Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aide | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty | Staff
Department Chair
Email: kimberly.george@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6131
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105Q
Educational Background
I started teaching at MC in 2011 as adjunct faculty, moved to the Science Learning Center in 2017 and most recently transitioned to full time faculty in Fall 2020. I fell in love with microbiology as an undergraduate in medical technology and pursued my graduate degree in microbiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where I studied anaerobic bacteria involved in periodontal disease. I spent several years in industry researching differential gene expression in bacteria and antiviral resistance in HIV.PhD, University of Maryland, Baltimore
MS, University of Maryland, Baltimore
BA, University of Connecticut
Department Administrative Aide
Email: Carlos.Gonzalez@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105
Full-time Faculty
Email: carrie.fitzgerald@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5415
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 012P
Biography
Dr. Fitzgerald received her MS and PhD degrees in physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a BS degree in Physics from Stetson University. She joined the department during the fall 2009 semester, after working as a senior scientist at National Security Technologies Remote Sensing Laboratory. Prior to that, she was awarded a National Research Council Associateship with the Space Sciences Division at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Her research background is in experimental nuclear astrophysics and gamma-ray detection techniques.
Currently she teaches Astronomy (ASTR101) and serves as the director of the Montgomery
College Planetarium and Observatory. She is proud to be a NASA Solar System Ambassador,
providing astronomy education and public outreach for community groups, public schools,
and nonprofits. Her personal and professional mission is to spread awe by sharing
the wonders of the night sky with the college and larger community.
Website: Carrie Fitzgerald
Educational Background
BS, Physics, Stetson UniversityMS, Physics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
PhD, Nuclear Astrophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Biology
Email: abdulai.barrie@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7826
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105R
Educational Background
MD, St. George’s UniversityMS, Texas Southern University
BS, University of Sierra Leone
Email: nelson.bennett@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3968
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105L
Biography
Teaching Philosophy: Make science relevant and fun.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Great students and excellent standards.
Short Biography: DC area native, science was career change, love anatomy, have 3 cats and 2 dogs.
The one thing I want students to know: That I was also once a struggling student.
Educational Background
MS, Biology (Evolution and Ecology)BS, Personnel Management and Labor Relations
BA, German Literature
Email: Sean.Cooney@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1420
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105F
Biography
As an instructor, I seek to help students recognize their own self-worth by motivating them to become independent thinkers. On the way to obtaining this goal, I also encourage them to be enthusiastic about their educational journey.
I enjoy working at MC because I get to interact with people from all over the world. Through my academic studies, I have gained in-depth knowledge of many scientific subjects including biology, environmental science, oceanography, ecology, chemistry, physics, ecophysiology, and biometrics. Prior to joining Montgomery College, I worked as research scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and possess current knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem processes and have experience mentoring junior scientists and student interns in investigations of aquatic ecosystem.
The one thing I want students to know: I am here to guide students through the fascinating world of Biology.
Educational Background
BS from University of Maryland at College Park in Marine BiologyMS from University of Maryland College Park - Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences Program in Biological Oceanography
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105G
Biography
I started my college career with a focus in Archaeology (thank you Indiana Jones),
then switched to Anthropology/Primatology (thank you Jane Goodall). In studying primates
and the evolutionary relationships between them, I realized that I wanted to study
Evolution more broadly. I joined a lab as an undergraduate that focused on coevolution,
and adopted the plant/mycorrhizal fungi interaction as a model system through which
to study species interactions. My dissertation research took a Quantitative Genetics
approach to studying how pine genetics influence their interaction with mycorrhizal
fungi.
Teaching Philosophy
Creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students develop a fundamental
understanding of biology and the practical skills to apply that knowledge while building
their self- confidence as learners is my primary goal as a teacher. I also work very
hard to create a friendly, encouraging environment where students have no reservations
about asking myself or their fellow students for help or advice.
Why I love teaching/working at MC
I love the community here!
The one thing I want students to know:
It's okay to have questions! We're all here to learn :)
Email: valerie.lantz@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3989
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105K
Biography
I want students to really know and understand the material in the class, so they can be successful in subsequent courses. I use a lot of activities to help students better understand and remember the concepts and it makes class more interesting and fun.
I love teaching! I am especially happy when I have a class that is actively engaged and tries to answer questions and participates.
After growing up in Maryland, I attended UMBC as an undergraduate in Biology. I attended Princeton University via grants where I used molecular biology to study early development in Drosophila fruit fly. During my postdoctoral work at Washington University, I studied myosin and its role in early development using cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. My husband and I met and married in graduate school and have 2 children.
The one thing I want students to know: I want students to know that I root for every one of them to succeed.
Educational Background
BA, in Biological Sciences at UMBCMS and PhD, in Molecular Biology at Princeton University
Email: Alex.micich@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1347
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105M
Biography
My teaching philosophy is to provide students with the most tools possible for success, recognizing that each student learns in different ways and at different levels of understanding. MC allows me the freedom to teach first and foremost.
I have been teaching at different levels most of my adult life. I find teaching to be the most honorable of professions. My scientific interests include neuroscience, cognition, neural development, and nutrition
The one thing I want students to know: That I try to be very accessible and that the main goal in our joint endeavor is success.
Educational Background
BA from Stony Brook University in Biological SciencesMS from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Anatomy and Cell Biology
MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Academy in Theology
Email: kathryn.monzo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6117
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105C
Biography
My college career started as a student at Austin Community College. I completed undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. During my research training, I was interested in the regulation of early embryonic cell divisions and blood vessel formation. My interest in science education grew when I was a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. I was a teaching fellow with the Integrated Life Sciences Honors Program at the University of Maryland College Park for six years before joining the Montgomery College community.Email: kmorri68@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3961
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105E
Biography
Originally from Mississippi, Dr. Morris is a biomedical scientist working in the field of science education. As an African American male who grew up in a working-class community in Mississippi, Dr. Morris spent most of his K-12 education in underserved school districts. With the support of the educators in his life, he became the first person with a college and an advanced degree in his family. Dr. Morris completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at Emory University. During his time in graduate school at Emory University, Dr. Morris worked on a project that aimed to determine the function of a disease-associated protein in the brain that when mutated causes severe developmental delay. In his postdoctoral position, he researched the best practices in science education and mentorship for high school and undergraduate students with the US Army at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Morris has strong scientific interests in cell and molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and student development. Dr. Morris hopes his work continues to contribute to the diversification of the STEM workforce by improving STEM education pathways for all learners.Educational Background
PhD, Emory UniversityBS, University of Mississippi
Email: carole.wolin@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1424
Office Location: Germantown Campus, CM 202F
Biography
My goal is to actively engage all students in the learning process, to get them to think, and encourage them to challenge themselves. I love teaching at Montgomery College because of the wonderful students.
I received my Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of California at Davis, where my dissertation had an ecological focus. My publications include ones on mutualism and population dynamics in a patchy environment. I also have a M.S. in Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College. At Montgomery College I teach and co-coordinate Human Anatomy and Physiology BIOL212 and 213 and teach honors courses including Scientific Inquiry HONR105AA. I am also the Director of the Renaissance Scholars Honors Program at the TP/SS campus. I have particular interests in honors education, developing research opportunities for students, interdisciplinary studies, and the workings of the human body.
The one thing I want students to know: I have a passion for guiding students through the learning process, sharing my excitement with learning, and helping them grow as individuals. I also mentor students with respect to honors research, conference presentation, and the transfer process.
Chemistry
Email: aksana.chabatar@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3965
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205R
Biography
A primary aspect of my teaching style involves enthusiasm. I believe that enthusiasm
of teaching couples with enthusiasm of learning. It allows students to meet their
educational goals and enjoy their time during the study process.
Teaching at Montgomery College gives me an exciting opportunity to establish a rewarding
student-professor partnership with a diverse population of students encompassing different
academic backgrounds and life experiences.
I came to the USA from the small Eastern European country of Belarus, where I was born and earned my academic degrees. I acquired teaching experience at Belarus State Technological University while teaching courses of physical and colloidal chemistry. My graduate work was focused on solid solutions of barium titanates and their applications in chemical sensors for gases. I have experienced the wonderful opportunity to teach at all three campuses of Montgomery College!
The one thing I want students to know: I would like my students to develop some important critical thinking skills that will be beneficial to them in the world beyond chemistry.
Educational Background
MS in Chemical Engineering Other: completion of the qualifying examinations and PhD work in Physical Chemistry Certificate BS, MS from Belarus State Technological University, Minsk, BelarusEmail: adel.halli@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1414
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205E
Biography
I am a very strong proponent for the Socratic Method. It allows students to be fully engaged and incite their creativity.
MC provides an environment that encourages learning and focuses on students success. Dr. Halli has been teaching at MC since Fall 1996 as a part time faculty first. He earned a Master’s and a PhD from Pierre-Marie Curie University Paris VI in France. Interests include learning innovative ways to improve students learning and theoretical and applied chemistry and physics.
The one thing I want students to know: Your learning and success is the main reason why I love teaching.
Educational Background
BS, University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, MoroccoM. Sci. Pierre-Marie Currie University – Paris – France
PhD, Pierre-Marie Currie University – Paris – France
Email: cory.newman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1413
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205Q
Biography
My primary research interests involve asymmetric catalysis and the development of new and efficient chiral catalysts. In my graduate work I studied the catalytic asymmetric aza-Diels Alder reaction as well as the aziridination reaction.
Teaching Philosophy: Every interaction allows for a teaching opportunity. I am open to advise/instruct students at any time about course related material, career choices, or any other areas that in can help the student be successful.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Montgomery College has a diverse population of students that offers a challenging and rewarding teaching experience. I also enjoy the flexibility to try different pedagogical approaches in the classroom and/or laboratory setting.
The one thing I want students to know: To all current, past, prospective, future students ... lf my door is open, come on in I
Educational Background
PhD from Michigan State University in Organic ChemistryB.S. from Butler University in Chemistry
Email: fnifiati@montgomerycolege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1640
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205C
Educational Background
BS - University of loannina, Greece
MS - City University of NY
PhD - City University of NY, Hunter College
Email: solomon.teklai@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1415
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205L
Biography
Quitting 8th grade class in Gondar Ethiopia, Solomon Teklai left his birth place and moved to Sudan as child refugee. As refugee, he lived both on street and off street in city of Gedaref and in refugee camp few miles away from the city of Gedaref in Sudan. Sponsored by World Catholic Relief Services, in 1986, he arrived in Dover New Jersey and the following year, he moved to New York City. In New York City, he completed his BS degree in Biochemistry at the City College of New York.
While attending school in New York, he worked at New York Hall of Science Museum in
Queens New York as demonstrator. In the late 90, he moved to Maryland. Solomon Teklai
has Masters of Life Sciences from University of Maryland College Park. He taught chemistry
and physics for 8-years both in public high school (Surrattsville H.S.) and private
Catholic high school (St. Vincent Pollatti H.S.) in Maryland. He served for two years
as Science Department chair at St. Vincent Pollatti High School. In summer of 2000
and 2002, he worked as NASA science teacher intern at NASA's Goddard Space Flight
Center in Greenbelt Maryland. In 2005, Solomon first joined Montgomery College (MC)
as adjunct associate professor of chemistry, and then he became full time associate
professor of chemistry in 2007. He has served on MC Academic Regulation Committee.
Currently, he is co-chair of the MC Science Club and co-chair of the MC Association
of African Students in Diaspora club. He also serves on MC Curriculum Committee.
He was one of the founding members of the Montgomery County- Gondar Sister City committee.
He helped organize the core Gondar sister working group. Outside in the community,
Solomon provides free tutorial service for middle and high school students at Mariam
Tutoring and Mentoring program that he founded 15-years ago to help the newly arrived
immigrant elementary, middle, and high school students in Washington DC area to succeed
in their academic skills. He is also co-chair of Education Working Group on Montgomery
County African Affairs Advisory Group and he is the current chair of Tayitu Cultural
and Educational Center in DC Metro Area. Solomon also held adjunct associate professor
of chemistry positions at Marymount University and Trinity University.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: I learn as I teach and hope that the ultimate freedom come through learning.
The one thing I want students to know: Students should have the will to learn.
Educational Background
BS from City University of New York in Biochemistry
MS from University of Maryland at College Park in Life Sciences
Teaching Philosophy: Learning will be meaningful if students are expected to learn,
encouraged to see and understand the questions to the problems, and allowed to engage,
explore, and own the problem.
Engineering/Physics
Phone: 240-567-1433
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SN 108
Educational Background
BS, Physics San Jose State University, CAPhD, Physics, University of Connecticut, CT
Email: raluca.teodorescu@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1416
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 329
Biography
Prof. Teodorescu is interested in teaching college and university courses in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. She developed essential teaching tools in physics education. Among them is the Taxonomy of Introductory Physics Problems which relates physics problems to the cognitive processes needed to solve them. Her research focus includes curriculum design and assessment, online education, and faculty and teaching assistants training. Her research is sponsored by National Science Foundation. Prof. Teodorescu is a past Chair of two committees of the American Association of Physics Teachers - The Committee on Undergraduate Physics Education and The International Physics Education Committee.Educational Background
BS, Physics, Al. I. Cuza University, RomaniaPhD, Physics, George Washington University
Physics
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4, Room: 301
Biography
Dr. Tania De obtained her B.S. in Physics from Scottish Church College, India. She received both her M.S and Ph.D. in Physics from Howard University, Washington DC. Her M.S. research was on Laser Spectroscopy in collaboration with College of Dentistry, Howard University and her Ph.D. work was on Radiation Dosimetry in collaboration with AFFRI (Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. De has authored several research articles in her field of expertise. She has being teaching a wide variety of Physics courses at community colleges since 2011 and she loves to teach Physics to diverse groups of students from different backgrounds. Dr. Tania De has recently received ATPA Embedded FOUNDERS coach award in May 2019 from Montgomery College, Rockville. Dr. De's current research interests are in Laser Spectroscopy and radiation dosimetry in EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance).
Part-time Faculty
Email: Antonio.Chaves@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Biography
I want to make science interesting and accessible to students with a wide variety of academic backgrounds.
MC provides people of a wide range of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds a second chance to better themselves.
I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1982 with a B.S. in fish and wildlife. After two years in the Peace Corps, I worked in the shrimp-farming industry. Eventually, I went back to college and earned a Ph.D. in zoology at Texas A&M University in 1999. My biggest passion is how to minimize the trade off between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The one thing I want students to know: There are no short-cuts to success: If you graduate from college without ever being intellectually challenged you will be disappointed with the job market.
Email: rebecca.davis@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 443-819-0996
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Biography
I see biology as a way to explore this marvelous world around us! My study & research interests have spanned a plethora of topics. I’ve studied wolves & bison interacting during a hunt; Eastern spotted skunks in Louisiana; Maori concepts of stewardship, well-being, & respect; ecological worldviews; and hemp farming & phytoremediation in Pennsylvania. I even got to throw in entangled particles! All of it is exciting and I want more!Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Email: oneil.gayle@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4, Room 306
Biography
Dr. Gayle has served for many years in the biotech industry. His past work involved the extensive use of monoclonal antibodies in the development of therapies for lupus, meningitis, acellular pertussis, as well as QC analysis and release of immunotherapies (CAR T cells) for the treatment of multiple myeloma.Educational Background
BS, Chemistry, Howard UniversityMS, Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
EdD, Higher Education Administration, STEM Engagement, Northeastern University
Postgraduate Diploma, Clinical Research Administration, University of Liverpool, UK
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is an engaging and developing process. The instructor’s role is to facilitate the learning process. All students can learn, provided they’re equipped with the essential learning tools such as a stimulating learning environment that challenges their critical and analytical thinking skills as well as nurturing their curiosity.Why I Love Teaching/Working at MC
I’ve worked at MC in the past (2005-2008). I enjoy teaching/working at MC because
of its culture, diverse student population, student engagement opportunities and friendly
atmosphere for both faculty, staff and students. MC also provides opportunities for
faculty / staff professional development through rigorous training seminars, collaboration,
as well as through mentoring.
One Thing I Want Students to Know
There’s nothing in this world that’s worth achieving, that does not require sacrifice, dedication, and persistence. It is through fortitude that the highest goals in life are achieved.
Takoma Park/Silver Spring CampusEmail: georges.haddad@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Biology, American University of Beirut, LebanonMS, Physiology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, University of Sherbrooke, Canada
Email: steven.htet@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Biography
Nice environment and teaching schedule.Started as an engineer. Later trained to become a researcher. Ended up incorporating both of my trainings and teaching them to college students.Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Plan out your career path and work toward that goal steadily.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteMaster of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from University of Washington
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4 305
Email: BMeyssam@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4 305
Education Background
BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park
MS, Food Science and Nutrition, University of Maryland at College Park
PhD, Food and Biochemical Engineering, University of Florida at Gainesville
Email: Neda.Nikoobakht@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1332
Biography
I have more than 10 years of experience in teaching chemistry and more than 4 years of research experience in analysis of trace amount of persistent organic pollutants in environmental samples.
Teaching Philosophy: Although in the everyday life, the concept of teaching might be overlooked, when I think about it, I find it perhaps one of the most exceptional and highly developed skills of a human being. In fact, I could not find anything more sacred than teaching. It is about influencing someone's way of thinking and knowledge and certainly changing someone's behaviors!
Why I love teaching/working at MC: For me, teaching is a rewarding experience, accompanied with a sense of spiritual accomplishment that one does not often experience in his/her daily 21st century-style life.
The one thing I want students to know: I having been a student, I realize listening and learning would even need more work, patience and sacrifice.
Educational Background
BS, from University of Isfahan in Chemistry
MS, from University of Kashan in Physical Chemistry
MS, from Stockholm University in Environmental Chemistry
MS, from University of Manitoba in Analytical Chemistry
Email: Opeyemi.oniya@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Biography
An abiding faith that the quality of life is more important than its quantity, and that it is the business of civilization, our collective responsibility, to emancipate the individual from the exigencies of the bare struggle for existence, and to put within his or her power the attainment of the highest quality of life – education.
The College’s mission of empowering students to succeed and enhancing their self-development – of changing and enriching their lives.
Prof. Oniya had his undergraduate studies in Applied Biology at the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He received his graduate degrees from the University of Kent at Canterbury and the University College London, England in Biotechnology; and from Georgetown University in Liberal Studies. Formerly an EEC Fellow; and UNESCO trained specialist in bio deterioration. He has written in the areas of bioremediation, pollution and pollutants, biology of coral reefs, green politics and the international political economy of science and technology.
The one thing I want students to know: "All forms of wealth come from the movement of information".
Email: steven.raft@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 123
Biography
Instructors should inspire, promote real learning, and – whenever possible - facilitate students’ progress toward career goals. I enjoy interacting with the highly diverse MC student population.
I have always been interested in the biology of human communication. After working for some time as a speech pathologist, I obtained a PhD in neuroscience, studying the development of hearing function in mammals. In subsequent research, I contributed to our understanding of how embryonic stem cells give rise to the many different inner ear cell types that support hearing in mammals. Apart from teaching, I like playing music with friends at home and at small venues in and around DC.
The one thing I want students to know: Scientific literacy is important – it is one way of being an informed and empowered individual in society.
Educational Background
BA, Music Performance, New York UniversityMS, Speech and Hearing Science, Teachers College, Columbia University
PhD, Neuroscience and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 123
Educational Background
BS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, IndiaMS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, India
PhD, Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Periyar University, India
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, RC-111
Biography
I am a scientist, information technologist, clinician, researcher, paradigm shifter, and lifelong learner. I worked in the IT field for many years, before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. I completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medicine program at Georgetown University and then went on to complete a Master’s degree. Shortly after, I was accepted into medical school at GW. I knew medical school was going to be rigorous, but I was not prepared for what it would do to my personal well-being and happiness. It is certainly not for everyone. Though I had decided to end my pursuit of an MD, my medical education had taught me something important – I loved to teach. Peer to peer teaching as part of our curriculum and it was extremely satisfying. I can honestly say, I could not be happier since my move into academia. I have been able to bring to my students a wealth of medically relevant knowledge and experiences that I believe help enrich their learning experience.Educational Background
BS from University of Montana in Computer ScienceMS from Georgetown University in Biohazardous Threats and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Staff
Email: erin.benitez@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1659
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 012J
Biography
Erin Benitez strives to break down the barriers between STEM and humanities by combining astronomy, art, and storytelling into educational experiences in the planetarium theater. She joined Montgomery College in Spring 2026 after spending over six years at a planetarium in New York, creating live and interactive shows, designing and presenting field trip programs, and fostering partnerships with scientists, artists, authors, and cultural institutions to create engaging events. She is looking forward to working with Montgomery College's students, faculty, and staff to develop new shows, attract new audiences, and grow the reach and impact of MC's planetarium programming.
The one thing I want students to know: You belong here! "If you find college difficult, and you're wondering if you're on the right track... I am here to tell you that you have something in common with every [Artemis II astronaut]." --Christina Koch, NASA Astronaut
Email: Steve.Berg@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1417
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 212
Biography
Train/teach students concept so that they become accustomed to thinking while working. Insist that students understand when and WHY they must prepare lab materials to a given stringency in order to ensure the integrity of the preps.
I enjoy working with multicultural students, staff and instructors. Having spent many years as a research bench scientist in fields ranging from wound healing and molecular genetics to molecular retrovirology (HIV), I feel very fortunate to return to the college environment and once again work with students as I had when I started out working in academic laboratories many years ago.
The one thing I want students to know: It is of the utmost important to be happy in one’s career choices.
Educational Background
BS from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in Psychobiology (Neuroscience)MS from Johns Hopkins in Biotechnology, C.L.Sp.(MB) administered by National Certification Agency (NCA) in Clinical Laboratory Science
Email: dwayne.henry@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1418
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 108A
Biography
Why I love teaching/working at MC: I love the fact that what I do has a direct impact on the future and success of others.
The one thing I want students to know: There is no timeframe as to when success should be achieved as long as the achievement takes place.
Educational Background
Certification in Management & Supervision
Rochester Institute of Technology
American Management Association
Email: jason.michel@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1464
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 021
Biography
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by nature, science, and technology,
whether it was distant planets and dinosaurs or particle accelerators and robots.
Eventually I decided to study chemistry because it's the "central science" with pathways
leading toward biology and physics as well as most fields of engineering. It was a
logical starting point in case my interests started to pull me in one particular direction.
The direction that pulled me the most was nanotechnology, more specifically functional
nanomaterials like nanoscale tubes, fibers, particles, as well as the functional nanostructures
or even nanomachines they might compose. After receiving a Bachelors in chemistry
I was very interested in nanomaterials used in energy conversion technology and remote
power applications. I was lucky enough to be able to do research into how to direct
the shape of nanoparticles during their formation, which led to the synthesis of more
efficient fuel cell catalysts. I have also done research in nanocrystalline semiconductor
materials in the search for more efficient thermoelectrics. Currently it is my honor
to be a part of this same type of journey for budding scientists, engineers, and medical
professionals, and I will do everything in my power to ensure student success.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Everyone at MC is so dedicated to the students.
It's obvious every day that student success is the number one priority here. The best
kind of workplace is one when everyone has the same clear mission, priorities, and
goals. That's most likely the reason so many people devote decades of service to the
college.
The one thing I want students to know:Learning science, even chemistry, is only as
difficult as you make it. Don't ever give up, because once it clicks, it sticks, and
you'll never forget it.
Educational Background
BS, Chemistry, Northwestern State UniversityPhD, Chemistry, Vanderbilt University
Email: kingsley.onunogbo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3969
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 209
Educational Background
NMD,Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, University of Bridgeport, Connecticut
BS, Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Email: teerasak.patamawenu@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6132
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 021
Biography
A highly motivated, former senior scientist with over 20+ years of industrial experience in FDA approved diagnostic kits and product development for Research Diagnostics and Clinical/Non-clinical Chemistry. Recognized and identified for solving technical problems, capital budgeting, scaling up protocols, setting control systems, transferring technologies, high throughput instrumentations, and training new personnel for cGMP, GLPs, and ISO 9001 standards. Last project was anthrax vaccine develo ment.
Teaching Philosophy: Set educational purpose and learning goals for my students.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: I do believe in lifelong learning. MC is the best place to providing all of great environment to students.
The one thing I want students to know:
Think outside the box and never stop to learning new things.
0:240-567-1464; C: 240-899-0266
Educational Background
AA, Pre-Medicine, MCBS, Software Engineering, Strayer University
MS, Biomedical Sciences, Hood College
Email: xumei.ren@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3909
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, SN 104




































