An FIU powerhouse for conducting program evaluations.
Who we are
Dr. Tiberio Garza has over 9 years of experience practicing evaluation. Dr. Garza has played a pivotal role as an evaluator for over 30 grants across federal, state, and local entities, showcasing his expertise and impact in the field. His work has been instrumental in supporting successful federally funded grant projects, with grant funders including the National Science Foundation, the Institute for Education Sciences, and the Nevada Department of Education. He is an accomplished academic professional with a wealth of experience in the field of evaluation and educational psychology. Dr. Garza’s research and scholarly activities have significantly contributed to the advancement of evaluation practices, particularly in the context of culturally responsive evaluation. His expertise as a professionally trained evaluator through LEEAD, with a focus on culturally responsive evaluation, and his active membership in the American Evaluation Association, underscore his dedication to promoting rigorous and culturally sensitive evaluation methodologiesDr. Mido Chang’s expertise encompasses a wide range of research areas, including Hierarchical Linear (Multilevel) Modeling, Longitudinal Growth Modeling, Survival Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, and Large-scale Data Analysis. Her research also delves into the academic performance of language minority students and educational interventions using technology. Dr. Chang’s research projects have been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of the National Professional Development Grant Program, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She has served on review panels for national and international funding agencies and professional journals, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of statistics and research methodology. Dr. Chang brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to any proposed evaluation project.Dr. Yuxi Qiu is a highly accomplished clinical assistant professor of research methodology at Florida International University, with a strong background in psychometrics and educational assessments. He obtained his PhD in Research and Evaluation Methodology from the University of Florida in 2018 and has since made significant contributions to the field. Prior to his current role, Dr. Qiu held a postdoctoral position at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning and was awarded a fellowship in psychometric modeling with the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment Consortium through the Achievement and Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. With his expertise and extensive experience in conducting psychometric analysis, Dr. Qiu is a valuable asset to any evaluation project. His dedication to advancing the field of research methodology and educational assessments is evident in his impressive academic profile and the significant impact of his scholarly work. Dr. Qiu’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation positions him as a leading figure in the field of psychometrics and educational assessment, making him an invaluable resource to our academic community.Dr. Aaron Kuntz is a distinguished academic leader and scholar, currently serving as the Dean of the School of Education and Human Development and holding the prestigious Frost Professorship of Education and Human Development at Florida International University. With a remarkable career trajectory, Dr. Kuntz has made significant contributions to the field of education and research methodology. As a prolific author, Dr. Kuntz has published over 50 peer-reviewed publications, including five books, showcasing his expertise in research methodology and education. His most recent book, “Qualitative Inquiry, Cartography, & the Promise of Material Change,” received the 2020 Outstanding Book Award from the Qualitative Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Educational Research Association, underscoring the impact of his scholarly work.Dr. Margarita Huerta is an esteemed academic professional and was an Associate Professor in the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Her significant contributions to the field of evaluation in education are in the context of multilingual education and early childhood development. Dr. Huerta’s research encompasses a wide range of topics, including literacy integration and writing in multilingual contexts, reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational practices for diverse student populations. Dr. Huerta’s impact extends beyond the academic realm, as she is deeply involved in promoting inclusive and effective educational practices. Her work in the field of multilingual education and early childhood development has positioned her as a respected figure in the academic community, making her an invaluable asset for any evaluation project.