Writing and Research Workshops - Fall 2025
The Graduate Writing Center offers a wide variety of writing workshops, ranging from general to more specialized topics. We also provide information on selected campus offices that provide assistance with research, data management, and data analysis.
All workshops are conducted on Zoom unless otherwise noted.
General Workshops
Strategic Reading
Harmeet Kalsi, Education, Graduate Writing Consultant
Victoria Tran, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Feeling overwhelmed by your reading lists? Concerned that you are missing the point of what you have just read? Are you taking pages of notes for every article you read? This workshop will cover effective reading and note-taking strategies so that you read more efficiently, assess your reading with a critical eye, and annotate each work so that important concepts are easily accessible. Note: This workshop does not teach speed-reading techniques.
Time Details:
- Friday, September 26th, 12:30-1:45 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information - Tuesday, September 30th, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information - Wednesday, October 1st, 4:00-5:15 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Resources and Strategies for Writing Successfully in Graduate School
Victoria Tran, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Make the transition to graduate-level writing easier by learning about graduate writing services and resources available to UCLA graduate students. The Graduate Writing Center (GWC) supports all graduate and professional students, and this workshop, led by GWC staff, will provide an overview of writing resources, services, and strategies for graduate school.
Time Details:
- Thursday, September 18th, 2:00-2:45 PM
(Register through the Graduate Student Orientation) - Thursday, October 16th, 5:15-6:15 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Writing a Literature Review (Introduction and Overview)
Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Director
This workshop will describe literature reviews across multiple contexts and genres. The workshop will also cover strategies and best practices for note-taking, preparatory steps, writing process issues, and organization.
Time Details: Thursday, October 23rd, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Writing the Personal Statement
Andrew Malmuth, Sociology, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Janel Pineda, Chicana/o and Central American Studies, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
This workshop will cover strategies for writing personal statements for fellowship applications, residencies, and PhD programs. Among other topics, we will discuss organization, introductions and conclusions, and use of examples. Students from all schools and departments are welcome to attend. If you are currently working on a personal statement, we encourage you to bring your draft to the workshop.
Time Details: Tuesday, October 28th, 6:00-7:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Zotero & Scrivener: Tools for Managing Research and Writing
Aidan Howenstine, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Brenda Wang, English, Graduate Writing Consultant
In this workshop, we will show the basic functions of Zotero and Scrivener and demonstrate how these tools can significantly improve organizational systems for research and writing. We will also explain how Zotero integrates with Microsoft Word and Scrivener programs.
Time Details: Wednesday, October 29th, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Dissertation 101
Marilyn Gray, Director, Graduate Writing Center
This workshop will give an overview of the dissertation requirement in terms of structure, process, and role in one's career trajectory. The workshop will address the dissertation from multiple angles to deepen attendees' understanding of decisions and choices around the planning and execution of the dissertation.
Time Details: Thursday, November 6, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Mindful Writing Retreat Sessions (Half-Day, Online)
Marilyn Gray, Director, Graduate Writing Center
The mindful writing retreat will integrate simple techniques from mindfulness to support the writing process and cultivate an approach to writing that fosters balance, self-care, and well-being. Please bring a current writing project because much of the retreat time will be allocated for writing. All sessions will be conducted remotely via zoom.
Time Details:
- Friday, October 24th, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information - Friday, November 7th, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information - Friday, November 21st, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information - Friday, December 5th, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Humanities Writing Workshops
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Lika Balenovich, Comparative Literature, Graduate Writing Consultant
Andrew Malmuth, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Janel Pineda, Chicana/o and Central American Studies, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Ross Fenimore, Graduate Division Fellowship Services
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. We will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Time Details: Thursday, October 9th, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Social Sciences Writing Workshops
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Lika Balenovich, Comparative Literature, Graduate Writing Consultant
Andrew Malmuth, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Janel Pineda, Chicana/o and Central American Studies, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Ross Fenimore, Graduate Division Fellowship Services
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. We will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Time Details: Thursday, October 9th, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Science and Engineering Writing Workshops
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Leezet Matos, Psychology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Jane Sin, Division of Graduate Education Fellowship Services
The workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.
Time Details: Thursday, October 2nd, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (STEM Focus)
Leezet Matos, Psychology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Ross Fenimore, Graduate Division Fellowship Services (TBC)
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in STEM fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. The workshop will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Time Details: Wednesday, October 8th, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Applying for the NIH Training Fellowship
Elle Rathbun, NIH NRSA Recipient, Fellowship Writing Consultant
This workshop will cover the application process and required components of an NIH NRSA application. We will discuss preparation, documents required, and writing strategies for the F31, but the F30 and F32 are very similar. We will also address how to find appropriate materials/resources for a complete application.
Time Details:Wednesday, October 15th, 3:30-5:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Strategies for Writing Effective Scientific Papers
Aidan Howenstine, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
This workshop will address basic principles for writing scientific papers and offer strategies for avoiding common pitfalls. We will also introduce key points from Joshua Schimel's book Writing Scienceon developing good narrative structure and clarity to make writing engaging and impactful.
Time Details: Wednesday, November 5th, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Creating Effective Figures and Visual Aids for Conference Presentations and Publications
Aidan Howenstine, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
This workshop focuses on strategies for designing effective figures and visual materials for conference presentations, publications, and other contexts. The workshop will also introduce different software packages that can be used to create high-quality figures, and offer further resources for learning these programs.
Time Details: Wednesday, November 19th, 4:00-5:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
ESL Workshops
Writing Strategies for International Students
Amelia Ino, Comparative Literature, Graduate Writing Consultant
This workshop covers specifics of English communication in academic and professional settings with an emphasis on resources and self-editing skills for second language writers. We will discuss expectations for citation in the U.S. and ways to avoid plagiarism. We will address email etiquette in academic and professional communication. We will also discuss strategies and resources for improving English grammar, word choice, and style.
Time Details:
- Friday, September 19th, 3:00-3:45 PM
(Register through the Graduate Student Orientation) - Tuesday, October 14th, 5:15-6:15 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Workshops on Writing Grants and Fellowships
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Leezet Matos, Psychology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Jane Sin, Division of Graduate Education Fellowship Services
The workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.
Time Details: Thursday, October 2nd, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (STEM Focus)
Leezet Matos, Psychology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Ross Fenimore, Graduate Division Fellowship Services
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in STEM fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. The workshop will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Time Details: Wednesday, October 8th, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Lika Balenovich, Comparative Literature, Graduate Writing Consultant
Andrew Malmuth, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant
Janel Pineda, Chicana/o and Central American Studies, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Ross Fenimore, Graduate Division Fellowship Services
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. We will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Time Details: Wednesday, October 9th, 4:30-6:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Applying for the NIH Training Fellowship
Elle Rathbun, NIH NRSA Recipient, Fellowship Writing Consultant
This workshop will cover the application process and required components of an NIH NRSA application. We will discuss preparation, documents required, and writing strategies for the F31, but the F30 and F32 are very similar. We will also address how to find appropriate materials/resources for a complete application.
Time Details: Wednesday October 15th, 3:30-5:00 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information
Statistical Support and Consultation
For support with statistics, please see the statistical support website of the Office of Advanced Research and Computing. Graduate students are eligible for (remote) statistical consulting services on theses, dissertations, and journal publications (projects that are not coursework).
Research Workshops at the Library
To see the most complete, current schedule of UCLA Library advanced research workshops, consult the UCLA Library research workshop page.
Research Guides
Online research guides link to key resources and reference books for certain courses and disciplines. Subject guides, course guides, and general research guides are available.
Research Appointments
Graduate students are encouraged to contact the Library's subject specialists for more specialized and personalized assistance with research, library resources, and subject databases; find a complete list of all subject specialists here.
Copyright Questions
Contact the Library's copyright experts for assistance with copyright, publishing, intellectual property, and other related issues at copyright@library.ucla.edu.