Alan F
- Research Program Mentor
MFA candidate at New York University
Expertise
Creative Writing, Contemporary and Asian American Literature
Bio
I am currently an MFA student at New York University, studying poetry and particularly interested in the medium's potential for sociopolitical commentary and storytelling. You can find some of my work in or forthcoming in Blackbird, The Offing, AAWW's The Margins, and more. As an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, I received the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship which granted me $10,000 in funding to pursue an original research project. This would become a novel exploring Chinese history, the serendipitous ways in which diaspora forms, the process of exile and return, the clash between culture, nationality and personhood, and more. At the moment, I am preparing for my 2nd year of my MFA program during which I will write a full poetry manuscript as my thesis. But it's summertime and all I want to do is lie in my bed and read a book or watch anime or whatever.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Creative Writing
My goal is to everything I can to facilitate your creative process. I will provide you with (hopefully) exciting, new poets and authors to read, essays on craft, writing prompts, spirited discourse on any text or concept that catches your attention. All you need to do is set at least one goal—whether it's a chapbook-length poetry manuscript, a killer short story, the first few chapters of the novel you've been meaning to write—I will tailor our sessions around your objective.
Coding skills
N/ATeaching experience
During undergrad, I was part of an organization called Inter-Asian Council which facilitated collaborations between the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) groups on campus and promoted discourse on APIDA identity and sociopolitical issues. For three years, I worked in mentorship role, integrating first year members into the club, familiarizing them with the challenges faced by minority groups in the United States through lectures and group discussions. Currently, I am an MFA candidate at New York University where I teach Intro Fiction & Poetry Writing, a workshop which offers undergraduates an exciting introduction to the basic elements of poet and fiction with in-class writing, take-home reading and writing assignments, and substantive discussions of craft.Credentials
Education
Johns Hopkins University
BA Bachelor of Arts
Writing SeminarsNew York University
MFA Master of Fine Arts candidate
Poetry