Science & Engineering

Professor - Anatomy & Physiology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
B.A., Genetics, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
 

Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
M.S., Biology, East Stroudsburg University
M.Ed., Secondary Education, Biology, East Stroudsburg University
B.S., Biology, University of Scranton
 

Professor - Chemistry

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Computational Chemistry, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
B.S., Chemistry, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
 

Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Technology

Academic degrees achieved: 
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, NJIT
M.B.A., Minor Finance, Rutgers University

Mr. D’Angelo’s research focuses on Reliability-based design and Probabilistic-based Multi-Criteria Decision Systems incorporating Machine Learning. Currently, he is developing discrete event simulation models using the AnyLOGIC software to develop Digital Twins in manufacturing. In addition, he is a licensed professional engineer and has over 39-years of professional engineering experience in Systems Engineering, thermal analysis, structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis, and modeling and simulation using Visual Studio and MATLAB.  He is the author of two Mechanical Engineering Technology textbooks: Machine Design for Technology Students and Dynamics and Mechanisms Design for Technology Students.
 

Assistant Professor/ Coordinator Medical Lab Tech

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
M.S., Biotechnology, Karachi University, Pakistan
M.S., Bioinformatics, University of Maryland Global Campus
B.S., Medical Laboratory Science, Punjab University, Pakistan 
(ASCP)^CM

Assistant Professor, Automotive Technology

Academic Degrees Achieved:
M.Ed. Education, Capella University 
B.A. Philosophy, Queens College

Sara Heller is the coordinator of the automotive program at RVCC. She teaches a variety of the automotive courses and focuses on making sure students graduate with the skills required to be successful as an automotive technician. Sara loves working on vehicles and is in the process of creating a curriculum for electric vehicles.
 

Associate Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
B.A., Biology, University of San Diego
 

Associate Professor - Anatomy & Physiology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Medical Science, Tohoku University, Japan
B.A., Biochemistry, Damascus University, Syria
 

Professor - Biology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
B.A., Biology, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Dr. Kelly teaches a variety of field biology and environmental science classes at RVCC and is currently Chair of the Department of Science and Engineering. He is co-director of the RVCC Center for Environmental Studies, which provides opportunities for students to participate in local environmental research, restoration and stewardship projects. His research interests include the biology and conservation of rare plant species, the effects of overabundant deer, exotic invasive species, land use history and other factors impacting forests and other habitats in the region, and the development of evidence-based, ecological land management practices that seek to balance human activities with the needs of endangered and other species in the landscape. 
 

Professor - Biology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University  
B.S., Biology, Rutgers University 

Dr. Lenahan is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience teaching Biology, Genetics, and Cellular & Molecular Biology at RVCC. She emphasizes experiential learning through field trips, citizen science projects, and course undergraduate research experiences, including testing cancer drugs on cancer cell lines. She provides opportunities for students to author science communication articles and develop career readiness skills through ePortfolios and student-created learning artifacts. These learning opportunities are essential for students' success at RVCC and beyond. Dr. Lenahan focuses on evidence-based teaching practices and creating inclusive learning environments for all learners.
 

Instructor-Automotive Technology

Instructor - Chemistry
 
Academic degrees achieved:
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Miami
B.S., Chemistry, Nankai University 

Dr. Liu teaches a variety of chemistry classes and is the course coordinator for Organic Chemistry. With extensive experience in organic synthesis, he synthesized dozens of new organic molecules during his Ph.D. Prior to joining RVCC, he taught in various educational settings, from university and two-year college to high school and early college programs. He has also taught in prison, supporting incarcerated individuals in second-chance programs aimed at reducing recidivism. He focuses on inclusive teaching strategies and works effectively with diverse groups of students, acting as their ally and offering them a non-judgmental, safe learning space. Dr. Liu serves on RVCC’s DEI Committee and co-leads the Pride Employee Affinity Group. He is also active in the community to bring students the joy of chemistry and explore ways to inspire them in the STEM field.
 

Associate Professor of Physics

Academic degrees achieved: 
Ph.D., Physics, City University of New York
M.A., Physics, Queens College
M.Phil., Physics, City University of New York
B.A., Physics, Queens College
B.A., Applied Mathematics, Queens College

Dr. Nicolaides is a theoretical physicist and best-selling author. He loves teaching and is grateful to his students whose thirst for knowledge keeps him improving. His research covers a range of diverse interdisciplinary topics, including investigations of critical phenomena in physics, measuring the properties of pulsating stars and other objects in astronomy, analyzing the foundational laws of physics from a philosophical perspective, and understanding the historical evolution of ideas, including how natural philosophy gradually developed into the field of modern physics. His newest book, In Search of a Theory of Everything, explores the quest in modern physics for a theory that will explain all the phenomena of nature via a single immutable overarching law. His book, In the Light of Science, is an accessible presentation of the history of science and of science itself.
 

Professor - Engineering

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Materials Science, University of Naples, Italy
B.A., Chemical Engineering, University of Naples, Italy

Dr. Pompo is the Coordinator of the Engineering Program at RVCC and has been the Advisor of the Engineering Club (2007-2024) and the Society for Women Engineers Club (2018 - present). She has extensive research experience in Polymers and Cements and teaches a variety of engineering courses at RVCC. Dr. Pompo is passionate about teaching and attempts to create personal connections with each student in her courses, guiding them along their journey towards developing effective study habits crucial for excelling in technically demanding subjects. She has organized a yearly Engineering Alumni Reunion since 2008 and has been coordinating the successful “The Little Scientist Night” in partnership with the Pioneer Family Success Center of Somerville since 2018. 
 

Associate Professor - Biology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Microbial Biology, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
B.S., Microbiology, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Dr. Shah is a Geomicrobiologist, who is passionate about teaching biology and geology courses. In her teaching, she focuses on instructional strategies that foster student retention and success in introductory biology and geology courses, including the effective use of technology to enhance student engagement and meaningful discussions during class and outside of class. She strives to foster a growth mindset and instill life-long learning skills in her students and is strongly committed to creating an inclusive classroom environment. Since she started at RVCC, Dr. Shah has been organizing the STEM Annual Student Poster Session every spring semester. This event focuses on students presenting their research projects to RVCC community.
 

Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
B.S., Environmental Science, Brown University

Dr. Stander teaches a variety of Environmental Science and Biology courses at RVCC and is Coordinator for the Environmental Science Program. She is the director of RVCC’s Water Quality Laboratory and co-director of RVCC’s Center for Environmental Studies, both of which provide opportunities for students to participate in local environmental monitoring, stewardship, and research. She is also the faculty co-advisor of the student Environmental Club. Emilie is an ecosystem ecologist who specializes in urban and wetland ecology, water quality, stormwater management, and sustainability. Before coming to RVCC, Emilie spent six years in federal government at the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Agency for International Development.
 

Instructor - Chemistry

Academic Degrees Achieved:
M.Ed., Chemistry Education, DeSales University
B.A,. Biochemistry, Susquehanna University

 

Professor - Biology

Academic Degrees Achieved: 
Ph.D., Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison
B.S., Chemistry, Moravian University