Faculty and 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 Staff
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.
Email: paul.thompson@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2132
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT 230
Biography
Paul brings years of experience in cybersecurity and leadership to his role as Instructional Lab Coordinator. He has graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, and a minor in Cybersecurity, from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Paul holds CompTIA Security+, Network+, and Project+ certifications and is ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).In his prior roles, Paul has excelled in managing cybersecurity initiatives, including evaluating and strengthening security frameworks for enterprise systems. His expertise includes vulnerability identification, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with various frameworks (i.e., NIST 800 series, CMMC, NIST CSF, PCI-DSS).
Full-time Faculty
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA220J
Educational Background
MSITS
Email: alla.webb@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SA 220Q
Educational Background
BS & MS, Mechanical Engineering, State Technical University, St.Petersburg, Russia
MS, Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University
PhD, Systems Engineering, George Washington University
Biography
Dr. Alla Webb holds both a B.S. and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from State Technical University, St.Petersburg, Russia, a M.S. in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has taught a wide variety of computer science courses. Her professional experience in the private sectors involved all phases of the system development cycle, including project management, requirement analysis, system design, programming, testing, system administration, database design and administration, and system installation. Dr. Webb is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the American Association of Colleges and Universities Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM (TIDES) grant.
Dr. Webb’s research interests include mobile development, software engineering, and database management systems.
Email: stephen.mcgowan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2438
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT 228
Biography
Stephen McGowan is a Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College.Mr. McGowan has over 30 years of information technology and training experience in programming, network management, database administration, information assurance, risk management, operations management, fraud, and cybersecurity.
Mr. McGowan graduated from University of Maryland, Global Campus and has earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Masters of Science in Information Technology (Phi Kappa Phi), Masters of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance. He also obtained multiple certifications from Microsoft, CompTia, (ISC)², EC-Council, ISACA, Novell, project management, and multiple programming certifications.
Mr. McGowan has held multiple positions in education, information technology including security, fraud management, banking/financial, senior management, and information assurance.
Educational Background
Master of Business Administration (MBA), UMGCMaster of Science (MS) – IT/Information Assurance, UMGC
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Information Systems Management, UMGC
Associates Degree in Computer Management,PGCC
Email: reza.mirabrishami@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1566
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT 130
Biography
Reza Mirabrishami has extensive experience in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. He is passionate about teaching practical, hands-on skills that prepare students for real-world cybersecurity challenges. With a background in penetration testing, risk management, and secure system design, he brings a practical approach to cybersecurity education.Reza holds a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He has earned industry certifications and continues to stay updated with the latest trends in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Reza has held roles in cybersecurity consulting, and his teaching philosophy emphasizes both technical knowledge and ethical responsibility in cybersecurity practices.
Email: david.vargas@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1933
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT 131
Biography
David Vargas is a professor of cybersecurity. He has worked extensively in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors and often shares his expertise at security conferences and professional meetings nationwide. Mr. Vargas graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University and has completed graduate work in Information Systems at The Johns Hopkins University. He also holds several cybersecurity certifications. Before moving to academia, Mr. Vargas was President of VATG, Inc. a cybersecurity and network integration company.
Educational Background
BA, International Affairs, The George Washington University
MS, Information and Telecommunication Systems, The Johns Hopkins University
Email: silvia.vargas@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1983
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HT 127
Biography
Silvia Vargas is a Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College. She is the Cybersecurity Center Point of Contact (PoC) and Program Coordinator.She has over 15 years of engineering experience in network security, server and network administration, identity management, system integration, biometrics, and patch / vulnerability management.
Professor Vargas graduated cum laude from The Catholic University of America and has earned a bachelor's in Management Information Systems, a master's in Computer Science/Information Assurance, and a master's in Engineering Management.
She has served in various roles including security and project management for federal and state agencies. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at George Washington University and The Catholic University of America, as well as training at other institutions across the Washington metropolitan area and abroad.
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
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 Associate 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
Full-time Faculty - Takoma Park/Silver Spring
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 University
MS, Physics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
PhD, Nuclear Astrophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Email: Sandro.Fouche@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1391
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 329
Educational Background
BS, Computer Science, University of Maryland College ParkPhD, Computer Science, University of Maryland College Park
Biography
Dr. Sandro Fouche received his B.S. and Ph.D degrees in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). Before to joining Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring, he was an Assistant Professor at Towson University and has been an adjunct instructor at Georgetown University and UMCP. Dr. Fouche's graduate work focused on Continuous Integration Testing merging his experience in Software Engineering and Large-Scale System Administration. Before beginning his academic career, he was a Programmer and System Administrator for companies including: Microsoft, America Online (AOL), and washingtonpost.com. He is also a long-standing member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Computer Society (IEEE-CS), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Professor Fouche is keenly interested in emerging technologies that broaden the reach of computing and empower users to interact with the world in new ways. In particular, he is currently interested in Digital Fabrication as well as the intersection of Blockchain technology and the Internet of Things.
Email: max.nam@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1433
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SN 108
Educational Background
BS, Physics San Jose State University, CAPhD, Physics, University of Connecticut, CT
Spring 2019: PHYS 204 lecture/discussion/lab, PHYS 263 lecture/discussion/lab
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, Romania
PhD, Physics, George Washington University
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 - Germantown
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Biography
Christopher Foster is an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College, and a Cybersecurity Specialist for the US Army.
Professor Foster has worked extensively in the Information Technology field for over 20 years with specialized expertise in satellite communications, and Information Technology training. He earned a Master’s degree in Information Security and Assurance from Western Governor’s University and a Bachelors in Information Systems from Strayer University. His current certifications include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), GIAC Python Coder (GPYC), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), Network+, Security+, Server+, and Cloud Essentials+.
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Biography
Jacob Trigoboff is an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College and a Cybersecurity Engineer for the US State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.Professor Trigoboff graduated from the George Washington University with a master's in Digital Forensics and currently holds a Security+ SE Certification.
He is an avid cyclist, hiker, tech enthusiast, and signer.