Our PROJECT RED Mentoring Team and Graduate Assistant Advisors are here to help all of our students. Whether you have a question about a class you are taking, or just want a friendly person to talk to, our Peer Mentors are available to support you!
Mike Pflueger
I am a Graduate student at Villanova University working towards a Master’s degree in Mathematics. I received my BS from Gwynedd Mercy College in 2010 with a degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. When I was a student at Gwynedd, I had the opportunity to compete on the Track and Field team as a middle distance runner and I also worked at the Academic Resource Center as a tutor for math and sciences. After graduating last year, I spent my time working with the youth group at my church, coaching middle school track and field, tutoring, and substitute teaching in North Penn School District.
Beginning this fall semester, I will be serving as the graduate assistant for the AAP Program as well as the ACTIVE Freshmen Retention Program. I was very fortunate to have support and mentorship during my first year of college and it made a big impact in my success as a student. I am thrilled to have the opportunity here at Villanova to give support to first year students in the ACTIVE program by directing them to campus resources and assisting them in developing skills that are crucial to succeeding in a college environment. I will also be serving with the UNITAS mentoring and programming to help students adjust to life in college. I believe in these programs because I have seen first-hand how personal support and mentorship can make an immeasurable difference in a college student’s academic success.
When I’m not studying or running, I like to play basketball, jam on guitar or piano, record music, watch and root for the Philadelphia Eagles, and eat lots of cereal. I also enjoy drawing, painting, and graphic design.
I am looking forward to working at Villanova this fall and I am excited to meet you!
Elena Malatack
I am a second year graduate student in the Counseling Master’s Program. I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Susquehanna University with a concentration in Education and I look forward to pursuing a career as a high school guidance counselor after my master’s program is completed.
During my junior year of college, I became very active in the Study Abroad program where I lived in Brighton, England. Upon returning from that experience, I helped bring about an international mentoring program at my small college in order to assist multicultural students in orienting themselves to living in the US. Although I was there to support the international students, I feel I learned a great deal more from them.
Presently I volunteer at an equine therapy center in the northeast, which helps disabled individuals gain strength mentally and physically while concentrating on their ability rather than disability. During my free time I enjoy reading, running, swimming, and being with friends and family (I am one of six kids!). I serve as the graduate assistant for the AAP Program as well as the ACTIVE Freshmen Retention Program, which allows me to explore my favorite activity yet which is meeting new people! So please stop in and tell me a bit about yourself.
PROJECT RED Peer Leaders for 2011 - 2012 Academic Year
Fahmida Akhter
Year: Sophomore, 2014
Major: Biology
Campus Activities: Pre-Med Society, NSCS, SAMOSA, MSA, FIMRC, Tutoring for CMA and of course, UNITAS
Secret to my success: I am a Biology major from Long Island, New York. I like to read, paint, volunteer, listen to music and hang out with my friends in my free time. My one piece of advice in life is "Everything happens for a reason", so don't regret too much. Good luck to all the freshmen!
Kamel Brach-Powers
Class Year: Sophomore, 2014
Major: Computer Science
Campus Activities: Active, AAP, Unitas Peer Mentoring Program, Black Cultural Society (BCS), W.I.S.E, VUTC, and the Association for Computing Machinery, Student Chapter (ACM)
Secret to my success: Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I am a Sophomore taking up Computer Science. Some of my hobbies are playing basketball and football, going to the movies, cutting hair, and traveling.
My advice for success, not just with academics but also the social life is to not be afraid to have a voice. Utilize every resource that is offered for you, share your experiences with people, build relationships, and most important enjoy every moment of college.
Maria Salvemini
Class Year: Sophomore, 2014
Major: College of Arts and Sciences
Campus Activities: National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Amnesty International, and the Italian Club. I spent the summer studying abroad in Italy
Secret to my success: I love traveling and have been to Aruba, France, Monaco, and hope to travel to more countries! I also love to read and write. My advice is to get involved within the Villanova community through clubs and organizations, as well as getting involved outside the university through service activities. Also, always make yourself open to opportunities that present themselves to you, because you never know what you make learn about yourself through new experiences.
Alison Presti
Class Year: Sophomore, 2014
Major: Biochemistry and Honors
Minor: Peace and Justice and Chemistry
Campus Activities: UNITAS Weekend Co-Chair, Service Council, HHAW, Special Olympics, Intramurals, VIEW, volunteer at School of the Future, IGR, Relay for Life, and Student Facilitator for Global Learning Community
Secret to my success: To be OPEN to new ideas and experiences, to challenge your assumptions, and to get outside your comfort zone.
