ALLIES in STEM

Meet the PALs

The ALLIES in STEM Center employs Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) who work to support the success of our program and our students.

Peer Mentors participate in faculty-sponsored research, live & work with our STEM Academy over the summer, and serve as Mentors to first-year STEM Scholars throughout the academic year.
Peer Tutors work within STEM departments to offer one-on-one tutoring support to all students.
Student Workers are integral members of our ALLIES in STEM Center staff. They provide administrative support to our team, & connect all students & Center visitors to appropriate ALLIES in STEM resources.
Supplemental Instruction Leaders work within historically difficult gateway STEM courses. They provide support & guidance for excelling in these difficult classes.
STEM Stewards are returning second year STEM Scholars. These students serve as Mentors to second-year STEM Scholars throughout the academic year.

FIND A STEM TUTOR

BECOME A PAL

Peer Mentors

Stephanie Allen

Major: Math

ALLIES in STEM Research Fellow; Dr. Christopher Brown

Talya Cohen

Major: Environmental Science

ALLES in STEM School for Field Studies Fellow; Turks & Caicos

Harleen Kaur

Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

ALLIES in STEM Research Fellow; Dr. Jesus Cordova Gurrero

Amir Mejia

Major: Biology

ALLES in STEM School for Field Studies Fellow; Costa Rica

Jimmy Newell

Major: Interdisciplinary Educational Studies

ALLES in STEM School for Field Studies Fellow; Panama

Peer Tutors

Luis Perez

I am currently a third year, majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. I aspire to a career in post-secondary education as a Mathematics professor. I plan on attending graduate school and conducting research in mathematics.

My interests/hobbies include math, soccer, and hanging out with friends. I have been playing for the Men's Varsity Soccer team for two years and am a member of the Computer Science Club and SSS. Overall, I am a focused and determined individual who attempts to understand others on all levels.

Tutoring Subject: Mathematics

Deana Bitar

I am currently a fourth year, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I plan to go to Pharmacy school after graduation to obtain a doctorate in Pharmacy. I am also currently a co-president of the Pre-Pharmacy Club here on campus.

When I am not in class or working, I am usually watching TV, listening to music, working out, or just hanging out with friends! I am dedicated and driven, and I cannot wait to continue working with STEM students to help them succeed in achieving their goals.

Tutoring Subject: Chemistry

Emily Armbruster

I am a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After I graduate, I plan on going to graduate school to pursue a doctorate in Microbiology and a career in research through academia or industry. Currently, I work for the Chemistry Department as an Organic Chemistry DA and I am a member of Dr. Vargas’ research lab as a participant in the Biology Department Honors Research Program.

When I am not studying or conducting research, my hobbies include digital art, craft-making and being generally nerdy. I am especially interested in art, interactive storytelling and diversity in video games. I am tenacious and a hard worker, but I also care about mental health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while in school. I am excited for this opportunity to help support my fellow students in STEM.

Tutoring Subject: Organic Chemistry

Dagem Getahun

I am currently a senior majoring in Biochemistry. I am hoping to attend medical school after I get my Bachelor's degree and become a doctor. I currently volunteer at St. Johns Hospital as a Health Scholar on the side.

My hobbies include playing basketball, soccer, and hanging out with friends. I am a very hard working person and looking forward to work with you all!

Tutoring Subject: Chemistry

Duaa Kazmi

My hobbies include playing basketball, soccer, and hanging out with friends. I am a very hard working person and looking forward to work with you all!

Tutoring Subject: Chemistry

Kaualani Maneafaiga

I am a senior majoring in Physics and minoring in Math. After undergraduate school I plan to go to either go to a graduate school program or work in a post undergraduate position and do some research within a program sponsoring such ideas. I am also a DA for the Physics department.

As for my activities during my leisure time, I like to read sometimes, play video games, or watch YouTube videos. I consider myself a hard worker and someone who is cooperative and willing to work on things as much as I can to get a solution.

Tutoring Subject: Physics

Jacky Quintero

I am currently a Junior majoring in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Health Professions. I plan on going to Physical Therapy school after graduation and eventually working in Pediatric Physical Therapy. I am a Junior representative in Programs Board for ASCLUG. I enjoy the creative process and responsibility that goes behind setting up events here on campus. I am also a member of the McNair Research Program and throughout my time here at Cal Lutheran I will work on developing my own research project within the Exercise Science field.

Apart from my studies, I am also an assistant manager at a movie theater. One of my favorite things to do is to go running! I enjoy finding new music and hanging out with friends. I have a two birds, which I love so much! I am looking forward to helping other students like me find different ways to study and make it a little more interesting! I am dedicated to my future goals and determined to support my peers in their path to success.

Tutoring Subject: Exercise Science

Sara Beylik

I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduation I plan to pursue a doctorate in Pharmacy. I currently work for the Biology Department as a lab DA and do research with Dr. Long through the Biology Department Honors Research Program.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy playing the clarinet with the CLU Wind Ensemble, reading, listening to music, spending time with my pets, and hanging out with friends.I look forward to helping my fellow STEM scholars!

Tutoring Subject: Biology

Javier Berjon de la Parra

I am a junior majoring in Physics. I plan to go to grad school afterwards. I am also a DA for the physics department.

In my leisure time I play guitar and read fiction novels. I will be happy to support you throughout your STEM endeavors.

Tutoring Subject: Math and Physics

Jessica Shin

Hello everyone! I am a senior majoring in Chemistry. After I graduate, I plan on going to a post-bacc program at either the University of Pennsylvania or in Chicago, Illinois (fingers crossed!) Currently, I work for the Chemistry Department as an Organic Chemistry DA and I am a member of Dr. Cordova’s research lab studying a new synthesis!

I am also an Resident Assistant in Trinity Hall so please feel free to stop by! I’d love to meet all of you! If you’re interested in chemistry outside of class, I am also the secretary of the ACS Chemistry Club here on CLU campus. I look forward to meeting you all!

Tutoring Subject: Organic Chemistry

Jenna Moisi

I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a masters or doctorate in the field of molecular biology, and hope to go into industry or research some day. I am currently a biology department assistant for Microbiology.

Outside of class I enjoy art, listening to music, hiking, playing volleyball, and cooking. I am very motivated and dedicated to my goals, and I am excited to be able to help other students in the STEM field!

Tutoring Subject: Biology

Joanna Portillo

I am a fourth year student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish. After I finish my undergrad, I plan to go to medical school and eventually work as a Physician. Currently, I'm a part of the AMSA officer team and a Health Scholar at St. John’s Hospital. Also, I am one of the department assistants (DA) for Microbiology. As a member of the McNair Scholars Program, I have developed my own research with Dr. Rogers on antibiotic resistance.

When I am not studying I like to spend time with my friends and explore the different activities we have available living in SoCal. I always try to work as hard as I can, but I am a big advocate for maintaining good physical and mental health while in school. I am excited to be working with fellow STEM scholars! Feel free to ask me any questions in biology and in anything else, I will try to help as much as possible. I can't wait to help students succeed in their classes and find different ways to best help them study.

Tutoring Subject: Biology

Student Workers