Your Learning Advisors

We are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate about supporting you.

Plus, we’ve all been there before. Whether it's your first semester, or you've started a new degree, or you're up against a challenging task in your postgraduate course, we can relate.

We may not know everything about the specific content of your assignments, but we know a great deal about the skill of academic writing and how to meet the expectations of your assignments.

 

Meet your learning advisors

 

Elise Westin

Hi, I’m Elise.

I am the Writing Support Programs Coordinator at the University of Adelaide. I have a PhD in Linguistics, a Graduate Certificate in Education (TESOL), an Honours degree in Anthropology, and Bachelor degrees in International Studies and Development Studies. I’m passionate about helping students to reach their academic potential and seeing them succeed in their studies.

Outside of the office, I work as a motorsport official, enjoy reading literature, and write short stories and poetry.


 

Ali Reid updated photo

Hi, I'm Ali.

My PhD, 'Bandaids in a Battlefield': The Anthropology of Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support in Australia', looked at the motivations and experiences of everyday South Australians who provide critical support to people who have fled circumstances of war, conflict, violence, torture, and trauma. 

I also have a First Class Honours in Anthropology, and a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies (now known as International Development).

I am addicted to second-hand bookshops and op-shopping in general. When I have some rare free time, I enjoy working with textiles, painting, reading, and finding new music on Spotify!


 

Anna writing mentor

Hello, I'm Anna.

I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in experimental and theoretical physics, and am now a postgraduate student researching and writing about high-energy particles.

In my spare time I love hiking, visiting the oldest second-hand bookshops I can find and staying up too late writing short stories.


 

Tiana Blazevic

Hello! My name is Tiana.

I have been an Academic Learning Advisor at the Writing Centre since 2020 and have been teaching at the University of Adelaide since 2019. I also currently work as a Disability Support Project Officer and I am developing new initiatives to support Neurodivergent students at the university. I have a MPhil in Ancient History and I am currently completing a PhD in Medieval Studies. My research interests are in the history of medicine, philosophy, and epistemological authority. I have specialist knowledge in the field of neurodivergent learning and neuro-affirming teaching. 


 

Anj Foley

Hello, I'm Anj.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in languages, a first-class Honours in History (for which I was awarded the Tinline Prize), a Graduate Diploma in Education, a Graduate Diploma in TESOL and an MPhil in Creative Writing. I have taught French, History and English in secondary schools and English to adult migrants in the tertiary sector. This year I am continuing with my Bachelor of Languages and am undertaking Advanced German.

I love learning other languages, travelling, reading history, and writing stories. I also enjoy staying fit. I look forward to helping you at the Writing Centre.


Aaron Owen

Hi, I'm Aaron.

I'm currently undertaking a PhD program in Development Studies between the University of Adelaide and the University of Nottingham. My research explores human rights-based approaches to early childhood education for refugee children. I have taught international Development subjects and have a passion for supporting students to reach their potential and achieve success in their studies.

Off campus, I'm a cricket tragic, keen gardener and love reading classic literature.


 

Juliet photo

Hi, I'm Juliet.

I have a diploma of Spanish and a BA (Hons) in linguistics from Melbourne Uni. Right now I'm doing a Grad Cert in TESOL (Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Flinders, plus some proofreading and linguistics research assistant work on the side.

I love all things language-related, including supporting students with their writing! I'm also into swimming, cycling, climbing, and other stuff you can do outdoors.


 

Kym Teh photo

Hi, I'm Kym.

I completed a PhD on change management and universities, and the models of change adopted by university leaders. I also completed studies in law and computer science. I have a passion for supporting and working with students, having also taught over many years in IT, law and marketing.

For fun, I love to read (while listening to an eclectic mix of music) and haunt all sorts of bookstores, walk our beautiful girl (Tasha the dog), and take lots of photos.


 

Melanie Attard

Hi, my name is Melanie.

I completed a BSc with Honours in Genetics before undertaking a PhD, exploring the ethical and social implications of the genetic testing of children. I also have a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults and am a keen learner of languages myself. 

I enjoy a fairly eclectic mix of books, films and music but, in particular, am a devotee of existential philosophy and literature.


 

Emma McEwin

Hi, I'm Emma.

I have a BA and Honours degree in English literature and a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Adelaide, a CELTA qualification, and a Graduate Certificate of Editing and Publishing. I've worked at the University of Adelaide for many years as a teacher and lecturer of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, in English literature, creative writing, research skills (across all disciplines), and English as a second language (ESL). I really enjoy helping students in the Writing Centre. Apart from my teaching and advising roles, I'm also a writer and a student (currently studying towards a Bachelor of Visual Art) which helps me to keep up to date with the expectations and challenges of tertiary study. 

 I have many interests, including reading, writing, learning languages, going to the theatre and the cinema, and playing tennis.


 

Hi, I'm Oliver.

I am currently a researcher and postgraduate student at the University of Adelaide, holding degrees in Psychological Science and Philosophy. My academic and research interests lie at the intersection of human perceptions of artificial intelligence, decision-making, and consciousness. I am based in the School of Psychology and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML). In my spare time, I enjoy vehicle restoration projects, creating music, and engaging in philosophical debates. Through the Writing Centre, I am grateful to have the opportunity to support students during their academic journeys.