Meet the members of this year's Student Advisory Council! Members serve as consultants for the English department faculty and as advisors for new majors. They also help promote the major to undeclared and prospective students at events throughout the academic year. Most importantly, they help make the English department the vibrant, welcoming community we all love. If you're introduced in joining or learning more, please contact Dr Joe Drury (joseph.drury@villanova.edu).
Amanda Atkinson (aatkins3@villanova.edu)
I am a current senior pursuing a double major in English and Classical Studies, as well as a minor in Gender & Women's Studies. My favorite genres include poetry and speculative fiction. I am the current president of Villanova Student Musical Theatre and am very involved with the performing arts on campus. I work as an intern with the Department of Justice and hope to pursue full-time employment with the DOJ after graduation!
Chloe Cherry (ccherry4@villanova.edu)
I am a junior English major with a Writing and Rhetoric concentration. I was previously a Neuroscience major until I switched to a Psychology (B.S.) and then decided on English, so I know a lot about both of those majors. I have a lot of experience with mentorship and teaching underrepresented students; on campus, I am the president of REACH, a mentorship program for black and brown high school students in Philadelphia. I also just created an organization called CampusConnects, which is a mentorship program for incoming first-years, who will be underrepresented on campus. Though I have naturally gravitated toward teaching for my career post-grad, I am still exploring other options for my career. Some of my favorite writers are Audre Lorde and Zora Neale Hurston, so I love reading women writers of color, and I have had a great time focusing on such writers in many of my English classes.
Catherine Cook (ccook10@villanova.edu)
I am a senior English major with a Political Science minor. I am originally from Washington, DC. In the fall of my junior year, I spent the semester studying in Galway, Ireland through Villanova’s partner program with the National University of Ireland. To say I miss it everday is an understatement! At Villanova, I am greatly involved with NOVAdance and the Pre-Law Society, and I also have enjoyed playing a variety of intramural sports with friends over the years. This past summer I was supposed to intern in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in downtown Washington, but unfortunately due to COVID, that could not happen. Instead, I spent my summer studying for the LSAT since I plan to attend law school in the fall following graduation.
Joe D’Antonio (jdanton2@villanova.edu)
I am a senior Political Science and English double major from Rhode Island. Some activities I am involved in on campus include being a long-snapper on Villanova's football team, a member of the athletic department's Student Advisory Council (SAAC) and the Athletics Senator in Villanova's Student Government Association (SGA). I have interests in critical analysis along with law and intend on attending law school after graduation.
Meghan Edwards (medwar23@villanova.edu)
I’m a junior English major with a minor in Political Science. I’ve used my major to intern with congressional campaigns by helping to write press releases and other campaign information. At Villanova, I’m a member of the Villanova Dance Company and Ensemble as well as a writer for Villanova’s chapter of the Odyssey Online. I’m hoping to pursue a career in publishing after graduation.
Caroline Harding (chardin7@villanova.edu)
I am an English and Communications and plan to study in Galway, Ireland in 2021. At Villanova I write for the student newspaper, The Villanovan, and edit the student yearbook. I am a member of the Blue Key Society and give tours to prospective students. In my sophomore year, I became the PR officer of Glamour Gals, a Villanova service group that paints nails for the senior citizens. I have interned for the New Haven Department of Justice and for the legal department of Central National Gottesman. I plan to continue my education by attending law school after graduation.
Calista Huang (chuang7@villanova.edu)
I’m a junior with English and Art History majors and a Classics minor. I love travelling, especially visiting various history and art museums, and reading, especially fantasies and mysteries. For the past summer I became very passionate about reading Chinese history. I'm currently involved with the Villanova International Student Organization. I was part of the stage crew for VST my Freshman year and I wrote for The Villanovan until last semester. I'm planning to go to Oxford for a study abroad program next semester or next year. After graduation, I'm planning to apply for grad school. Last summer I went to London for the LAC summer program for two months and I did an internship at an art foundation, which was very exciting.
Mike Keeley (mkeeley2@villanova.edu)
I’m a senior Communication and English double major with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric. I’m a huge soccer fan, which is one of the reasons I was really excited to study abroad in London the summer after my freshman year during the World Cup. This past summer I had an internship in political advertising, and I’m hoping to do something similar after graduation.
Ava Lundell (alundell@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore English major with minors in History and Public Administration. I grew up in Washington, D.C., but most of my family lives in the Midwest (either around Michigan or in Chicago). Growing up in D.C. definitely shaped my career goals, instilling in me the importance of policy and politics in changing American lives for the better. Therefore, I plan to enter the field of public policy (more specifically, education policy). After graduating, I would like to work with Teach for America for two years and then pursue my Master’s in education policy. I hope to further promote equal access to quality education for all Americans. My extracurricular activities include Blue Key Society and InterVarsity. I am also a research assistant for two professors investigating disability discussions in K-12 education. I love to read, especially historical fiction novels! One of my current favorites is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Valentina Lopez (vlopez1@villanova.edu)
I am a senior English and Spanish double major with a minor in Latin American Studies. Upon graduating, I am seeking opportunities in a wide variety of roles, from Marketing to Communication, Tech and more! I thank the versatility of my majors for allowing me to explore various industries. Ultimately, I would love to attend law school, but I am looking to gain more professional and personal experiences prior. I am confident the analytical and critical thinking skills I have acquired through my English major will benefit me tremendously down whichever path I choose to take. On campus, I am involved in the Pre-Law Society, NovaDance, BeWellNova and the Hispanic National Honors Society, Sigma Delta Pi. I am also currently a mentor for the Community Interpreter Internship in our law school's clinic. Pre-COVID19, I was fortunate enough to spend two wonderful months studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and although my time was cut short, I was able to make memories and friends that will last a lifetime!
Erin Neilsen (eneilsen@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore student from Nashville, Tennessee. I am majoring in English and minoring in Business and Communication. At Villanova, I am a member of NOVAdance Committee, and I serve as the Chi Omega Philanthropy Chair. Outside of Villanova, I have started my own swim lesson business FINS and am often found outside exercising! As a member of the Student Advisory Council, I am looking forward to sharing my positive experience with the Villanova English Department with current and prospective students.
Ashley Park (kpark13@villanova.edu)
I am a senior English major with minors in Business, Communication, and Writing & Rhetoric from North Wales, PA. My favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird, as that book started my love for books and literature. I am also a part of the Blue Key Society and Honors Program here at Villanova. As part of my honors thesis, I plan to explore the Asian American female narrative that focuses on immigration, focusing specifically in the 1920s.
Sarina Sandwell (ssandwel@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore English major with a Chinese minor. At Villanova, I am an orientation counselor, as well as host of the radio show “altronica” on Villanova WXVU where I play indie/alternative/rock music. My favorite books are Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and There There by Tommy Orange. I am also a huge fan of the science fiction and horror genres. After graduation, I plan to continue studying literature in the hopes of pursuing a career in teaching.
Amanda Smith (asmit151@villanova.edu)
I am a junior English major with minors in Education and Spanish from Wilton, CT. At Villanova I work as a tutor in the Villanova Writing Center, am a member of and the secretary of Club Judo, and serve as a leader in the Sophomore Service Learning Community. I have passions for service and working with kids and throughout my time at Villanova I have always made time to serve in a school in the areas surrounding our campus. After I graduate, I hope to earn my teaching certification to teach elementary education.
Lily Switka (lswitka@villanova.edu)
I am a junior English and Peace & Justice double major, and Astrophysics minor. I’m involved in Campus Ministry, serving as a Peer Minister, retreat leader, and Service Justice Experience trip leader. I also run a small business in which I create handmade artwork and fulfill creative commissions!
