Students launch first zine edition of Wisteria
October 29, 2025
Northwestern University in Qatar’s student-led literary journal, Wisteria, has released its first limited-edition zine, a student-produced publication showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and cultural curiosity of the student body.
The new issue, themed around summer and the return to school, introduces a unique, experimental format for Wisteria that blends literary expression with visual design and humor. Conceptualized and produced by journalism and communication students Lina Jaafar and Alexander Khalyatyan, who served as both editors and designers, the zine embraces the spontaneous, do-it-yourself (DIY) aesthetic characteristic of zine culture while upholding Northwestern Qatar’s tradition of intellectual and artistic rigor.
“These student-led initiatives reflect the kind of creativity and curiosity we love to see at Northwestern Qatar,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar. “Wisteria and other student-driven projects show how our students blend intellectual exploration with creative expression, developing the confidence and communication skills that allow them to share their ideas and engage meaningfully with the world.”
The new issue, themed around summer and the return to school, introduces a unique, experimental format for Wisteria that blends literary expression with visual design and humor. Conceptualized and produced by journalism and communication students Lina Jaafar and Alexander Khalyatyan, who served as both editors and designers, the zine embraces the spontaneous, do-it-yourself (DIY) aesthetic characteristic of zine culture while upholding Northwestern Qatar’s tradition of intellectual and artistic rigor.
“These student-led initiatives reflect the kind of creativity and curiosity we love to see at Northwestern Qatar,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar. “Wisteria and other student-driven projects show how our students blend intellectual exploration with creative expression, developing the confidence and communication skills that allow them to share their ideas and engage meaningfully with the world.”
“These student-led initiatives reflect the kind of creativity and curiosity we love to see at Northwestern Qatar. Wisteria and other student-driven projects show how our students blend intellectual exploration with creative expression, developing the confidence and communication skills that allow them to share their ideas and engage meaningfully with the world”
- Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar
The issue features contributions from ten students and recent graduates, including poetry, travel writing, reflections, humor, and philosophical musings. A recurring theme throughout the collection is hope and resilience in the face of adversity, capturing how students use creative expression to make sense of complex emotions and experiences.
Works featured include Verdigris Echoes by Nomin Erdenetsogt ’27, which explores the endurance of memory and transformation; A Reflection on Hope and/or Despair? by Sylvie Uwonkunda Dushime ’25, which contemplates the tension between optimism and struggle; and Dardacha by Lina Jaafar ’28, which celebrates the warmth of dialogue and storytelling within Arab culture.
Faculty advisor Sam Meekings, associate professor in residence, said the project is a reflection of the vibrant creativity that defines the student experience at Northwestern Qatar. “Zines celebrate the quirky, the vibrant, the unique, and the irreverent, as well as the joys of homemade creativity—and that also describes our NU-Q students,” said Meekings. “Their work in creating, editing, and producing this zine issue demonstrates the many forms creativity can take and highlights the range and intensity of our community’s artistic passions.”
Works featured include Verdigris Echoes by Nomin Erdenetsogt ’27, which explores the endurance of memory and transformation; A Reflection on Hope and/or Despair? by Sylvie Uwonkunda Dushime ’25, which contemplates the tension between optimism and struggle; and Dardacha by Lina Jaafar ’28, which celebrates the warmth of dialogue and storytelling within Arab culture.
Faculty advisor Sam Meekings, associate professor in residence, said the project is a reflection of the vibrant creativity that defines the student experience at Northwestern Qatar. “Zines celebrate the quirky, the vibrant, the unique, and the irreverent, as well as the joys of homemade creativity—and that also describes our NU-Q students,” said Meekings. “Their work in creating, editing, and producing this zine issue demonstrates the many forms creativity can take and highlights the range and intensity of our community’s artistic passions.”
“We are very excited to share the first issue of The Zine, a new independent publication for the creative community here at Northwestern Qatar,” said Alexander Khalyatyan, co-editor. “This issue is about summer and coming back to school. We want this zine to carry the creative voices of our community, to put opinions and conversations out there, and to supply your monthly dose of giggles.”
Since its founding, Wisteria has served as a platform for students to share original writing and art exploring themes of identity, belonging, and creativity. With the launch of its first zine, the publication continues to evolve as a space for interdisciplinary experimentation, advancing Northwestern Qatar’s mission to nurture critical thinkers, storytellers, and creators who connect communication, culture, and the humanities to address global challenges.
Since its founding, Wisteria has served as a platform for students to share original writing and art exploring themes of identity, belonging, and creativity. With the launch of its first zine, the publication continues to evolve as a space for interdisciplinary experimentation, advancing Northwestern Qatar’s mission to nurture critical thinkers, storytellers, and creators who connect communication, culture, and the humanities to address global challenges.
