU by integrating writing throughout the curriculum, particularly in STEM. The funding they have provided will allow us to continue developing programs to support students and faculty in the teaching and learning of writing. We are so grateful for this gift.

From this gift, we have a new program specifically for tutors who would like to deepen their research in writing: the Research Fellows. Research Fellows have already spent at least a semester as a Writing Center tutor. They are a research team with time dedicated to research on the teaching and learning of writing happening across MSU. From their research, they not only develop a deeper understanding of the writing students are doing, but they also develop resources for students and faculty. They also participate in conference presentations and research writing.

This year (2021-2022), the Research Fellows are investigating writing in Environmental Engineering. Using a methodology called institutional ethnography, they are interviewing students and analyzing documents to answer the following questions: 

  • What is the definition of “good communication” in Environmental Engineering?
  • What kind of writing experiences do Environmental Engineering students need to facilitate their development as “good communicators?”
  • What resources do faculty and students need to create those writing experiences?

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Research Fellows!