About Me

I am a graduate teaching fellow and PhD candidate in literary and cultural studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. As an instructor, researcher and student, I focus primarily on Victorian, transatlantic, fantasy and children's literature, although my research interests are even more varied and stretch to include gender, composition, modernist and animal studies. Although I spend part of my time at Duquesne continuing my education, my most rewarding experiences come from my time as an instructor and writing center consultant. I have spent the past year instructing first-year students in their core English classes, where I used both classic texts and young adult fiction to help engage all of my students. The students used these works of literature to untangle the relationship between fantasy and reality, while also honing their writing, critical thinking and research skills for their future classes and eventual careers. I also had the opportunity to work with faculty members, upper and lower classmen and ESL students in the campus' Writing Center. As a consultant, I helped clients to revise and proofread their work while also helping them to learn how to use the writing skills for themselves. Previous to my acceptance at Duquesne University, I earned my Master of Arts in critical and cultural studies at the University of Pittsburgh. As a student at Pitt, I worked as a graduate student researcher with the Learning Research and Development Center. At this prestigious institution, I had the opportunity to learn and gain exposure to the Center's plethora of educational research, in addition to acting as a teaching assistant, proofreader and researcher. While I completed my master's degree, I also worked with numerous students on the critical reading and writing portions of the SAT, although I also frequently worked with students on college entrance essays and classwork. I began my post-secondary education by completing my Bachelor of Arts in English with a secondary education certification at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. I also graduated magna cum laude and I earned minors in biology and psychology. Although my time in the PhD program gives me ample opportunities to both instruct and learn, I have found myself eager to use even more of my free time to share my love of knowledge with others and learn more along the way. I have a deep passion for knowledge and discovery and firmly believe that they hold the keys to success for all individuals. My enthusiasm and ability to adapt to different individuals' needs allow me to make a connection with all of my clients and help them to not only meet their goals, but to enjoy the process along the way. I enter into all of my client interactions with the goal that I will always bring about a positive effect, which I accomplish by personalizing the sessions for each and every client and working to empower each client with the skills necessary for success and not just the correct answers. I have always loved learning; however, I have many other interests that supplement my professional life. I am a devoted wife to my husband of almost a year and devoted mother to our two Siberian huskies, Isa and Bogie. As a family, we love to spend our free time traveling, sight-seeing, hiking and visiting our extended families. We particularly enjoy visiting museums that focus on Ancient Egypt, paleontology, natural history, WWII, the Titanic and the Victorian Era. We are also passionate about animals and make conservation a large part of our travels, especially by helping with zoo and aquarium education efforts. When I am not enjoying the company of my family though, I read anything and everything that I can and enjoy dancing and playing the violin. Finally, as a true Pittsburgher, I am always rooting on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers.

Education & Certifications

Q&A with Bethany

Tutoring Subjects