Aleandrea Duscher
PhD Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab
B.S. Marine Science and Environmental Studies, Eckerd College
Dr. Duscher first started her research career at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL on marine sponge disease. From there, she worked as a post-baccalaureate researcher on the metagenomics of stromatolite communities at the Space Life Sciences Lab (SLSL) in Merritt Island, FL . She continued work at the SLSL with her PhD on the impact of modeled microgravity on a beneficial squid-microbe relationship. Dr. Duscher then went on to conduct research as a postdoc at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience in St. Augustine, FL focused stem cell regeneration of a cnidarian model system before moving to Hampton Roads, VA where she studied the optimization of fish cell culture and sustainable aquaculture with Virginia Tech and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Dr. Duscher has previously taught various biology topics for the University of Florida and the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School.
Email: alexandrea.duscher@nhrec.org
Adem Guven
PhD & MA in Chemistry, Rice University
MS in Chemistry Education, Ege University, Turkiye
BS in Chemistry, Ege University, Turkiye
Tel:757-766-1100
Email: adem.guven@nhrec.org
Jiashi Hou
Ph.D. Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
M.S. Applied Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
B.S. Mathematics, Shanghai University of Science and Technology
Dr. Hou has taught college mathematics in the Tidewater area for more than two decades. These courses range from calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, differential equations to statistics. Dr. Hou has also mentored and advised many college students’ research projects.
Email:jiashi.hou@nhrec.org
Al Amin Kabir
Ph.D., Physics, Kent State University
M.S. & B.S., Dhaka University
Dr. Al Amin Kabir is an experimental physicist specializing in atomic and nuclear physics. He holds a Ph.D. from Kent State University and has over 15 years of teaching experience. His research focuses on nuclear structure, laser spectroscopy, and photonic materials, with support from the National Science Foundation and collaborations with national laboratories. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to both theoretical and applied physics. Dr. Kabir has held academic and research positions at Hampton University, Michigan State University, Dillard University, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
Tel:757-766-1100
Email: alamin.kabir@nhrec.org
Elena Kuchina
PhD Physical and Mathematical Science, Power Engineering Institute
MS & PhD Physics, Old Dominion University
BS & MS/MEd Physics, Kazakh State University
Dr. Kuchina has conducted Theoretical Research at Theory Group @Jefferson Lab, Paul Scherrer Institute, Power Engineering Institute, Nuclear Power Institute, and Experimental Research at Hall A Jefferson Lab. She has taught at Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport Institute, Virginia Peninsula Community College, Medical Career Institute, and Centura College.
Email: elena.kuchina@nhrec.org
Michael Menke
Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles
B.S. Mathemeatics, University of California, Riverside
Dr. Menke has spent time teaching at UCLA, Rutgers, VCU and Math Academy.
Email:michael.menke@nhrec.org
Jessica Notestine
PhD in Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University
MS in Mathematics, University of Connecticut
BS in Mathematics, Western New England University
Dr. Notestine has been teaching for 9 years. She has spent time teaching at the University of Connecticut, Walsingham Academy, North Carolina State University, and Durham Technical Community College.
Mary Patterson
Ph.D. Pathobiology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
B.S. Genetics and Development, University of Illinois
Dr. Mary Chelberg Patterson graduated with distinction from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, having earned her B.S. degree in Genetics and Development. Her Ph.D. in Pathobiology, with a minor in Genetics, was earned at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. Her post-doctoral fellowship was at the University of Minnesota, in the Departments of Biochemistry and Orthopedic Surgery. Prior to dedicating her energies to teaching, she had published research in the journals Cancer Research, J. Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and J. Anatomy.
Dr. Patterson has been teaching Advanced Biological Analysis since 2014 at the Governor’s School. She previously spent three years as the instructor for Research Methodology and Ethics.
Email:mary.patterson@nhrec.org
Kristin Spires
MEd -Secondary Education, University of Florida
Gifted Education Endorsement – Ball State University
B.A. – English, University of Florida
A veteran teacher, Mrs. Spires has taught at the secondary level since 1995. After receiving her endorsement in gifted education, she spent the thirteen years as the secondary gifted resource teacher for York County School Division. In her spare time, Mrs. Spires likes to try new recipes and be on or around the water.
Email:kristin.spires@nhrec.org
Gaelan Venturi
M.S. Computer Science, Old Dominion University
B.S. Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics, Old Dominion University
B.S. Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics/Biostatistics, Old Dominion University
Email:gaelan.venturi@nhrec.org
Laura Vobrak
EdS Educational Leadership and Administration, The George Washington University
M.S. Curriculum & Instruction, Old Dominion University
B.A. English, California State University, Chico
Ms. Vobrak began her teaching career as an English teacher in Korea. Her passion is teaching composition and research courses at both the high school and college level. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and reading.
Email:laura.vobrak@nhrec.org
Dennis Weygand
Ph.D. High Energy Particle Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse University, Syracuse NY
B.S. Physics and Mathematics, Hofstra University, Uniondale NY
Dr. Weygand spent 20 years at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, NY conducting experiments at the Brookhaven Alternating Gradient Synchrotron and also at the CERN Intersecting Storage Ring collider (ISR) in Geneva, Switzerland. After leaving BNL he moved to Jefferson Laboratory in Newport News, VA where he performed experiments at the Cebaf Large Angle Spectrometer (CLAS). During his tenure at national labs he also held adjunct positions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Florida State University, the University of Massachusetts, Vanderbilt University, and the University of South Carolina advising graduate students. He has taught physics as an adjunct professor at Thomas Nelson Community College, and has held teaching positions at Christopher Newport University and Old Dominion University.
Email:dennis.weygand@nhrec.org
Vikki Wismer
M.S. Elementary Education specializing in Montessori Studies: Loyola College
B.A. Public Affairs/Administrative Justice: American University
Advance Professional Certificate Administration/Supervision: Trinity College
Professional Background
- 2008- 2020 Director New Horizons Governor’s School for Science & Technology (GSST)
- 30 years of experience in the field of education with a diverse background in business
- Principal/Change Agent for two magnet secondary/elementary public schools in Maryland Professional Background (cont’d.)
- Governor’s Citation: Recognized for impressive dedication to instructional leadership in Maryland Public Schools (2 years)
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Teacher Advisory Committee
- Collaborated with the History Channel to publish Save Our History – The Star-Spangled Banner Project: distributed to 80,000 elementary school teachers nationwide
- Currently, Ms. Wismer serves as Vice/Past President of the Virginia Consortium of Gifted Education Administrators, Student Recruitment
- Chair for ODU Computer Science Advisory Board, founding partner of the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative and member of National
- Consortium of Specialized STEM Schools (NCSSS)
Email:vikki.l.wismer@nhrec.org
Deidre Yee
M.A. in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport (NY, 2012)
Certificate in Gifted Education from James Madison University (2020)
Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from George Washington University (2021)
B.A. in Adolescent Mathematics Education from Keuka College (NY, 2007)
Mrs Yee has been teaching at the Governor’s School since 2013 and has previously taught PreCalculus, Applied Calculus, and Calculus.
Email:deidre.yee@nhrec.org