757-766-1100

Faculty

Alexandrea 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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3311

Adem Guven

PhD & MA in Chemistry, Rice University

MS in Chemistry Education, Ege University, Turkiye

BS in Chemistry, Ege University, Turkiye

Dr. Adem Guven earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Chemistry from Rice University, with research experience in carbon nanomaterials, materials science, and biomedical applications. He also holds an M.S. in Chemistry Education and a B.S. in Chemistry from Ege University in Türkiye. Before joining the Governor’s School for Science and Technology, Dr. Guven conducted postdoctoral research in Spain and served as an Assistant Professor teaching chemistry and chemical processing technologies. He teaches Advanced Chemical Analysis with a focus on hands-on laboratory learning, data analysis, scientific reasoning, and real-world applications of chemistry.

Tel: (757)766-1100 Ext. 3320

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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3316

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 Ext. 3312

Deniz Kaya

PhD  Physics University of Massachusetts, Amherst
 
BS Physics Bogazici University
 
Dr. Deniz Kaya earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Bogazici University and his Ph.D. in Physics from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where his research focused on polymer physics, soft matter, and nanostructured materials with interdisciplinary applications in materials science and nanotechnology. He conducted postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University in complex materials and colloidal systems. Dr. Kaya has extensive college-level teaching experience, with particular emphasis on freshman physics courses and laboratory instruction. He has taught undergraduate and graduate level physics courses, led laboratory sections, and supported large-enrollment foundational classes, helping students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimental skills. In addition to undergraduate instruction, Dr. Kaya has mentored and advised Master’s and Ph.D. students, guiding their research projects.
 

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. x3319

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.

 

Michael Menke

 

Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles

B.S. Mathematics, University of California, Riverside

Dr. Menke has spent time teaching at UCLA, Rutgers, VCU  and Math Academy.

 

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3302

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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3328

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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3324

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 

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3392

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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3308

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.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3366

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)

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3313

Deidre Yee

M.A. in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport

Certificate in Gifted Education from James Madison University

Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from George Washington University

B.A. in Adolescent Mathematics Education from Keuka College

Mrs Yee received her Bachelor’s in Adolescent Mathematics Education from Keuka College and Masters in Mathematics from the State University of New York, College at Brockport prior to moving to Virginia. She has taught in the Hampton Roads region since 2009, and has been at the Governor’s School since 2013. During her time at the Governor’s School, she has pursued continuing education with online certificates in Gifted Education through James Madison University and Educational Leadership and Administration through George Washington University, and did adjunct work with Christopher Newport University and Virginia Peninsula Community College. She is currently teaching PreCalculus and Calculus and serves as the dual enrollment liaison with Virginia Peninsula Community College.

Tel: (757)766-1100 ext. 3394