Hi, everyone! My name is Emily Simnitt (she/hers), and I’m the instructor of the FIG Seminar course in our FIG: Talking Stories. I’m so excited to meet you in person and begin our term together!

I’ve been at UO since 2015 and teach courses in first-year writing (WR 121-123), scientific and technical writing, community literacy, public speaking, and digital humanities. I also direct the Writing, Public Speaking, and Critical Reasoning (WSCR) program.

I’m passionate about helping students develop critical writing and speaking skills and engage in civic and community activism.

Before teaching, I had careers in journalism and public policy. I covered neighborhood, city, and state politics as a newspaper reporter and worked in public information for Idaho’s health and human services agency.

I just began a two-year term on Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a 15-member volunteer body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. I’ll be working to develop state policies and programs to foster student success and advise the Oregon Legislature and governor on funding to meet state postsecondary goals.

I grew up in Eastern Idaho, near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and I still love to spend every second I can outside enjoying natural beauty -- often with a book or knitting.

I’d love to hear from you by email and begin to get acquainted. I’ll have Zoom and in person office hours starting Sept. 15.

I can’t wait to meet you!

Email: esimnitt@uoregon.edu

Hi! My name is Toni (they/them), and I am the FIG Assistant for “Talking Stories.” This is my second year as an FA, and I am going into my fourth year as a student here at the U of O. I am an English major and an Educational Foundations certificate student, and I am hoping to apply to the UOTeach program later this year. I grew up in rural Northern California, but I moved to Salem with my family a few months before starting college in Eugene. One of the things that I absolutely love about the U of O community and Eugene as a whole is how many outlets and opportunities are available here, and how I was able to find my community in such an expansive and dynamic broader culture. Being here has definitely helped me to expand my comfort zone and discover things about myself and those around me that I might not have otherwise, and I cannot wait to help all of you in discovering those things as well! 

Outside of my classes, I am involved in the English Undergraduate Organization, and have explored my interests in both theatre and literature through EUO’s Shakesqueer. I have also worked in the Housing and Events Resource Office (HERO) to assist with events here on campus, and I am part of the Writing Associates Program, where I assist fellow students in the process of drafting essays and other projects. In my free time, I love exploring Eugene’s music and arts scene, working on my own creative projects, and watching/binging shows with my friends. 

Starting college is definitely an adjustment, and can seem confusing and even daunting at times; however, I made a lot of meaningful connections and discovered a lot of great resources through my own FIG during my first term, and I am here to help you do the same! Before fall term starts, I would love for you to reach out and introduce yourself. You can also email me with any questions you have about “Talking Stories” or about the U of O. Looking forward to meeting all of you in fall term!

Email: tacosta@uoregon.edu