Program Director/Faculty Coordinator
Thomas Pitzer | pitzert@fiu.edu
Pitzer brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Program Director of the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) program at Florida International University (FIU). As a Teaching Professor and Director of Biology Labs in the Department of Biological Sciences, Thomas has a deep-rooted commitment to innovative educational approaches. His research focuses on various group learning paradigms in large-enrollment courses and laboratories, including Cooperative Learning, Peer-Led Team Learning, Problem-Based Learning, Inquiry Learning, and education for At-Risk populations and future teachers. This research background makes him exceptionally suited to lead the PLTL program, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge, evidence-based initiative. Thomas holds an academic role that extends beyond administration; he is actively involved in pedagogical research aiming to improve STEM education. His work has significantly influenced the strategic direction of the PLTL program, aligning it with best practices in educational research and securing its role as a pivotal element of FIU’s educational ecosystem. Outside of academia, Thomas is committed to mentorship and enjoys participating in community-based educational initiatives.
Program Coordinator
Dailier Ayuso | dayus001@fiu.edu
Dailier joined the PLTL program in Summer 2022 and quickly climbed the ranks, serving as a PLTL student, Peer Leader, and Group Discussion Leader before stepping into his current role as the Program Coordinator. A transfer student from Miami Dade College, Dailier completed his bachelor’s degree in Biological Science with Honors at Florida International University (FIU). As a pre-med student planning to apply in the next cycle (2024) to Medical School. Dailier’s love for teaching began when he served as a peer mentor at Miami Dade College, helping new students navigate the college experience. His affinity for educational mentorship continues to guide his efforts at PLTL, where he oversees the program’s strategic direction and coordinates with various stakeholders. Dailier is particularly proud of an ongoing research project, initiated through a connection within PLTL, which is currently in the publishing process. Looking forward, Dailier sees active learning and teaching as a pivotal part of his future career in medicine. He believes the lessons learned through PLTL will influence his medical pursuits, enhancing both his understanding and impartation of knowledge. When he is not involved in educational or medical pursuits, Dailier enjoys rollerblading, running, watching YouTube videos, anime, playing video games, and reading.
Giselle Barreto | gbarreto@fiu.edu
Giselle initiated her journey with PLTL in 2010, serving as a Peer Leader in Ecology. She graduated in 2013 with a Master of Public Health. Giselle has since worked with esteemed agencies including the Florida Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the CDC Foundation. She returned to FIU in Fall 2022 as a doctoral student in the School of Public Health. Her areas of expertise include mentorship, leadership training, and professional development. Giselle aims to assist leaders and students in forming meaningful connections and exploring research opportunities in health science and informatics.
Pre-Health Programs Coordinator & Events Director
Katelyn Giraldo | kgira009@fiu.edu
Katelyn joined the PLTL program in the summer of 2022 as a Peer Leader for General Biology 1 and quickly advanced her role, currently serving as a Pre-health Coordinator, Event Director, and GD Leader for General Biology 2. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences on a pre-medical track, aspiring to attend medical school upon graduation. As Event Director, Katelyn works closely with her co-coordinator, Lizt, to create an engaging and welcoming atmosphere through thoughtfully designed events, aiming to attract new members to the PLTL community. Her professional interests span across educational leadership and healthcare, and she looks forward to leveraging her PLTL experiences in her future medical career. Outside of her professional commitments, Katelyn enjoys soccer, physical fitness, reading, and attending live concerts, and she cherishes the companionship of her two pet dogs.
Lizt Valladares | lvall046@fiu.edu
Lizt, a dedicated member of our PLTL team, began her journey with us in the Summer of 2022 as a Peer Leader for Ecology. With a solid educational background, Lizt holds a B.S. in Biology and Natural and Applied Sciences. Her roles within PLTL have been dynamic and impactful, including her valuable contributions as a GD Leader for Ecology and Biology, as well as her current roles as the Pre-Health Coordinator and Event Director. Lizt’s professional interests are deeply rooted in clinical research and patient care, reflecting her aspiration to become a physician and pioneer in innovative clinical research. Beyond her professional commitments, Lizt enjoys baking and fostering meaningful connections with others, showcasing her well-rounded personality and dedication to both her career and personal passions
Program Assistant
Rafiu Adebayo Adeyemo | aadey017@fiu.edu
Adebayo is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in the Department of Biological Sciences at FIU. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Zoology from the Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria. His current research focuses on the attraction of blowflies to volatile organic compounds. Adebayo joined the PLTL team in the Fall of 2022 and brings his passion for teaching and learning in the field of Entomology to the role.
Alexandra Machrone | amachron@fiu.edu
Alexandra transferred to FIU for her Ph.D. program in Fall 2022 from Binghamton University in NY. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. She has diverse teaching experience, having worked in environmental education roles for museums, wildlife centers, and conservation centers before moving to Florida. Alexandra’s research interests include biology education, climate, culture, and fostering a sense of belonging in academic settings.
Joseph Rahm | jrahm006@fiu.edu
Joseph’s journey with FIU began in 2018 as he pursued his Master of Science in Forensic Science. His role as a Graduate Research Assistant at FIU’s Forensic DNA Profiling Facility saw him mentoring students and honing their skills in forensic molecular biology lab techniques. Joseph’s passion for forensic science and his talent for training led him seamlessly into his current role as a Program Assistant with PLTL. In this capacity, he works closely with GD leaders, offering them guidance and writing recommendation letters to support their future career paths. Currently a PhD candidate in Biology, Joseph is set to graduate in 2024 and aspires to a career in Mass Disaster Victim Identification with the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii. His commitment to giving a voice to victims of crime and mass disasters underscores his professional dedication. In his personal time, Joseph is an avid outdoor enthusiast, often found on campus with his two beloved dogs, Abbey and Roxie. He invites everyone to say hi when they see them around — they’re very friendly!
Chairs
Eric Gonzalez | egonz487@fiu.edu
Eric joined the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) program in 2018 as a Peer Leader during his sophomore year, progressing to his current role as Group Discussion Chair. Prior to that, he was a PLTL student from the moment he started at Florida International University, given the program’s mandatory nature for specific courses. Eric found his passion for teaching through PLTL, which ultimately guided him to the FIU Teach program. With six semesters of experience as a Peer Leader and an unspecified but long tenure as a Group Discussion (GD) Leader, Eric has honed his skills in facilitating productive learning environments. This semester, his responsibilities have expanded to include mid-semester evaluations and RSC summaries. While he claims to have no specific professional interests in PLTL as of now, Eric greatly enjoys being part of the program and values the teaching experience it provides. Currently, his main aim is to continue excelling in his role as a GD Leader. Outside of PLTL, Eric is an avid anime and video game enthusiast. He is particularly fond of major anime titles and is on a personal quest to complete all Final Fantasy and God of War games.
Federal Work Students
Mitha Matilus | mmatilus@fiu.edu
Mitha joined PLTL in the Spring of 2021 as a Peer Leader and quickly transitioned into an assistant role. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Biology. With aspirations to attend Physician Assistant school, Mitha hopes to specialize in dermatology.
Yareli Bertoldo | ybert002@fiu.edu
Yareli joined the program in Summer 2023, taking on an online-only role. She brings a unique perspective to the program with a Technical Diploma in Digital Media and Multimedia Design. Currently, Yareli is fulfilling her childhood dream by majoring in Marine Biology. As a Federal Work Student in PLTL, Yareli’s primary responsibilities include general office assistance, virtual communication management, and handling emails and phone calls. Her skills in digital media and multimedia design are valuable assets to the program’s virtual presence. Outside of her academic pursuits, Yareli has a rich tapestry of interests that range from ocean conservation and deep-sea exploration to creative writing. In her free time, she engages in a variety of hobbies such as digital/multimedia art, gaming, fishing, and snorkeling. What she enjoys most about her work in PLTL is the opportunity to build a community centered around a shared passion for biology and related sciences.
Alvaro Licea | alice010@fiu.edu
PLTL Volunteer Staff
Lauralis Correa | lacorrea@fiu.edu
Lauralis began volunteering for PLTL January 2023 because she was inspired by the program’s commitment to providing excellence to higher education. She graduated cum laude from FIU a double major in Biology and Natural & Applied Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. Throughout her undergraduate and post-graduate journey, Lauralis was a Learning Assistant, Adjunct, and currently the Program Assistant for the Biology Department where she facilitates her volunteer role for PLTL. She also designs the flyers, leads dissection workshops, and manages any voluntary assignment delegated to the management of the program. Lauralis aspires to pursue medicine in hopes of becoming a Pediatrician. What she will take away from PLTL, in her journey through medicine, is the passion to providing students with high-quality teaching and leaving them with inspiration for growth. Occasionally, her small berneedoodle, Cookie-Dough, makes an appearance in the PLTL office to spend some time with the team!