Montgomery College

https://insidemc.montgomerycollege.edu 05-16-2026 05-16-2026

05-16-2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026

1 50c04b18-3859-6864-edcd-04b13ee617531255582026-05-04 00:00:01.000Elizabeth FeldmanPart-time Faculty May SpotlightBy Liz Feldman on Behalf of the Part-Time Faculty Institute "Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion."-Lorraine Anderson, free-lance writer and editor. This quote captures the spirit and career of part-time faculty member Amy Wynia. She is a conservationist, environmentalist, avian expert, and naturalist. Wynia has taught several courses in Biology since joining the College in 2020. Those include Principles of Biology I, Natural Science of the Chesapeake Bay, and Environmental Biology. Wynia lives in Cedar Springs, Michigan and only teaches remotely. She joined the College when the pandemic struck. The Biology Department had a remote teaching job available and hired Wynia. She has been part of the College community ever since. She grew up in Michigan and became interested in wildlife when she was a child. She and her father would spend time outdoors, and Wynia developed a love for nature. After finishing high school, Wynia attended the University of Rhode Island where she earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Wildlife Conservation Biology. She also minored in Botany. She then went on to earn her Masters of Science in Biology with a focus in Ornithology from Arkansas State University. Wynia then pursued her doctorate in Biology with a focus in Ornithology from the University of North Texas. Wynia is an avian ecologist. She loves studying and learning about birds. Her favorite bird is the Magellanic Woodpecker. She studied this species as part of her dissertation research in southern Chile. "They are the largest woodpeckers in South America, and in my opinion are a charismatic and striking species. The male has a bright, red head, and the female has a black curly crest. I not only appreciate their beauty, but the value they bring to their ecosystems," Wynia explained. She is not a fan of House Sparrows or other invasive species. Wynia does not appreciate birds that she said "outcompete native species for resources." Studying nature is not a risk free adventure. Wynia conducted a lot of fieldwork as she pursued her graduate degrees. While in Arkansas, "I was working in forests with many dangerous and sometimes difficult species. I encountered bears, alligators, feral hogs, venomous snakes, poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks. Not all these species were scary, but they definitely made fieldwork more interesting and challenging," she said. While people routinely see birds flying in the air, individuals may not know how important they are in nature. "Birds have instrumental value to people. For example birds help pollinate plants, disperse seeds, reduce human stress, and provide aesthetic value. Birds are essentially the only taxonomic group that is easy to observe in many habitats. We can find birds on every continent," Wynia said. She explained birds have many interesting behaviors. For example, crows can remember people's faces and can solve puzzles. "Many avian species can mimic sounds and words, and many make incredibly intricate nests. Unfortunately many avian species have declined and are threatened due to climate change," she said. Wynia enjoys passing on her knowledge about nature to her students. When she was an undergraduate, she was inspired to teach by her Wetland Ecology Professor, Dr. Frank Golet. "He was an amazing professor who cared deeply about his students, and I wanted to instill that passion, excitement, and care in students," Wynia said. "I hope students experience my enthusiasm for science and teaching. I hope it inspires them to find something about which they are equally passionate and enthusiastic. I also hope students experience a relaxing, respectful environment where diverse backgrounds are welcome," Wynia explained. She holds her students to high standards while making sure they reach their academic goals. "I want them to be successful professionally and personally which is why I stress the importance of deadlines, professional communication, and advocating for themselves. I want my students to finish my course with a strong understanding of the material. I also want them to know I cared about them and supported them to the best of my ability," Wynia said. When Wynia is not teaching, she enjoys observing birds in nature and being outdoors. She also enjoys traveling and learning new cultures. In addition, she said she loves to cook, bake, camp, hike and curl up with a good book.1AmyWynia.pngattach/50c04b18-3859-6864-edcd-04b13ee61753/AmyWynia.pngtn_0.pngattach/50c04b18-3859-6864-edcd-04b13ee61753/tn_0.pngdi_0.pngattach/50c04b18-3859-6864-edcd-04b13ee61753/di_0.pngEmployee Newselizabeth.feldman@montgomerycollege.edu301-646-8551 125558

Monday, May 4, 2026

emailArticle.php?articleToEmail=125558

details.php?id=125558&title=Part-time_Faculty_May_Spotlight

0Employee Newsemployeenews

Montgomery Collegehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/Montgomery CollegeFree Paying for Education & Training WorkshopThe TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) offers in-person Paying for Education & Training workshops at WorkSource Montgomery (Wheaton) on the third Tuesday of every month. All workshops are free and open to the public.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-paying-for-education--training-workshop-2/0a637684-0142-45fd-9186-7bb41da7a5fcTue, 19 May 2026 19:30:00 GMTPIC MC Community Connect Networking Event Launches a platform for informal dialogue and community-building, as well as casual networking. Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/110276270921https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/pic-mc-community-connect-networking-event-5/fe324d93-d17f-4733-9685-baf7301927aeWed, 20 May 2026 12:30:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Amharic)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in Amharic are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-sessionhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-amharic-2/914d75bd-7501-47e5-879f-1392532e1b7cWed, 20 May 2026 22:00:00 GMTCommencementExceptional Education demands an extraordinary celebration. To honor your incredible achievement and provide the best possible experience for you and your loved ones, we are adding a second ceremony day. This means more personalized recognition, better seating for guests, and a truly memorable eventhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/commencement-5/ab4b406d-742c-4ac9-a830-29eea0c510a2Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 GMTPIC MC Presents: The Tour (Group A)Bi-monthly facility tours. Sign-up here: https://luma.com/homehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/pic-mc-presents-the-tour-group-a-4/90e91ad4-e8cb-4b63-b635-2e27f10a2df1Thu, 21 May 2026 17:00:00 GMTCommencementExceptional Education demands an extraordinary celebration. To honor your incredible achievement and provide the best possible experience for you and your loved ones, we are adding a second ceremony day. This means more personalized recognition, better seating for guests, and a truly memorable eventhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/commencement-6/0699dd1d-3dbe-4b4e-b67b-eee26f16dee4Fri, 22 May 2026 14:00:00 GMTCancelled - The Brand Accelerator: Your Business Reimagined for SuccessA free, 6-week intensive digital marketing course for entrepreneurs of the Arts and Humanities at the ignITe Hub! Join the instructor, Lateasa Polito, Owner and Creative Curator, Polito & Co, for an exciting HYBRID learning experience.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/the-brand-accelerator-your-business-reimagined-for-success-19/238a2310-ed6c-4d96-b903-5871e96b3f72Tue, 26 May 2026 22:30:00 GMTFree GED Prep and Pathways Workshop at Wheaton LibraryGet help preparing for the GED through free workshops offered in both English and Spanish. These sessions are designed to support adult learners in building the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the GED exam.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-ged-prep-and-pathways-workshop-at-wheaton-library/26dd61e4-ea88-4e04-96e6-4361b59bd9ddThu, 28 May 2026 17:00:00 GMTCancelled - The Brand Accelerator: Your Business Reimagined for SuccessA free, 6-week intensive digital marketing course for entrepreneurs of the Arts and Humanities at the ignITe Hub! Join the instructor, Lateasa Polito, Owner and Creative Curator, Polito & Co, for an exciting HYBRID learning experience.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/the-brand-accelerator-your-business-reimagined-for-success-20/33508c96-c081-4702-acf4-0e6c0cc4290cThu, 28 May 2026 22:30:00 GMTFree GED Ready Practice Test (Registration Required)The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Montgomery College provides the Free Official GED® READY Practice Test at no cost twice a month at the Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/free-ged-ready-practice-test-registration-required-6/79caef67-a20e-4333-b30e-572622ea71aeFri, 29 May 2026 16:30:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Spanish)TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) organiza sesiones informativas virtuales mensuales gratuitas en inglés, español y amárico. Las sesiones informativas virtuales de TRIO EOC son gratuitas y abiertas al público. Las sesiones en español se celebran el primer lunes de cada mes.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-spanish-3/2482f699-0245-4d65-82a0-f0f562930bb2Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMTHybrid Career WorkshopsThe ignITe Hub in partnership with Career Catchers, Inc. will provide individualized career coaching and monthly career workshops. Each month a hybrid workshop will be presented with a different job readiness topic or skill. These services are free and open to the general public.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/hybrid-career-workshops-future-proof-mastering-your-transferable-skills-4/ed5f06fb-e933-4622-9c64-452979a8f1d0Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMTJoin us for MC’s Paying for College Series!- How to Avoid Having Your Courses Deleted for NonpaymentGet practical advice on staying enrolled and managing payment deadlines.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/join-us-for-mcs-paying-for-college-series--how-to-avoid-having-your-courses-deleted-for-nonpayment/ed397b06-9859-48bb-9665-d85cc47a67dbWed, 10 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-4/feda0df0-820d-4064-a62f-0633942ca4ebThu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMTFree Paying for Education & Training WorkshopThe TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) offers in-person Paying for Education & Training workshops at WorkSource Montgomery (Wheaton) on the third Tuesday of every month. All workshops are free and open to the public.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-paying-for-education--training-workshop-3/9649570f-0160-4db7-abcc-88930d4efd45Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:30:00 GMTAuthor Talk and Book Signing with Lisa See. Sponsored by the English and Reading Department, Women's and Gender Studies Program and People's Book. Montgomery college welcomes New York Times bestselling author Lisa See. Her new book draws on the vibrancy and turmoil of post-Civil War Los Angeles to tell the story of three Chinese women who managed to survive and eventually, thrive, despite all odds.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/author-talk-and--book-signing-with-lisa-see-sponsored-by-the-english-and-reading-department-womens-and-gender-studies-program-and-peoples-book/2b0b5d85-9f42-4a84-9067-f3ede48f118aTue, 16 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Amharic)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in Amharic are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-sessionhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-amharic-3/fa7c952a-1ee2-4e95-8a96-a649275087c3Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMTPIC MC Presents: The Tour (Group B)Regular and predictable tours enhance used to create institutional awareness. Sign up here: https://luma.com/homehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/pic-mc-group-b-tours-4/26ea8bf6-58f2-45f8-923d-143cae5cf28cThu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMTMontgomery College Alumni Networking EventJoin us for a relaxed networking event designed specifically for recent MC alumni! Don’t miss out on this special event, offered specifically for Montgomery College alumni who graduated or last took classes since 2016. At Pinstripes in North Bethesda, on Thursday, Jun 18 from 5-9 p.m.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/montgomery-college-alumni-networking-event/ca4c583d-0efa-470b-babf-669346bc2951Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMTFree GED Prep and Pathways Workshop at Wheaton LibraryGet help preparing for the GED through free workshops offered in both English and Spanish. These sessions are designed to support adult learners in building the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the GED exam.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-ged-prep-and-pathways-workshop-at-wheaton-library-1/d7887351-8e1d-4b93-b249-f6e103ae68a7Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Spanish)TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) organiza sesiones informativas virtuales mensuales gratuitas en inglés, español y amárico. Las sesiones informativas virtuales de TRIO EOC son gratuitas y abiertas al público. Las sesiones en español se celebran el primer lunes de cada mes.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-spanish-4/ac04f004-b61f-4140-b353-09ce63e53d45Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-5/5608288e-0906-4227-ae9d-d445cb1e34c1Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Amharic)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in Amharic are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-sessionhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-amharic-4/ec052720-6511-4caf-9073-bb81f7a10269Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMTFree Paying for Education & Training WorkshopThe TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) offers in-person Paying for Education & Training workshops at WorkSource Montgomery (Wheaton) on the third Tuesday of every month. All workshops are free and open to the public.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-paying-for-education--training-workshop-4/c3fa076b-5b66-4915-83fa-54dd9901808eTue, 21 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMTRaptor Ready Scholarship DeadlineMontgomery College is providing a $1,000 tuition scholarship to Montgomery County residents who are spring 2026 graduates from a Montgomery County high school, and who register for and attend six credit hours in the fall 2026 semester at MC or fall courses in one of the selected WDCE programs.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/academic/event/raptor-ready-scholarship-deadline/879f589d-a24f-488a-8c5b-2ffca765a7a3Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Spanish)TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) organiza sesiones informativas virtuales mensuales gratuitas en inglés, español y amárico. Las sesiones informativas virtuales de TRIO EOC son gratuitas y abiertas al público. Las sesiones en español se celebran el primer lunes de cada mes.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-spanish-5/6996df7e-4259-4dd0-aae4-a8c4d6fdf5feMon, 03 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-6/5f9a8b9a-a564-48b2-91a6-48220cffa8dbThu, 13 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMTFree Paying for Education & Training WorkshopThe TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) offers in-person Paying for Education & Training workshops at WorkSource Montgomery (Wheaton) on the third Tuesday of every month. All workshops are free and open to the public.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/free-paying-for-education--training-workshop-5/e1136d8c-7e3e-4f07-affe-1e08ee442e40Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (Amharic)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in Amharic are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-sessionhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-amharic-5/cd2503a9-a74d-4c18-8064-ce8e9e8c7038Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-7/f478eafb-efa2-4279-a798-ac69a3484d28Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-8/159e1567-8644-413f-83a0-e100c91a3b86Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-9/00e8874c-2c04-44e9-87ae-7876f80cd3acThu, 12 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMTTRIO EOC Virtual Information Session (English)TRIO EOC virtual information sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in English are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Register for a session here: https://bit.ly/eoc-information-session-englishhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/trio-eoc-virtual-information-session-english-10/e2764842-ebec-49c1-9378-ec124d435c72Thu, 10 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT