General Studies Program Team Directory
To schedule an academic advising appointment with any of our program advisors, use our scheduling system.
General Studies Leadership Team
Email: sarah.campbell@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-4166
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 140
Biography
Dr. Sarah Campbell serves as interim vice president for liberal arts and education at Montgomery College. She joined Montgomery College in 2008 as a faculty member in Spanish and taught all levels of Spanish on the Rockville Campus, where she also acted as world languages coordinator and as faculty liaison to the Digital Language Lab. She subsequently served as chair of the Humanities Department at the Germantown Campus and as acting collegewide dean of humanities. She is active in the professional organizations of her discipline, having recently concluded a four-year term as the secretary for the Community College Special Interest Group of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages and serving as the founder and adviser of the Montgomery College chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria de la Lengua Española, an honor society that recognizes students at two-year colleges for excellence in their study of Spanish.
Biography
Jennifer Haydel has been a member of the Montgomery College community since 2008. Ms. Haydel has served as a professor of political science, earning an Outstanding Faculty Service Award in 2015, as well as an Outstanding Faculty Award For Excellence in Teaching and Advising in 2023. She has mentored internship students at the Paul Peck Humanities Institute and students presenting papers at the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council and the Beacon Undergraduate Research Conference. She has also successfully written grants including the College’s own Innovation Grant, “Bridging the Urban/Rural Divide, and the University Systems of Maryland First in the World and Civic Engagement Collaborative Grant Fund with two colleagues titled, “Exploring Voter Turnout in US Elections 2020: An Interdisciplinary Module for Introductory Statistics.” From 2023-2024, Ms. Haydel served as acting chair of the Germantown Humanities Department.Ms. Haydel earned a bachelor of arts in Integrated International Studies from Knox College and a master of arts in political science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Educational Background
MA, Political Science, University of Minnesota, Twin CitiesBA, Integrated International Studies, Knox College
Email: christina.gentile@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7425
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-609
Biography
Professor Christina Gentile serves as the collegewide department chair for the General Studies program. She has worked at Montgomery College since 2007 joining first as part-time faculty and then as full-time faculty in 2010. She has taught all levels of Italian and Spanish at the Rockville campus and served as the world languages coordinator, the digital language lab liaison, and acting department chair for the Department of World Languages & Philosophy. She has been a member of the General Studies leadership team since its inception serving as the world languages discipline liaison and communications coordinator and later as interim collegewide department chair for the General Studies program. She is actively engaged within her discipline and various committees at the college, currently serving as a member of the General Education Standing Committee and as secretary for the Academic Services Council of MC’s Governance.
Email: cory.newman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1413
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, SN-308
Biography
Professor Rosado's home department is the English and Reading department, but she also teaches Communications and Global Humanities. Some of the initiatives she's involved in at the college include Study Abroad Programming and Equity and Inclusion.Educational Background
EdD, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMA, University of Westminster
BA, University of Florida
Email: daniel.santore@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5071
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 235
Biography
Dr. Santore received his Doctorate in Sociology and Master's degree in Women's Studies
at SUNY- Albany, in New York. Dr. Santore has spent the past six years teaching Sociology,
and has been at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College since 2009. His teaching
and research interests include sociological theory, gender, and families, and he has
published several articles and essays on these topics. In addition to his regular
classroom duties, Dr. Santore has worked with students as a personal and group tutor
for introductory Sociology courses. Having just moved to Montgomery County, Dr. Santore
has felt warmly welcomed by his students and colleagues at MC and enjoys being teased
by students and faculty alike for his New York sports affiliations.
Educational Background
BA, Sociology, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y.
MA, Women’s Studies, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y
PhD, Sociology, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y.
Email: aubrey.smith@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5126
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, SC-242
GS Discipline Liaisons
Email: sadegh.foghani@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2347
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 273
Biography
Sadegh Foghani obtained his PhD in History from the University of South Carolina in 2018. He taught courses in world history, history of science, history of technology, and history of Islamic societies at Auburn University and the University of South Carolina before coming to Montgomery College in 2020. Dr. Foghani received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran, his Master of Science Degree in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, and his Master of Arts Degree in History from Iowa State University.Dr. Foghani has conducted research in France, Iran, California, Missouri, and Mexico. His doctoral dissertation explores the development of reproductive biomedicine, stem cell, and animal biotechnology since the early 1990s in Iran. When he was conducting his dissertation research, he found many revealing stories involving Iranian STEM workers who live(d) outside Iran. These stories encouraged him to study the diasporic community of Iranian STEM professionals. In 2016, he traveled to Paris and Nantes to investigate the life and career of Mehdi Bazargan, who was the first prime minister of post-revolutionary Iran. Dr. Foghani’s research investigates the role that Bazargan’s engineering background, French education, and American Pragmatism played in the formation of his religious and political thought. As a post-doctoral residential fellow, Dr. Foghani conducted research at Linda Hall Library in Kansas City in 2019, where he studied American Pragmatism and Charles S. Peirce Papers.
Email: arthur.grinath@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6958
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HS-255
Email: shelley.jones@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1673
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, CM 202C
Educational Background
MA, in Latin American Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
BA, in Spanish and Social Work from McDaniel College, Maryland
Additional Information
Professor Jones is the Co-coordinator of the Global Classrooms Faculty Fellowship (GCFF), since 2016, along with Professor Carla Naranjo, (Germantown Campus). Through this fellowship, faculty pair with colleagues throughout the world to create direct and authentic global content in their classes. MC faculty from various disciplines within the Humanities area and beyond have connected with partner institutions in El Salvador, Ethiopia, Korea, Costa Rica, Argentina, Senegal, England and others to provide their students virtual global exchanges with students from these countries (from the GCFF website).
Email: melissa.mcceney@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7829
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HS-184
Email: yeve.montgomery@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2180
Office Location: Germantown Campus, PK 159
Office Hours: See course syllabi and by appointment
Biography
Yeve G. Montgomery, writer of various genres, editor, and educator, received her Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Publications from the University of Baltimore. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education at Towson University. Yeve has over 15 years of experience teaching high school English. Most recently, Yeve served as a frequent lecturer for English 101 and developmental reading courses at Morgan State University. She has also taught senior thesis development workshops at Morgan State University, a creative writing workshop at Beacon of Light, served as a writing tutor in the Carey School of Business at Johns Hopkins University, and served as a writing fellow at Morgan State University’s writing center. Yeve has been noted for her academic excellence and scholarship, winning the Quarles Fellowship for her research in “Using Relevant Literature to Address PTSD in the African American Community.” She is a 1999 and 2000 fellow of the Hurston Wright Writers Week. An excerpt of her screenplay, Crossroads, appears in their anthology, The Hoot and the Holler of the Owl. Her debut collection of short stories, microfiction, and creative nonfiction is titled, Set Me Free (2012). She was the 2017 and 2018 recipient of the Adele V. Holden Award for Creative Excellence. Her scholarship, practice and recognition have given her a platform to teach creative writing. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in English at Morgan State University. Professor Montgomery began her teaching career at Montgomery College in the Germantown campus English & Reading Department in August 2019.
Educational Background
Bachelor's of Arts in Professional Writing and Publications, University of BaltimoreMaster's of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education, Towson University
PhD, English, Morgan State University
Email: tracie.witte@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-328-5429
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 229
Biography
Having earned her B.A. in Sociology from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and her M.A. in Sociology from Rutgers University, Dr. Tracie Witte completed her doctoral dissertation at Rutgers University in 2013. Her research examines the factors that impact the likelihood that states will pass medical marijuana legislation. some of Dr. Witte's previous research has looked at the ways by which individuals used the internet as a tool deliberative democracy after the September 11th tragedy and the portrayal of marijuana in news magazines. Other research and teaching interests includes drug use and abuse, policy formation, crime and deviance and media studies (particularly new communications technologies). Some of the courses Dr. Witte has taught at Rutgers University, Drew University and Raritan Valley Community College included: Introduction to Sociology, Contemporary Social Issues, Sociology of Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse, Sociology of Deviant Behavior and Sociology of the Family. In 2003-2004, Dr. Witte earned a Harold Martin Eagleton Fellowship that provides a select group of scholars the opportunity to further their interdisciplinary understanding of the practice of politics and public affairs and connect that knowledge to a chosen field. Dr. Witte is passionate about teaching and the field of Sociology, and strives to create a sense of community in the classroom where students are able to become critically engaged not only with the course material, but also the world around them.Educational Background
BA, Sociology, Skidmore College.
MA, Sociology, Rutgers University
PhD, Sociology, Rutgers University
GS Program Advisors
Email: pallavi.bhale@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1935
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT128
Email: levena.delarosa@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2313
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT 218G
Biography
Levena Nash De La Rosa is a native of Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her undergraduate career, Professor De La Rosa participated in the Center for American Politics and Public Policy Research and Internship Program in Washington, DC where she interned at the Center for Training for Child and Family Services. This experience ultimately led to graduate-level training in Psychology at Howard University where she earned a Master of Science degree from Howard University in Psychology with a focus in Social Psychology. While there, she served as a Research Assistant at the Center for the Research of Students Placed at Risk (CRESPAR), a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Retention Mentoring and Support Programs and taught and assisted with several courses in the Psychology Department.
Levena Nash De La Rosa joined Montgomery College in 2012 as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Education and Social Sciences teaching courses in the area of Psychology. She has taught at both the Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring campuses guiding students in their educational pursuits in various courses such as General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Child and Adolescent Development and Social Psychology. Professor De La Rosa is also very active outside of the classroom; she enthusiastically contributes to the Montgomery College’s initiatives and special programs such as the Psychology Open Education Resource (OER) and Common Course, Structured Remote Training (SRT), Achieving the Promise Academy (ATPA) and I Am Psyched. Professor De La Rosa has received several awards for her excellence in teaching, student engagement, and scholarly pursuits. In 2018, she received the MC Part-time Faculty Teaching Award. She was awarded the MC Part-time Faculty Engagement Award as well as the Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award in 2019. Levena currently serves as Full-Time Faculty member at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College. Professor De La Rosa is incredibly passionate about student success at Montgomery College and beyond and she seeks to be a bridge to educational opportunity for all who seek it.Educational Background
MS, Howard University
BA, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Email: constance.farley@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7415
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SB 115F
Biography
Teaching Philosophy
I am a lifelong learner interested in almost every area of study. I love teaching and advising at MC and enjoy working with my students. I have a strong interest in the success of all students.
Educational Background
BA, English, Towson UniversityMEd, English - Secondary & Adult, Towson University
MA, English, Johns Hopkins University
PhD, English, Calamus International University
Email: james.furgol@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7766
Biography
From 2012 to today, I have taught HIST 114, 116, 117, 190, 200 and 201. I am a generalist in modern world history (1500-present), but regardless of the course content, my goal is to connect the past to the present, so students have a better understanding of today’s global community.Educational Background
AA, General Studies, Montgomery College
BA, History, College of Wooster
MA, US History, College of Wooster
MA, US/UK History, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Email: max.nam@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1433
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SN 108
Educational Background
BS, Physics, San Jose State UniversityPhD, Physics, University of Connecticut
Email: irahman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5476
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SC 243
Biography
My undergraduate degree and Masters are in Biochemistry from Dhaka University in Bangladesh. I completed my PhD in Microbiology from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1998. My first postdoctoral position was at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences USUHS in Bethesda, MD for 2 years. I joined Food and Drug Administration FDA in 2001, as a postdoctoral fellow, and then became a staff fellow for about six years.Educational Background
BS, Biochemistry, Dhaka University, Bangladesh
MS, Biochemistry, Dhaka University, Bangladesh
PhD, Microbiology, University of Maryland College Park
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT 423
Biography
Professor Tanner began teaching French at Montgomery College in 2009, and enjoys teaching a variety of courses from FREN101 through FREN202, as well as French Conversation & Grammar and Advanced French. She holds an M.A. in International Education from New York University and a B.A. in French and Education from SUNY and the Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Prior to teaching, she worked for major corporations in the U.S. and Canada, based in Manhattan and at the United Nations, and continues to freelance as a translator and interpreter. Professor Tanner has a passion for global education, and loves introducing her students to the Francophone culture and language, and to the many doors that can be opened by speaking another language.Teaching Philosophy
Making the language come alive, making it real, is the best way to summarize my teaching philosophy. Whether through impromptu dialogues, cultural presentations, famous quotations, or listening to music lyrics, my goal is that students create connections and realize the practical benefits and fun of cultural understanding and learning the language
Email: barbara.lapilusa@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6965
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA-251
Email: flor.romeroslowing@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2328
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, ST 245
Biography
Flor Romero-Slowing is a Counseling faculty since January 2024. She joined Montgomery College in 2022 as Early College Coordinator. Previously, she was Assistant Director of Academic Advising of Liberal Arts & Science College at Iowa State University.Educational Background
- MSc, Iowa State University
- BS, Universidad de San Carlos, Guatemala
Email: bonnie.saunders@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7282
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SV 206JJ
Biography
Professor Saunders is a member of the Counseling Faculty at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus and teaches STSU 100: First Year Experience. She has over 20 years of experience in college and transfer admissions, academic advising, and career development. She is currently a degree candidate in Frostburg University's EdD program in Educational Leadership where her research focuses on the exploration of adoptive identity and belonging during the college experience. She earned her master's degree in human sciences and a graduate certificate in Thanatology from Hood College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD and she is also a graduate of Hagerstown Community College in Hagerstown, MD where she earned her associate's degree in general studies. She is a first-generation college student and community college graduate who is passionate about access, equity, and belonging.Educational Background
- MA, Hood College
- BA, Mount Saint Mary's