PWR Undergraduate Advisory Board

Matt Chalmers (Class of 2012), Co-Chair

Matt Chalmers has a firm belief in interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, and is currently majoring in political science, as well as minoring in both German language and economics. He's also taken no less than four Writing in the Major courses in both technical and social science contexts. He's a complete and total geek (and proud of it!) with interests and experience ranging across climate change and sustainable development, international political and economic development, chemistry, classical literature, social psychology, the study of virtual worlds, international security and conflict resolution, law, philosophy of science, management science and engineering, and physics. In his free time, he enjoys novels, old film, social and political satire in any medium, online gaming, baking, and spending time with his crazy family. He still can't ride a bike, but remains committed to the belief that high-level writing and strong oral communication skills are absolutely essential to succeeding in today's world, no matter your field of study or interests.

Alex Klein (Class of 2012), Co-Chair

Hey, I'm Alex. I'm studying International Relations. I had two awesome PWR classes, the rhetoric of sports and the rhetoric of humor, and I loved both my teachers. In my spare time I love playing sports, listening to/playing music, hanging out, and traveling.

Grant Beard (Class of 2014)

Hi, I'm Grant! I'm from Chicago and I'm majoring in International Relations. I loved my freshman PWR class and I hope that as part of the PWR UAB I can help other students have a PWR experience as enjoyable as I had. In my free time I play basketball and tennis, I read a lot of political news, and I hang out with my friends around campus.

Kafi Hemphill (Class of 2013)

Hi, my name is Kafi and I'm from Atlanta, GA. I am a Biology major on the Pre-Med track, hoping to eventually become an Emergency Care physician. Like many other people in the UAB, I was inspired by the passion and dedication of my PWR teachers. After taking two of my most enjoyable classes at Stanford, I jumped at the opportunity to enhance to the "PWR experience" for other students like me by joining this group. Outside of the UAB, I am an alumnus of Mixed Company, an a cappella group on campus that focuses on contemporary music. In my free time, I love hanging out with the a cappella community, volunteering at clinics, and playing pick-up games of basketball in Arrillaga gym.

Zoya Lozoya (Class of 2013)

Hi, I'm Zoya: I am majoring in English and minoring in Religious Studies here at Stanford. I love writing, and believe PWR is a great opportunity for all undergraduates to develop this skill. I've had two amazing PWR courses where all types of students have been genuinely enthusiastic about their research papers. Coffee, books, and music add up to my favorite pastime. 

Andrew Aguilar (Class of 2014)

Andrew Aguilar is from El Monte, CA. He is a History major with plans to pursue an education minor. He had a great experience in PWR 1 with Rod Taylor and looks forward to ensuring that the PWR experience remains awesome for everyone. Andrew is also currently researching English curriculum at the high school level and their effectiveness in preparing students for the rigors of First Year College Writing Programs such as PWR. In his free time, Andrew plays clarinet with the Stanford Wind Ensemble and a host of other organizations on campus.

Sara Cullinane

My name is Sara Cullinane and I am a sophomore from the great city of South Pasadena, CA. I am proud to say that I am one of the few Aeronautics & Astronautics majors on campus! I had a great experience in PWR 1, even though it involved a lot of writing and no equations! Through my work with the UAB I hope to ensure that future students are able to consistently enjoy their PWR classes as much as I have. I have a particular interest in exploring the world, from the largest of cities to the most remote of areas. Accordingly, I am particularly interested in advancing the CCR program as well as programs aimed at International students. It can be easy to forget how small the world
really is!

Claire Fisher (Class of 2013)

Hi! My name is Claire Fisher, and I'm majoring in political science with concentrations in political theory and American government. Stanford has provided me with incredible opportunities beyond the classroom as well, including rowing for a DI crew team and cycling cross-country to raise funds and awareness for FACE AIDS. But in the classroom, I have most enjoyed small seminar-style classes I have taken where I've been able to build close relationships with my professors and my peers. That is why I am such a proponent of the PWR program at Stanford. I think the classes are a great way to delve into a specific subject and develop a research project as well, and my positive and negative experiences with PWR have motivated me to join the Undergraduate Advisory Board in order to improve the program for future students.

Heidi Fogle

Hi, I'm Heidi and I'm a Human Biology major with an area of concentration in Language and Cognition. Before coming to Stanford, I lived in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS, for practically as long as I can remember, but when Kansas does something particularly inane (e.g. voting to teach creationism in schools) I am quick to point out that I was born in Portland, OR. Aside from the PWR UAB, I'm a senior member of Stanford Quiz Bowl, a peer counselor at the Bridge, and an avid swimmer and social dancer. I'm excited for the opportunity to help improve the PWR experience for Stanford undergrads!

Tara Gu

Tara is a sophomore from Portland, Oregon -- the greatest city on earth -- and a prospective Public Policy major. She is an epicurean eater of all things yummy and a kid at heart, easily amused with the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the world. Tara has taken two quarters of PWR with Dr. Rod Taylor, exploring the Rhetoric of Education and Music, Bass Guitars, and the Rhetoric of Revolution. Among other things, PWR has taught Tara that she secretly likes writing. Aside from the PWR Undergraduate Advisory Board, Tara is involved with Dance Marathon, SEE College Prep, and Stanford in Government. 

Kenan Jiang

Hello, I'm Kenan - I had a great experience in CCR in Alyssa O' Brien's PWR 1 class, and am really interested in expanding the CCR project.  In my spare time, I drive around campus on a golf cart, play frisbee golf in places I really shouldn't be playing frisbee golf in, and pig out in our wonderful dining halls. 

Kevin Jordan

I am Kevin. I am an English Major with an Interdisciplinary focus in Justice. I had a great experience and a lot of fun with both of my PWR classes. I am passionate about writing and often write films and television scripts in my spare time. I also have been an actor and comedian for many years and hope to continue in the future.

Tenyia Lee

Hi, my name is Tenyia Lee and I’m a sophomore from Gaithersburg, MD majoring in English.  When I’m not in class or tutoring in the Hume Writing Center, I enjoy practicing with the Stanford Wushu Club, going on runs all over campus, or just curling up with a good book.  I had a great time in PWR1 with Emily Kopley last year, and so far Andrew Lunsford’s PWR2 introsem has been amazing.  I’m really excited to be on the UAB and to have the chance to help make the PWR program even better.  

Christian Ollano

Christian Ollano is currently a sophomore majoring in Urban Studies with a focus on Design and Development.  Originally from Las Vegas, he  enjoys singing, dancing and watching the latest crazes on YouTube.  Additionally, he is an alumnus of Testimony A Cappella, Social Chair for the Pilipino American Student Union, and ASES VC3 Co-Director.  In  his Stanford career thus far, he has sought to strengthen both the Filipino and Asian American community at Stanford.  As a true advocate of the PWR program, he hopes to expand the already successful CCR program network, which enables writing students from across the globe to collaborate with Stanford through exciting multimedia technologies.

Jasmine Ragland (Class of 2013)

Hello! I'm Jasmine, and I am from San Bernadino County, CA. I am pursuing a Human Biology major with an area of concentration in Adolescent Development with a Creative Writing minor! I love PWR because it gives you so many opportunities to explore an exciting topic from a multitude of angles. I am excited to be in the PWR UAB, because I would love to see the potential PWR has to reach even greater heights. I am a premed aspiring to be a Pediatrician and resident writing tutor (tutoring is amazing!). I love watching movies--Disney and Action/Adventure especially--community service, and enjoying life one step at a time.

Joshua Rollins

Joshua Rollins is from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a sociology major focusing in economic sociology. Joshua has worked as a Peer Advisor in Psychology Department, with the Black Psychology Student Association and currently works with the Roble Package Center and Black and Queer at Stanford. He is also the student assistant in the Hume Writing Center. He is excited to work with PWR UAB to create a program that all students can love.

Luisa Russell (Class of 2012), Co-Vice-Chair 2010-2011

Hi, my name is Luisa Russell and I am from Bellevue, Washington. I am a Materials Science and Engineering major, with a minor in Archaeology. I sing with both University Singers and the Memorial Church Choir, and I am a member of SWE (Stanford Women in Engineering)! I had an extremely positive experience with PWR1. I took the Rhetoric of Gaming with Christine Alfano, and though the assignments were certainly challenging, it was great to engage with people all over the world through the Cross-Cultural Rhetoric Program.

Shefali Tandon 

Hi I'm Shefali and I'm a sophomore who, like most other sophomores, has no idea what her major is going to be!  I was born in San Antonio, Texas (Go Spurs!) but lived in the Bay Area for most of my life. Before attending Stanford, I lived in Hayward, California which is about half an hour away from campus. When I'm not busy with the PWR UAB, I like to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life (read: sleep in until noon on weekends and eat lunch in bed). I enjoy good food, good movies, and--most importantly--good company!  

Caroline Chen is a junior from Hong Kong. She is an English major/Math minor. She is also a writing tutor in the Hume Writing Center. In addition to being on the UAB, Caroline is a producer for the Stanford Shakespeare Company, dances with the Viennese Ball Opening Committee, and spends her spare time playing the organ and singing with University Singers. She is grateful to Donna Hunter and Gabrielle Moyer for a great experience with PWR.

She is very excited to work with the Undergraduate Advisory Board to improve the PWR programs.

Katherine Heflin

Karine Hoffman (Class of 2010)

Karine Hoffman is from Portland, OR, and majored in International Relations with a minor in Economics. She studied abroad in Madrid and in the summer of 2009 worked for a professor in the Political Science department. She grew up doing a variety of jazz, ballet, and hip-hop dance and has continued to pursue this passion as a member of dv8, an on-campus hip-hop group. In her free time, she also enjoys long-distance running, tennis, black and white photography, and traveling. She is delighted to be a part of UAB and believes it has been a great opportunity to help further develop and improve the PWR program.

Stephanie Parker (Class of 2011), Chair, 2010-2011

Hello! My name is Stephanie Parker and I'm a Senior majoring in Communication and Political Science.  I have a strong interest in Asian culture, so I host Asia/U.S. exchange programs at Stanford every year with VIA (Volunteers in Asia), and serve on the Culture Committee of the Korean Students Association.  I enrolled in Cross-Cultural Rhetoric for both my PWR courses, which have helped me shape ideas about my major and my career after Stanford.  My research on gender roles in Korean film (PWR 1) and the growing impact of online communities on cultural identity (PWR 2) has been my most fulfilling experience as an undergraduate, and I want to do everything I can to give back to this amazing part of Stanford.

Amir Ravandoust

My name is Amir Ravandoust and I am a sophomore. I am studying Management Science and Engineering with a minor in International Relations. I spent the last summer working with the U.S. Department of States here in San Francisco. As a second language English speaker, I found PWR to be extremely helpful. Not only did it help me hone my writing skills, but it also allowed me to do research on a subject that I was interested in. As a member of the PWR UAB, I would be more than happy to answer your questions or discuss your concerns regarding the program.

Antonia Sohns (Class of 2010)

My name is Antonia Sohns and I am from Darien, Connecticut. I am an Earth Systems major and a studio arts minor. In addition to working with the PWR Undergraduate Advisory Board, I am on the Leadership Team of the Green Living Council and a drum in the LSJUMB. I hope to study abroad next year in either Madrid or with Stanford@SEA. I love hiking and waterskiing. I really enjoyed my PWR 1 class and am excited to work with my peers to make PWR programs stronger and more effective for future students.

Taryn Takahashi

I'm Taryn, a major in HumBio with an AC in Biodiversity and Human Health. I was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii and love being outdoors.  Over the last few years, I've been involved with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), working on projects dealing with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).  But as much as I enjoy fieldwork, I also appreciate reading a good book or writing short stories.  In terms of PWR, I really had a positive experience all the way through and would like to extend that to any undergrad enrolled in the program.

Katie White, Chair, 2009-2010

My name is Katie White and I am a junior pursuing a major in International Relations. I participate in a variety of activities on campus such as Spotlight on Service, The Stanford Journal of International Relations, and the PWR UAB. I am committed to improving the undergraduate PWR experience and am excited to serve as Chair this year.   I throughly enjoyed both my PWR 1 and PWR 2 experiences and I hope that I can help make PWR a great experience for all undergraduates. I am looking forward to a very productive year of the UAB!

Maya Wolpert (Class of 2010)

Maya Wolpert majored Human Biology. She spent the summer doing AIDS relief and research in South Africa on a Haas African Service Fellowship, and works part-time as a research and administrative assistant at the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics. In her free time, she loves being with her friends, throwing parties, cooking, and traveling. And, of course, helping to make PWR an enjoyable and valuable experience for undergrads!