Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Staff | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty | Staff
Department Chair
Email: joseph.koussa@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6913
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 240
Educational Background
PhD in Biology, New York University, New York City, United States of AmericaMS in Molecular Biology, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
BS in Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Department Administrative Aide
Email: grace.chen@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2438
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 220E
Biography
Ms. Chen is the SET Departmental Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the department. Prior to joining Montgomery College, Ms. Chen taught preschoolers for 10 years . She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Email: iadviga.zhelezinskaia@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2116
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 318
Biography
Ms. Zhelezinskaia earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Maryland. She has returned to Montgomery College (MC) as a lab coordinator on the Germantown Campus having previously served on MC Rockville Campus. In her role, she oversees laboratory equipment for the engineering, physics, and geoscience programs and manages the Germantown Innovation Center.
Full-time Faculty
Email: margaret.birney@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7788
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 242
Educational Background
BA, Biology, Amherst CollegePhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, St. Louis University
Email: jennifer.capparella@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7730
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 211
Educational Background
BS, Biology, Syracuse UniversityMS, Public Health/Epidemiology, Emory University
Email: antonio.delcastillo-olivares@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5406
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 202
Biography
I am a professor in the Biology Department at Montgomery College, Maryland. I am a native of Spain and received my PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Masters in Biochemistry, and Bachelors in Life Sciences from the University of Málaga, Spain. I also hold a certificate degree in Pedagogy from the same institution.
For the past 30 years, I have balanced my passion for teaching with my love for scientific
research. My research experience ranges from cancer redox systems, cancer nitrogen
metabolism, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, sex determination transcriptional
factors, to human immunological molecular interactions. During my research career
at Purdue University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and University of Maryland,
I have mentored many undergraduate and graduate research students.
Some of the courses that I currently teach and/or have taught include General Biology
BIOL 101, Principles of Biology I BIOL 150, Genetics BIOL 222, Molecular and Cellular
Biology BIOL 230, BIOT 120 - Introduction to Cell Culture, BIOT 121 - Aseptic Technique
and Cell Culture Skills, BIOT 201 - Protein Biotechnology Skills, BIOT 240 - Principles
of Nucleic Acid Methods, Chemistry I CHEM 131 lab, and Scientific Research SCIR 297.
SCIR 297 is a course that I created in 2012 to provide our students with opportunities
to do undergraduate scientific research at Montgomery College. Over time, faculty
from other STEM disciplines have joined the team, broadening opportunities for undergraduate
students to gain hands-on research experience.
In addition to these efforts, I have a strong interest in developing innovative approaches
to teaching science. My current projects focus on distance learning, the use of artificial
intelligence, virtual reality and Augmented Reality, and the design of online laboratory
exercises to expand student engagement and access to high-quality lab experiences.
These initiatives build on my earlier work leading the development of an OER-based
BIOL 150 course as part of the Z-degree initiative at Montgomery College.
From Fall 2014 until Spring 2018, I served as the BIOL 150 coordinator as well as
one of the part-time faculty coordinators (2016–2018) for the Rockville campus. At
present, I have the honor and privilege to be one of the Biology program advisors
for the Germantown campus, and to contribute as a CCC - CAP (Collegewide Curriculum
Committee - Campus Advisory Person) representative for the Germantown campus. I am
also a Paul Peck Humanities Institute/Smithsonian Institution Fellow.
As a Hispanic member of the Montgomery College community, I embrace our policy of
sense of belonging for our students. If you are a biology student, I will be happy
to meet with you to discuss your academic pathway and future semesters at Montgomery
College.
Outside of Montgomery College, I love raising my three children together with my wife
and spending time training horses and dogs.
Educational Background
Educational Background
- BS, Life Sciences, University of Málaga, Spain
- MS, Biochemistry, University of Málaga, Spain
- PhD, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Málaga, Spain
- Certificate in Pedagogy, University of Málaga, Spain
Email: satish.gupta@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1912
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 239
Educational Background
B.SC, Biology and Chemistry, Panjab UniversityMS, Zoology, Kurukshetra University
MS, Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University
PhD, Biology, University of Calcutta
Email: kiersten.newtoff@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1852
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 254
Biography
Professor Newtoff's interests are based around environmental science. Her master's
thesis examined mercury distributions in pelican colonies in North Carolina and she
worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center using satellite imagery to answer ecological
problems.
Professor Newtoff continues her environmental stewardship in teaching Environmental
Biology BIOL 105/106 and Principles of Biology II BIOL 151 which focuses on ecology
and evolution. If you drive along Middlebrook Road, you may see the Adopt-a-Road signs
labeled Montgomery College in which she organizes monthly clean-ups. Some other ongoing
projects include maintaining the three Germantown campus bird feeders used in research
projects, pursuing research with students focused on how urbanization affects Eastern
Bluebirds, developing pedagogy that develop students' quantitative skills, and advising
the Environmental Club. She also serves as a Biological Sciences and Environmental
Science & Policy Program Advisor on the Germantown campus. You may see her around
campus with a Guiding Eyes for the Blind service-dog-in-training, who you are welcome
to come meet and assist in their development!
Educational Background
BS, Biology, Radford University
MS, Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Ph.D. Biology at University of Maryland Baltimore County (in progress)
Email: james.smith@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1345
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 241
Educational Background
BS, Biology, Southern CollegePhD, Biology, Loma Linda University
Email: susan.bontems@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7740
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 207
Educational Background
BA, Chemistry, Bryn Mawr CollegeMS, Chemistry, Arizona State University
Email: thomas.chen@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7633
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 205
Educational Background
BS, Chemistry, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VAMS, Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
PhD, Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Courses Taught
Spring 2019: CHEM 131 lecture/discussion, CHEM 132 lecture/discussion/lab, CHEM 272
CHEM 099 coordinator
Email: james.lipchock@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7781
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 208
Educational Background
PhD, Biophysical Chemistry, Yale University
MS, Biophysical Chemistry, Yale University
BA, ACS-certified Chemistry and Physics, McDaniel College
Email: monica.mellini@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1827
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 220N
Biography
Monica A. Mellini is a registered professional engineer since 1994 and has been Professor of Physics and Engineering at Montgomery College since 2012. She is currently a Level 5 advisor and member of the Germantown counseling cadre. In her professional life, Monica has had several life changing experiences which have shaped her academic and professional directions, including her service as a 2018 Montgomery College Smithsonian Faculty Fellow. Monica is a graduate student at Virginia Tech working toward a PhD, in the interdisciplinary field of Science, Technology, and Society. At home, she studies genealogy, which has led to some fascinating discoveries, and restores 1990s vintage automobiles. Monica was recognized as “Engineer of the Year” by the District of Columbia Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies in 2014 and received a 2013 IEEE MGA Achievement Award for fostering engagement and collaboration in the world’s largest technical professional society.Educational Background
AAS, Automotive Technology and Automotive Emissions, Northern Virginia Community CollegeBS, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M University
MES, Electrical Engineering, Lamar University
MS, Science and Technology Studies, Virginia Tech
Engineering Education Graduate Certificate, Virginia Tech
Email: Teresa.peachey@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2031
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 220C
Educational Background
BS, Physics, Catholic University of AmericaMS, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences formerly Meteorology, University of Maryland
Email: Iraida.Carnero@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1841
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 220P
Biography
Dr. Iraida Cabrera Carnero, associate professor of physics at Germantown, earned a bachelor of science degree in physics, summa cum laude, from the University of Havana in Cuba, a diploma in high energy physics from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, and a doctorate in theoretical physics from the Theoretical Physics Institute at the State University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. She has taught physical science courses—ranging from astronomy to physics at universities, colleges, including Montgomery College, Northern Virginia Community College, The George Washington University, and the State University of Mato-Grosso, Brazil. She has incorporated technology into the instructional process through virtual demos, online assignments, Blackboard, and automatic student response systems. Dr. Cabrera has published in the Journal of Physics A, Nuclear Physics and Journal of High Energy Physics, among other journals, and has received international awards and fellowships, including the Spanish Research Council's "Torres Quevedo" Fellowship and International Atomic Agency Fellowship.Educational Background
BS, Physics, University of Havana, Cuba
Diploma High Energy Physics, the “Abdus Salam” Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy
PhD, Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Physics Institute, State University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Part-time Faculty
Email: margery.anderson@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Biology and Secondary Education, University of PittsburghMEd, Health Care Professionals, University of Cincinnati
PhD, Physiology and Biophysics, Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky
Email: jesparza@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 202-495-8137
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
AAS, Biotechnology, Montgomery CollegeBS, Biotechnology - Laboratory Management, University of Maryland
MS, Regulatory Science - Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Maryland
Email: janis.gallagher@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Biology, University of KentuckyMS, Biology, University of Kentucky
Email: Pablo.Garcia-Ojeda@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Pre-Medics, University of Puerto Rico-MayagüezPhD, Chemistry, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Biography
I have a bachelor’s degree in Premed and three years of Genetics post graduate at
the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from
the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in the division of Biological Chemistry.
I joined the Food and Drug Administration on July 1992 as a staff fellow in the Division
of Monoclonal Antibodies at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research until
Mid-2005.
Prior to joining Montgomery College in the Fall 2011, I was a Lecturer in the Chemistry
and Biology Department at the University of California, Merced Campus from Spring
2007 until Summer 2010.
As teaching keeps my brain active, I also entertain myself teaching Scuba diving since
1992 and am an active birder since 1981.
Email: Vanessa.Hobbs@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Chemistry, University of TennesseeMS, Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
MS, Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University
Email: brian.kram@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Cell Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth
MS, Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Biography
Mike retired from federal service in 2021with 38 years of environmental program experience. His federal service included more than 25 years as a manager and regulator in the Office of Pesticide Programs and the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds in HQ, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mike also served nine years abroad with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he managed and disposed of hazardous wastes for the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe and the Middle East. In other positions, Mike ran a lab at a wastewater treatment plant and conducted air pollution source projects at more than 40 industrial sites in the U.S. Mike also continues to teach at the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University.Educational Background
AS, Environmental Science & Technology, Florida TechBS, Environmental Science, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
MPA, Environmental Policy, The George Washington University, DC
Email: behrouz.meyssami@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park
MS, Food Science and Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park
PhD, Food and Biochemical Engineering, University of Florida
Email: shilpi.mishra@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, CSJM University, India
MS, Organic Chemistry, CSJM University, India
PhD, Chemistry, Uttar Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow, India
Postdoc, NIDDK/NIH, Bethesda, MD
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
Post-Doc, Chemistry, Purdue UniversityPhD, Chemistry, University of Iowa
MS, Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
BS, Chemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
Email: Hankyel.Park@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BA, Art, Dartmouth CollegePhD, Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania
J.D, Intellectual Property, University of Baltimore School of Law
Email: Paria.Parto@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
D.V.M. School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz, IranPhD, Comparative Histology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz, Iran
Email: rema.santhappan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, India
MS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, India
PhD, Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Periyar University, India
Email: Krista.Spreng@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Biology, Niagara UniversityPhD, Microbiology, University of Missouri
Email: deborah.sterner-krizman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Biology, Hope College
PhD, Molecular Virology, UTHSC-H Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Work done at University of Texas MD Anderson Center)
Postdoc, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry
Email: afshin.tavassoli@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
MD, University of Medical Science & Health Services at Shahid Beheshtee, Tehran Iran
Email: hsinyi.tsang@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Education Background
BS, Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park
PhD, Biology (Bioinformatics), Johns Hopkins University
Email: susan.wollman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2076
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Chemistry, Michigan State UniversityMS, Analytical Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
MS, Teaching of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Staff
Email: saleh.ahmed@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2071
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 113
Email: te.cao@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7827
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 223
Email: victoria.duncan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2112
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 121
Biography
Bachelor of Science degree from Benedict College, in Columbia SC. Works in Biology department in Germantown as Laboratory Coordinator. I have worked at Montgomery College over 10 years as an Instructional Laboratory Coordinator for Biology 101 laboratory. With over 30 years of work experience in the field of research, clinical, and aerospace.
Email: omoleye.fadikpe@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2072
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 223
Email: vivian.kruft@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7800
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 227
Email: honore.lekeufack@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7801
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 133
Email: jennifer.ortiz@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2021
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 105
Email: christin.slaughter@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2079
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 112