LaKenya Walker returns to give advice on scientific writing
A former peer consultant for Alcorn State University’s Writing Center returned to give students advice on how to perfect their writing assignments.
LaKenya Walker, a 2015 Alcorn graduate and computer scientist at the U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, spoke to students during the Center’s Workshop Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the J. D. Boyd Library Media Center.
One of the first steps that Walker gave the students was to recognize how to communicate with their target audience.
“Before you begin your paper, it’s important to identify your audience so you can know how to craft your content,” said Walker. “Your goal should be to write your paper in a way that would engage the audience that you are trying to reach.”
Walker encouraged the students to research their subject so that they can give a good report in their papers.
“Think about the topic you are discussing, and do your research. Find interesting things about your topic and inform the reader. If you follow this step, you will keep the reader’s attention.”
Hurdling writer's block was a concern for the students. Walker advised them to combat writer's block by giving themselves a break and referring to their early ideas for their papers.
“When you have trouble with your writing, take a break for a while. The break will allow you to clear your mind and start fresh. Brainstorming the topic before writing is essential because it allows you to pull your initial ideas to create content.”
For more information about the Alcorn Writing Center, contact Murray Shugars, English professor at 601-877-6406 or [email protected].
