Educator. Editor.
I am a lover of words. I teach and research on the power and praxis of rhetoric and composition, the craft of argumentation, and, occasionally, literature. I also edit scholarly work. Let’s dialogue!
My Approach
Collaboration and Process
I see teaching and editing as conversations that involve exchange, questions, and learning from both sides. As I teach and edit, I learn the personalities and strengths of my students and clients and can help them refine both their argument and their prose. We ask questions of each other, and my comments and feedback are curated to generate more engagement and development.
My approach to writing in the classroom, in my research, and in editorial work is one and the same. These are collaborative, process-based efforts. I work with my students, in writing groups, and individually with clients to strengthen their authorial voice and their writing across genres. Purpose, clarity, and concision are the the benchmarks of this process. Paying close attention to a text’s exigence and rhetorical situation, I offer detailed feedback on argument, appeals to audience, organization, and flow, as well as more basic line editing.
EDUCATION
2022 Ph.D. English, Ph.D. Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Pennsylvania State University
2017 M.A. English, Pennsylvania State University
2013 B.A. English and Religious Studies, cum laude, Distinction in Research and Creative Works, Rice University
ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT
2022 – 2025 Postdoctoral Researcher, Teaching of Writing University of Delaware
2015 – 2022 Graduate Teaching Instructor, Pennsylvania State University
Spring 2022 Research Assistant, Dr. Noam Tirosh, Pennsylvania State University
2019 – 2020 Writing Center Tutor Coordinator, Pennsylvania State University
What Clients are Saying
“I love having Aaren as my editor! She never fails to keep my voice in my writings or to provide me with feedback before the deadline. Aaren would always make sure she understands what I’m trying to convey before giving me a detailed message with the reasons for her suggested edits. The language of my work not only flows better, but is also more concise after passing through her hands! In addition, as someone whose first language isn’t English, I feel very comfortable communicating with her because she understands the difficulties ESL learners have, and she is always patient with everyone. All in all, I highly recommend Aaren to be your private editor.”
Tina Chen, Penn State 2020
“I had wonderful experiences with her because of her pleasant processing. Aaren provided constructive feedback on my work and delivered editing services promptly. I was able to acquire an edited version of what I was striving for after enough consultation. I'm pleased with the result!”
Dr. Sung Ryung Lu, Assistant Professor, American University