Fall 2021
Malyn Brown
Fall 2021
Malyn Brown has a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing. She enrolled in the Technical Communication MA to develop her understanding of technical communication theory and its application. Malyn has experience teaching professional and creative writing courses. She also worked as a thesis advisor and course director in a Game Studies Masters program at a private university before transferring into her current position as an instructor in the Humanities.
She has extensive experience editing technical documentation and academic papers, as well as creating complex curriculum for adult learners using divergent instruction methods. In addition to teaching, she works as an independent contractor, composing, designing, and editing technical documentation for user experience research companies, game developers, and academic institutions.
Malyn Brown
Fall 2021
Malyn Brown has a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing. She enrolled in the Technical Communication MA to develop her understanding of technical communication theory and its application. Malyn has experience teaching professional and creative writing courses. She also worked as a thesis advisor and course director in a Game Studies Masters program at a private university before transferring into her current position as an instructor in the Humanities.
She has extensive experience editing technical documentation and academic papers, as well as creating complex curriculum for adult learners using divergent instruction methods. In addition to teaching, she works as an independent contractor, composing, designing, and editing technical documentation for user experience research companies, game developers, and academic institutions.
Kelly R. Fisher
Fall 2021
Kelly R. Fisher graduated from UCF in 2019 with her Bachelor’s degree in the English Literature program. Kelly will be receiving her Technical Communication Master’s degree in the Fall 2021 semester from UCF. Kelly is currently working on her second Master’s degree at UCF in the Instructional Design and Technology Program. Kelly is now writing a novel in honor of her late son.
Kelly R. Fisher
Fall 2021
Kelly R. Fisher graduated from UCF in 2019 with her Bachelor’s degree in the English Literature program. Kelly will be receiving her Technical Communication Master’s degree in the Fall 2021 semester from UCF. Kelly is currently working on her second Master’s degree at UCF in the Instructional Design and Technology Program. Kelly is now writing a novel in honor of her late son.
Charles Lawrence
Fall 2021
Charles earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and has produced educational and training content for the disabled, the classroom, and for a health-specific, regional TV station’s social media. He has also written health-focused human-interest stories for newspapers and magazines. Inspired by science and health communicators, like Dr. Oliver Sacks, Charles became interested in translating complex health information for lay audiences. While pursuing his MA, Technical Communication at UCF, Charles became further inspired to begin a career in medical communication when his elderly father had hip replacement surgery, and Charles became his caregiver.
Charles is an active member of the American Medical Writers Association where he is the Florida chapter’s volunteer social media coordinator and recently presented a webinar to chapter members discussing medical rhetoric. When not immersing himself in medical communication related activities, Charles enjoys recreational running, playing his acoustic guitar, cultural satire, and creative wordplay.
Charles Lawrence
Fall 2021
Charles earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and has produced educational and training content for the disabled, the classroom, and for a health-specific, regional TV station’s social media. He has also written health-focused human-interest stories for newspapers and magazines. Inspired by science and health communicators, like Dr. Oliver Sacks, Charles became interested in translating complex health information for lay audiences. While pursuing his MA, Technical Communication at UCF, Charles became further inspired to begin a career in medical communication when his elderly father had hip replacement surgery, and Charles became his caregiver.
Charles is an active member of the American Medical Writers Association where he is the Florida chapter’s volunteer social media coordinator and recently presented a webinar to chapter members discussing medical rhetoric. When not immersing himself in medical communication related activities, Charles enjoys recreational running, playing his acoustic guitar, cultural satire, and creative wordplay.
Cailey Ness
Fall 2021
Cailey is originally from Crestview, Florida, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Greek and Roman Studies from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. While in her undergraduate program, she worked as a writing consultant at her college’s Writing Center, which catalyzed her interest in pursuing an academic career in English. While completing her master’s program, she has worked as a case worker for the State of Texas.
After graduation, Cailey hopes to transition to teaching English and Composition at a community college. Eventually, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and/or Technical Communication. Outside of academic pursuits, Cailey enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and cooking.
Cailey Ness
Fall 2021
Cailey is originally from Crestview, Florida, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Greek and Roman Studies from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. While in her undergraduate program, she worked as a writing consultant at her college’s Writing Center, which catalyzed her interest in pursuing an academic career in English. While completing her master’s program, she has worked as a case worker for the State of Texas.
After graduation, Cailey hopes to transition to teaching English and Composition at a community college. Eventually, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and/or Technical Communication. Outside of academic pursuits, Cailey enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and cooking.
Emily Smeltz
Fall 2021
Emily was born and raised in Lakeland, FL and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Polk State College (PSC). To pursue her long-term goal of becoming a college professor, in 2017, she was hired as a Tutor and Teacher’s Assistant at PSC for upper-level English and Business courses. In fall 2021, she was successfully hired as an Adjunct Professor for Webber International University and PSC. She is currently teaching English courses at both institutions. Also in fall 2021, she joined University of Central Florida’s (UCF’s) Library team to produce Strategies for Conducting Inquiry-Based Literary Research, an open-resource textbook for UCF professors. She continued her education and graduated with a master’s degree in English Technical Communications at UCF in December 2021.
Along with her passion for teaching, she also has a natural talent for media production and successfully built several professional websites. Additionally, she has a love for writing, film production, and social sciences. In the near future, Emily hopes to continue her academic career by applying for overseas PhD programs.
Emily Smeltz
Fall 2021
Emily was born and raised in Lakeland, FL and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Polk State College (PSC). To pursue her long-term goal of becoming a college professor, in 2017, she was hired as a Tutor and Teacher’s Assistant at PSC for upper-level English and Business courses. In fall 2021, she was successfully hired as an Adjunct Professor for Webber International University and PSC. She is currently teaching English courses at both institutions. Also in fall 2021, she joined University of Central Florida’s (UCF’s) Library team to produce Strategies for Conducting Inquiry-Based Literary Research, an open-resource textbook for UCF professors. She continued her education and graduated with a master’s degree in English Technical Communications at UCF in December 2021.
Along with her passion for teaching, she also has a natural talent for media production and successfully built several professional websites. Additionally, she has a love for writing, film production, and social sciences. In the near future, Emily hopes to continue her academic career by applying for overseas PhD programs.
Summer 2021
Emily Gruber
Summer 2021
Emily graduated from FSU in 2013 and shortly after was hired by a major US airline. In 2019 she enrolled in UCF’s Technical Communication MA program to further pursue her passion for researching and writing about complex subject matters. She enjoys the challenge of transforming technical information into readable and usable content, particularly in the context of government or procedural documentation. After graduating from UCF she will continue her career in aviation while working remotely as a technical writer/editor. When not on the clock Emily enjoys SCUBA diving, running marathons, and trying different vegan restaurants around the country.
Emily Gruber
Summer 2021
Emily graduated from FSU in 2013 and shortly after was hired by a major US airline. In 2019 she enrolled in UCF’s Technical Communication MA program to further pursue her passion for researching and writing about complex subject matters. She enjoys the challenge of transforming technical information into readable and usable content, particularly in the context of government or procedural documentation. After graduating from UCF she will continue her career in aviation while working remotely as a technical writer/editor. When not on the clock Emily enjoys SCUBA diving, running marathons, and trying different vegan restaurants around the country.
Spring 2021
Marisa Varela
Spring 2021
Marisa is originally from Ashburn, Virginia and earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating, she moved to Florida to fulfill her dream of working at Walt Disney World. While taking graduate courses in Cognitive Sciences at UCF, she transitioned into a full-time roll in the office of Undergraduate Admissions.
After gaining work experience, she began her master’s degree in English – Technical Communication here at UCF in order to explore her love of writing and communications. Marisa enjoys intercultural and international technical communication, as well as visual communication and design. In her free time Marisa enjoys painting and digital art. After graduating, she hopes to find a career that incorporates her talents for writing, designing, and creating.
Marisa Varela
Spring 2021
Marisa is originally from Ashburn, Virginia and earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating, she moved to Florida to fulfill her dream of working at Walt Disney World. While taking graduate courses in Cognitive Sciences at UCF, she transitioned into a full-time roll in the office of Undergraduate Admissions.
After gaining work experience, she began her master’s degree in English – Technical Communication here at UCF in order to explore her love of writing and communications. Marisa enjoys intercultural and international technical communication, as well as visual communication and design. In her free time Marisa enjoys painting and digital art. After graduating, she hopes to find a career that incorporates her talents for writing, designing, and creating.
Fall 2020
Audrey Ford
Fall 2020
Audrey Ford is a Tallahassee native. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2017 and has been working for the Florida Department of Education as a communications specialist since 2018. In her free time she enjoys reading a good book, writing, relaxing and planning fun activities for she and her 5 year old daughter.
After graduation, Audrey hopes to secure a communications position that integrates some of her main interests — education, racial equality, and intercultural and technical communication.
She’s excited to see where her master’s in technical communication from UCF will take her.
Audrey Ford
Fall 2020
Audrey Ford is a Tallahassee native. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2017 and has been working for the Florida Department of Education as a communications specialist since 2018. In her free time she enjoys reading a good book, writing, relaxing and planning fun activities for she and her 5 year old daughter.
After graduation, Audrey hopes to secure a communications position that integrates some of her main interests — education, racial equality, and intercultural and technical communication.
She’s excited to see where her master’s in technical communication from UCF will take her.
Daniel Peters
Fall 2020
Dan currently works at the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) based out of Washington, DC and works in Florida most of the time although he travels to all the SEC locations across the United States. He works in the capacity of the Head of the Securities Faculty in which he creates, designs, develops, and delivers securities related curriculum to participants of the offices and divisions of the SEC. He does this in a classroom setting or an online setting (synchronously and asynchronously).
Dan has nearly 30 years in the financial services industry having worked mainly as a training director or senior officer, but has also held several securities licenses in support of the brokerage firms for which he worked. Dan also has 12 years of securities regulation experience in which he has trained numerous examiners who go into the field and examine the books and records of brokerage firms to assure compliance with federal securities laws, rules, and regulations.
Dan’s main purpose in pursuing a degree in technical communication is to enhance the skills he has acquired over the years that he has been in the securities industry. The main focus is technical writing, editing, and publishing of the coursework he creates.
Dan has BA in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic and an MS in Open and Distance Learning from Florida State.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Dan began his professional career as a fifth-grade teacher which he did for 15 years before his transition to adult learning.
Daniel Peters
Fall 2020
Dan currently works at the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) based out of Washington, DC and works in Florida most of the time although he travels to all the SEC locations across the United States. He works in the capacity of the Head of the Securities Faculty in which he creates, designs, develops, and delivers securities related curriculum to participants of the offices and divisions of the SEC. He does this in a classroom setting or an online setting (synchronously and asynchronously).
Dan has nearly 30 years in the financial services industry having worked mainly as a training director or senior officer, but has also held several securities licenses in support of the brokerage firms for which he worked. Dan also has 12 years of securities regulation experience in which he has trained numerous examiners who go into the field and examine the books and records of brokerage firms to assure compliance with federal securities laws, rules, and regulations.
Dan’s main purpose in pursuing a degree in technical communication is to enhance the skills he has acquired over the years that he has been in the securities industry. The main focus is technical writing, editing, and publishing of the coursework he creates.
Dan has BA in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic and an MS in Open and Distance Learning from Florida State.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Dan began his professional career as a fifth-grade teacher which he did for 15 years before his transition to adult learning.