Thanks to all of our alums who contributed their updates for this year's newsletter. If you are a Sweetland alum (Minor in Writing, Peer Writing Consultant/Peer Tutor, or MWrite), you can send us your update via the form on our Alums Gallery. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kirsty McInnes
Minor in Writing • Communications Studies 2019
I moved to Detroit and am working as a communications manager at Bedrock, a real estate development company. I get to use the skills I learned at Sweetland every day, crafting stories for media and the public about the historic buildings, small businesses, restaurants and events that make Detroit and Cleveland such unique destinations for travelers and residents.
Dani Averill
Peer Writing Consultant • Psychology & Communications Studies 2018
I live in D.C., and work remotely as a Senior Manager in the Business Analytics department of an edtech company. I lead a team of analysts, recognized for our ability to effectively communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders through clear presentations and written analysis. Leveraging the skills I honed at Sweetland, I coach my team in analytical writing and model essential communication techniques, ensuring they excel in their roles and deliver impactful insights for our business.
Marisa Wright
Minor in Writing • Political Science and Women's and Gender Studies 2021
Since graduating, I attended law school and became a voting rights lawyer in Washington D.C. Most of lawyering is researching and writing, so I use the writing skills and experiences from Sweetland almost every day.
Jason Rowland
Minor in Writing • Organizational Studies 2019
I currently work at Google as a social media and brand strategist. This role entails storytelling to nearly 40 million followers across multiple brand channels — using skills I honed in the minor in writing program every day! Additionally, after 5 years of living in San Francisco, I recently moved to Brooklyn!
Kateryna Karpoff
Minor in Writing • Biomolecular Science 2021
I am currently in my third year of medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. Whether working on patient notes or drafting manuscripts, I rely on my writing skills daily and am grateful for the foundation Sweetland provided me. I look forward to continuing to write throughout my career and often reflect fondly on my experiences with the Minor in Writing!
Jacob Rainey
Peer Writing Consultant • Psychology 2016
After earning my undergraduate degree from UM, I obtained my MPH in Epidemiology from UM as well. I have worked as a psychiatric epidemiologist at state, federal, and academic settings, focusing on suicide prevention, drug use, and mental health within sexual and gender minority communities. I currently live in Ann Arbor and work for UM's Institute for Social Research where I contribute to studies around income dynamics, wealth inequality, housing, education, and health across generations.
Kaitlyn Ender
Minor in Writing & Peer Writing Consultant • Psychology 2021
After graduating with a BA in Psychology and Minor in Writing from UofM, I pursued my MSW degree at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and graduated in 2022. I now work at the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect as a Professional Research Assistant. I regularly use the skills I learned at Sweetland in my work to support children and families through research and evaluation!
Jon Reid
M-Write Fellow • History 2020
As an M-Write Fellow, I helped students in STEM improve their ability to write clearly. My role involved lots of editing and thinking about how to distill scientific concepts into plain English. I use these skills every day. I graduated from Penn Law School and now work for a federal judge in Philadelphia. Each day, I'm writing, editing, and trying to put tricky legal concepts into plain English.
Roshni Veeramachaneni
Peer Writing Consultant • Creative Writing and Literature 2024
Since graduating, I've been working at the Shapiro Undergraduate Library and Hatcher Graduate Library as a Circulation and Services Assistant here in Ann Arbor. My work at Sweetland proved to the search committee that I have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Being a PWC also gave me essential experience interacting empathetically with a diverse population, understanding their needs in a short timeframe, and directing them to helpful resources -- and that's basically what I do now!
Madi Altman
Minor in Writing • Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience 2023
I am currently in my first year of an osteopathic medical school. Sweetland and the Minor in Writing helped me craft a wonderful personal statement and gave me the skills to think creatively and critically.
