Developing professional communication through storytelling, rhetoric, research, digital media, and audience-focused writing.
About
ENGW 1111 introduced writing as a process of communication rather than simply producing essays. Throughout the semester I developed skills in rhetorical analysis, audience awareness, storytelling, revision, and research-based writing while learning how effective communication changes depending on purpose and audience.
The capstone Knight Lab StoryMap project pushed that work further — combining long-form research, historical analysis, and multimedia storytelling into one interactive narrative about how Boston's sports spaces shape the city's identity. Building the project taught me that strong writing extends beyond the page into digital environments where readers explore ideas through maps, images, and place-based narrative.
Skills
Featured Project
This interactive StoryMap explores how Fenway Park, TD Garden, Gillette Stadium, and other iconic sports locations have influenced Boston's identity, neighborhoods, history, and culture. Built using Knight Lab StoryMap, the project combines research, writing, geography, historical analysis, and multimedia storytelling into one interactive experience.
Interactive StoryMap
Writing Principles
Write clearly and efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
Adapt writing style for different readers and purposes.
Use narrative to communicate ideas effectively.
Apply rhetorical strategies to strengthen arguments.
Locate and integrate credible academic sources.
Improve organization and clarity through iterative editing.
Analyze author intent and rhetorical choices.
Structure ideas logically from introduction to conclusion.
Communicate appropriately in academic and workplace settings.
Strengthen clarity through careful editing.
Provide and incorporate constructive peer feedback.
Present ideas effectively in both written and spoken communication.
Reflection
Building the StoryMap changed how I think about writing for digital audiences. Rather than delivering a single linear essay, I had to organize a long-form narrative across slides, maps, and media — deciding what readers see first, how geography anchors each argument, and how visual storytelling keeps complex ideas accessible. Combining research with interactive storytelling forced me to think about audience engagement at every step, not just in the final draft.
The project also showed me that technical writing extends into web-based environments. Communicating Boston's sports history through Knight Lab meant balancing credibility, concision, and multimedia design — skills I now carry into data reports, project documentation, and this portfolio. ENGW 1111 proved that clear communication is one of the most transferable skills I have developed at Northeastern, whether the medium is a page, a presentation, or an interactive map.