Science & Engineering

Science & Engineering

Department Overview
The Science and Engineering Department offers students opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, both online classes and face-to-face, to develop the knowledge and skills to pursue successful careers in STEM fields. Employment opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) are among the most sought-after in the nation. The average STEM salary in New Jersey is $52,800. In New Jersey alone, 269,000 STEM and STEM-related jobs will need to be filled by 2018.

Our courses are taught by highly trained faculty in small classes that foster direct student-faculty engagement. As a student you have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research projects and become involved in numerous student clubs and events within the Department that will enhance your knowledge of science.

Our graduates have continued their education at such prestigious colleges and universities as Cornell University, University of California at Berkeley, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rutgers University.

Two New Programs

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Associate of Applied Science degree program was created in partnership with LabCorp to provide students with a direct pathway to a great career in the healthcare industry.  Through a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction and offsite clinical experiences, students will learn how to perform diagnostic laboratory tests used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.  This program will prepare students for national certification and immediate employment.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Associate of Science degree program is perfect for students with an interest in engineering who prefer hands-on instruction and applied technical problem solving.  This program includes instruction in RVCC’s state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and was designed for seamless transfer into NJIT’s Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree program in either the Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering track.

Discovering the Possibilities

Are you curious? Do you have an analytical mind? Are you creative and enjoy solving problems? Do you like working in teams? A career in science or engineering may be just right for you. The Science and Engineering Department has programs designed for transfer to a four-year school or direct entry into the workforce.  Step into a state-of-the-art lab in the expanded Whitman Science Center and you’ll experience the energy, passion, and commitment our outstanding faculty have for teaching and scientific discovery.

Degree Programs

Full Time Faculty

Bio

Professor - Anatomy & Physiology

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

Area of Expertise
Anatomy & Physiology
Email
Bio

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
 

Area of Expertise
Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
Email
Bio

Professor - Chemistry

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

Area of Expertise
General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry
Email
Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Coordinator for Mechanical Engineering Technology Program
Email
Bio

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

Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Automotive Technology & Repair
Email
Bio

Associate Professor

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

Area of Expertise
Anatomy & Physiology
Email
Bio

Associate Professor - Anatomy & Physiology

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

Area of Expertise
Anatomy & Physiology, Stem Cells biology, Cancer Biology, Cellular & Molecular Biology
Email
Bio

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. 
 

Area of Expertise
Ecology & Conservation
Email
Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Cell Biology, Genetics, Cancer Biology
Email
Bio

Instructor-Automotive Technology

Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Organic Chemistry
Organic Synthesis
Email
Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Theoretical Physics
Email
Bio

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. 
 

Area of Expertise
Engineering & Materials Science
Email
Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, molecular biology and genomics
Email
Bio

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.
 

Area of Expertise
Ecosystem Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Green Stormwater Management, Water Resources Management, International Development
Email
Bio

Instructor - Chemistry

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

 

Area of Expertise
Chemistry
Email
Bio

Professor - Biology

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

Area of Expertise
Educational Technology, Flipped Classroom, Microbiology Education
Email

Adjunct Faculty

Raritan Valley Community College online courses, as well as face-to-face classes, are taught by accomplished adjunct and full-time faculty.

Hamid Alouach  Hamid.alouach@raritanval.edu

Jephte Augustin  Jephte.augustin@raritanval.edu
B.S., M.S., PHD., Mechanical Engineer, Drexel University

Patricia Bakos     pbakos@raritanval.edu
Master of Science in Human Nutrition, Columbia University 
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Montclair State University 
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Rutgers University, Rutgers College 

Pete Barra     Peter.Barra@RaritanVal.edu
A.S. Chemistry, Middlesex County College  
B.A. Biology, Rutgers University  
M.A.T.L. Instructional Technology, Nova Southeastern University

John Campetella  John.campetella@raritanval.edu
B.S., M.S., College of Staten Island

Shuang Chen  Shuang.chen@raritanval.edu
B.E., Chemical and Molecular Engineering, Stony Brook University
Ph.D., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University

Denise L. Cullerton     denise.cullerton@raritanval.edu
M.S. Chemistry, Rutgers University Graduate Teaching Certification, Chemistry 7-12, Southern Connecticut State University 
M.S. Textile Chemistry, Clemson University B.S. with Distinction Textile Science, University of Delaware

Robert A. Del Vecchio     robert.delvecchio@raritanval.edu
M.S. Biology, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Peter H. Dobbelaar, Ph.D.     peter.dobbelaar@raritanval.edu
B.A., Drew University M.S., Seton Hall University 
Ph.D., Seton Hall University

Jeffrey Fox  Jeffrey.fox@raritanval.edu
B.S., Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, University of Maryland
M.S., Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University

Chrismol George  Chrismol.george@raritanval.edu
M.B.B.S., Medical, JJM Medical College
M.S., Biology, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Alireza Gharavi Alireza.gharavi@raritanval.edu
B.S., University of New Orleans
PHD., Tulane University

Jonathan Harris  Jonathan.harris@raritanval.edu
B.S., Rutgers University
M.S. North Carolina State University

Sharareh Hashemi  Sharareh.hashemi@raritanval.edu
M.S., Rutgers University

Gregory Herman  Gregory.herman@raritanval.edu
M.S., University of Connecticut
PHD., Rutgers University

Mary Ho  Mary.ho@raritanval.edu
B.S., Biological Science (Biochemistry), Cornell University
Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania

Craig A Hoppe     Craig.Hoppe@raritanval.edu
Ph.D, Johns Hopkins University
M.S., Case Western Reserve University 
M.S.,The Ohio State University 
B.A., The College of Wooster

Olugbenga Ige  Olugbenga.ige@raritanval.edu
M.A., Teaching, William Patterson University
PHD., Geology, Nigeria

Lois A. Johnson ljohnson@raritanval.edu
PhD. Meteoritics, Rutgers University
M.S. Soil Mineralogy, Cook College, Rutgers Univeristy
B.S. Agronomy, Cook College, Rutgers University

Arthur V. Ketterer  akettere@raritanval.edu
B.S., Stevens Institute of Technology MEE New York University 
M.S. Mathematics, Stevens Institute of Technology

John Koscinski  John.koscinski@raritanval.edu
B.S., M.S., Monmouth University

Lawrence B. Kramer  lkramer@raritanval.edu
B.S., Albright College
Ph.D., Rutgers University

Gayathri Varior Krishnan    gvarior@raritanval.edu
PhD. Molecular Immunology and Virology, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France

Edlynn Lewis   edlynn.lewis@raritanval.edu
Doctor of Medicine, University of Perpetual Help-Rizal  
B.S. Biology, De La Salle University

Priya Mangano   priya.mangano@raritanval.edu
B.S. Biology, The College of New Jersey 2006 
M.S. Secondary Science, The College of New Jersey 2008

Grace G. Martin. MS, RD   ggmartin1@comcast.net
B.A., St. John's University, Psychology 
M.S., Rutgers University, Food and Nutrition

Jolene Mason  Jolene.mason@raritanval.edu
B.S., M.S., Biological Science, California State University
Ph.D., University of California

Gorky Massache Gorky.massache@raritanval.edu
B.A., Biology, Kean University
D.C., Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College

Clare McEnroe   cmcenroe@raritanval.edu
B.S. Home Economics, Montclair State College 
M.S. Clinical Nutrition, New York University 
Teacher certification in Family and Consumer Science,St. Peter's University

Nicholas Milton  Nicholas.milton@raritanval.edu

Frank Minnella Frank.minnella@raritanval.edu
B.S.A.S.T., Architectural Design, Thomas Edison State College

Ahmed Mohamed  Ahmed.mohamed@raritanval.edu
M.S., PHD., Queen’s University

Buvaneswari Narayanan  Buvaneswari.narayanan@raritanval.edu
PHD., University of Maryland College Park

Yelena Naumova   ynaumova@raritanval.edu
B.S./M.S. Chemistry, St-Petersburg State University 
M.S. Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College 
Ph.D. Environmental Science, Rutgers University

Allan Phillip Piechowski   allan.piechowski@raritanval.edu
B.S. Chemistry, Villanova University 
M.S. Analytical Chemistry, Rutgers University 
Ph.D. Physical Chemistry  

Kathy Piparo   kpiparo@raritanval.edu
B.S. Biochemistry, Douglass College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Diane Ratner   diane.ratner@raritanval.edu
B.A. Biology, Bucknell University 
M.S. Athletic Training, California University of Pennsylvania

Renee Rehfuss  Renee.rehfuss@raritanval.edu
B.A., Kean University
M.S., Montclair State University

Tanya Rohrbach   Tanya.Rohrbach@raritanval.edu
B.A. Biology, Rutgers University 
M.S. Geography, Rutgers University

Anthony Rosania   Anthony.Rosania@raritanval.edu
UBCC    DC

Brenda Rosenau  Brenda.rosenau@raritanval.edu
B.S., Ball State University
M.S., University of Mass Amherst

Sandhya Royan  Sandhya.royan@raritanval.edu
PHD., Northern Illinois University

Arpita Saha   arpita.saha@raritanval.edu
M.S. Biology, Visva Bhararti University

Seema M Sahni   ssahni@raritanval.edu
PhD (Organic Chemistry), Simon Fraser University, B.C. Canada

Shyamali Hiranthi Samaranayake   ssamaran@raritanval.edu
M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Selections
PhD. Plant Science and Biology

Aqsa Sheikh Aqsa.sheikh@raritanval.edu
B.S., Kean University

David A. Smith   DavidA.Smith@raritanval.edu
B.S. Administration of Justice / Psychology, Rutgers University Master of Architecture

Emmelina Stanescu  Emmelina.stanescu@raritanval.edu
M.S., Fairleigh Dickinson University

Viveca Sulich   Viveca.Sulich@raritanval.edu
B.S. Biology, Montclair State University 
M.A. Biology, Montcllair State University

Gregory Suran   hsuran@raritanval.edu
M.S. Physics and Teaching, Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine
Physics Graduate School of Education, Rutgers State University, Specialist in Education

Muzaffer Tabanli  Muzaffer.tabanli@raritanval.edu
M.S., Missouri University of Science & Technology
Darcy Taylor  Darcy.taylor@raritanval.edu
B.S., Environmental Science, Nazareth College of Rochester
Ed.M., Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Dr. Ann Tilak   atilak@raritanval.edu
Ph.D - IIT, Kanpur, India (consortium of 9 American Universites)

Gayathri Varior-Krishnan    gvarior@raritanval.edu
PhD. Molecular Immunology and Virology, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France

Cristiane Veloso Neves Hermont  Cristiane.hermont@raritanval.edu
B.A., Psychology, Federal University of Minas, Brazil

Jerry Vinski   jvinski@raritanval.edu
M.S. Science Education, Clarion University

Jonathan Wagar  Jonathan.wagar@raritanval.edu
B.S., Stockton University; M.F., Yale University

Yue Wang  Yue.wang@raritanval.edu
M.A., Eugene Lang College

Karen Weiner  Karen.weiner@raritanval.edu
B.A., Biology, Colgate University
M.S., Ph.D., Biochemistry, Albany College of Pharmacy

Department Staff

DEPARTMENT STAFF INFORMATION

Marve Luz Pereira
Department Assistant
908-526-1200, x8817
marveluz.pereira@raritanval.edu 
 

LAB STAFF INFORMATION

Jacqueline Drummer
Director of Laboratory Services
Ed.D.  Educational Leadership, Rowan University
M.P.A. Public Administration and Leadership, Centenary University
B.S. Biology, Thomas Edison State University
SC-126
jacqueline.drummer@raritanval.edu

Jon Eppler
Chemistry Lab Assistant 
B.S. Chemistry, Montclair State University
SC-249 
jon.eppler@raritanvalley.edu

Justin Farischon
Physics & Engineering Lab Assistant
M.S. Electrical Engineering, NJIT
B.S. Physics, Rutgers University
B.A. Mathematics, Rutgers University
SC-152
justin.farischon@raritanval.edu

Karen Finnerty
MLT Laboratory Assistant
A.A.S Medical Laboratory Technology, The College of Staten Island-CUNY
SC-220 
karen.finnerty@raritanval.edu

Morgan Mangee
Biology Lab Assistant 
B.S. Environmental Science, Delaware Valley University 
SC-217
morgan.mangee@raritanval.edu

Terrence Murphy
Chemistry Lab Assistant
M.S. School of Science, University of Connecticut
B.S.  School of Science, University of Connecticut
SC-249
terencemurphy@raritanval.edu

Martha L. Salas
Laboratory Assistant III - Molecular Biology
M.S. Biotechnology Science, Kean University
B.S. Biology with Emphasis in Genetics, Universidad del Valle
SC-211A
martha.salas@raritanval.edu

 

 

Latest News From Campus

Blog The Beauty of Reinvention: Meet Adult Learner Vashaya Ramsey Posted Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Read More arrow icon
Link to The Beauty of Reinvention: Meet Adult Learner Vashaya Ramsey
News Releases Students Save Money, Benefit from Customized Course Materials with Use of Free Educational Resources Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Read More arrow icon
Link to Students Save Money, Benefit from Customized Course Materials with Use of Free Educational Resources
News Releases Biology Professor Receives Social Learning Innovator Award in STEM Posted Thursday, October 17, 2024
Read More arrow icon
Link to Biology Professor Receives Social Learning Innovator Award in STEM