Montgomery College

https://insidemc.montgomerycollege.edu 08-23-2026 08-23-2026

08-23-2026

Sunday, August 23, 2026

1 81e206b4-43f5-9284-1dd6-ada9eef75e3b1260632026-07-06 00:00:01.000Elizabeth FeldmanPart-time Faculty July SpotlightBy Liz Feldman on Behalf of the Part-Time Faculty Institute Ever since she was young, part-time faculty member Olivia Dickens has always had an interest in science, specifically biology. "Most people's gateway into science was outer space or dinosaurs. Mine was rainforests and plants. I have no clue how that happened. I had never seen a rainforest, but that is what I was interested in," Dickens said. She credits her parents for exposing her to different activities that sparked her interest. She visited a lot of museums. Dickens also went on trips to the zoo, where she could see people feed and handle animals. Her parents also would take her to science festivals. "I was more interested in events where I could move around, see a lot of different things, do hands on demonstrations, and listen to people speak about their fields," Dickens explained. The Prince George's County native attended Howard University as an undergraduate. She majored in physics. She later obtained her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. Dickens joined the College in 2023. She teaches Principles of Biology on the Rockville campus. It is a blended course, taught part remote and part in person. "My goal is to make virtual interactions for my course as dynamic as the in-person interactions," she said. Dickens became interested in teaching through some of her volunteer work at science expos and festivals. People attending those events would often ask her about demonstrations that were set up. "I realized I enjoyed explaining the demonstrations just as much as I enjoyed creating them. This is what first got me thinking about teaching," Dickens said. She has enjoyed her time at the College and interacting with the students. Some of her best experiences have come when students feel confident and comfortable enough to ask questions in class and challenge assumptions. "My favorite moments are all focused around engagement, both academic and non-academic. I like when students walk in the classroom excited to share updates on that job they applied for, or that video game level they were trying so hard to beat, or the adorable thing their child said to them that morning," Dickens explained. She hopes students will walk away from her class confident enough to ask questions and challenge assumptions. She also wants her students to be confident about collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing their own conclusions from it. Dickens said she has evolved as a teacher. She said she has had many mentors over the years. "I took the methods I most admired from each of them and repackaged it into the teaching style I use today," Dickens said. She knows working as a part-time faculty member can be challenging, and she has adopted a teaching philosophy that she believes pays off in the classroom. "Even though your time is limited, use it to be engaged. Make time to meet with students and find out what their interests are, and try to incorporate those interests into the class," Dickens explained. When Dickens is not teaching, she works full time in the biotechnology field. "Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that combines technology and biology to create and modify products. Advances in medicine, agriculture, scientific instrumentation can all be traced back to biotechnological innovation," Dickens said. Her specialty is molecular biology. Dickens work focuses on nucleic acid detection and quantitation which means detecting the precise measurement or estimate of the quantity, amount, or concentration of a particular substance. "My work detects specific sequences of DNA or RNA and I try to determine how much of it is in a sample of interest," Dickens said. While her interest in biology began decades ago, she is now working in a career she loves, and the icing on the cake is she also is able to share her vast knowledge with her students. Dickens does have some interests outside of her chosen field. She loves to garden, listen to music, read, fish, and go on bike rides.1OliviaDickens.pngattach/81e206b4-43f5-9284-1dd6-ada9eef75e3b/OliviaDickens.pngtn_0.pngattach/81e206b4-43f5-9284-1dd6-ada9eef75e3b/tn_0.pngdi_0.pngattach/81e206b4-43f5-9284-1dd6-ada9eef75e3b/di_0.pngEmployee Newselizabeth.feldman@montgomerycollege.edu301-646-8551 126063

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Montgomery Collegehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/Montgomery CollegeMonthly Career Workshop: Blueprint Your Pivot: Mapping Skills & Exploring IT PathsMonthly Career Workshop: Blueprint Your Pivot: Mapping Skills & Exploring IT Pathshttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/monthly-career-workshop-blueprint-your-pivot-mapping-skills--exploring-it-paths/60a45ba3-9190-46e1-9480-195082bf226aMon, 24 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT2026 Data Summit: From Insight to ImpactJoin colleagues from across the College as we use institutional data to align priorities, review FY26 progress, and identify FY27 actions that drive measurable outcomes through the Strategic Plan in support of Montgomery College's Transformational Aspirations. Wednesday, August 26, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/2026-data-summit-from-insight-to-impact/c76efd56-66cc-4b61-9400-42efbf3b6985Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMTNSO - Get ready for class: Your Textbook and Material (Virtual) New Student Orientationhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/nso---get-ready-for-class-your-textbook-and-material-virtual/022d2780-1dde-469f-b0f1-ccfb903c2a50Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMTPlant Sale - Environmental Horticulture ProgramPlant Sale: Location: Germantown Greenhouse Time: 2:30-5:30 p.m.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/plant-sale---environmental-horticulture-program-3/bd7aa1c6-df0b-46b5-bc28-9a9b0f2f5fe8Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMTRaptor Week - Coffee Cart with SGA A welcoming activity where students can grab coffee while meeting members of SGA. This provides an informal opportunity for students to learn about student government, ask questions, and find out how they can get involved on campus.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---coffee-cart-with-sga/542f0517-eeeb-40a7-a897-6af336ecb398Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMTRaptor Week - Snacks and Maps Students can stop by for a snack while receiving assistance navigating campus. This activity is especially helpful for new students who may need directions to classrooms, offices, and important campus resourcehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---snacks-and-maps/1bf500ad-d4b2-48fc-97ba-c48380d5c8e9Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMTRaptor Week - Photo Booth A fun welcome activity that allows students to take pictures and create memories during the first week of classes. It also helps create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere on campus.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---photo-booth/df4732ed-bc1f-470a-b155-c0a9dbe65ce6Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Snacks and Maps Students can pick up snacks and receive help finding their way around campus, making the transition into the new semester easier and more welcoming.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---snacks-and-maps-1/8f3403b3-80cb-4e36-8efa-61d9de3dc2a1Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMTRaptor Week - Find Your People: Learn About Clubs An opportunity for students to discover the different clubs and organizations available at Montgomery College. Students can learn how to join a club, meet others with similar interests, and become more involved in campus life.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---find-your-people-learn-about-clubs/c5969642-2a48-48b2-9f2a-c27dedfb29f1Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Student Government Association Meet and Greet Students can meet their Student Government Association representatives in a relaxed setting. The event introduces students to SGA, its role on campus, and opportunities to participate in student leadership.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---student-government-association-meet-and-greet/f0ddf82c-c14f-4a1d-92ae-28a49bf35dabTue, 01 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Evening Sandwiches A welcome activity specifically helping engage students who are on campus later in the day. Students can enjoy a sandwich while connecting with Student Life and learning more about available campus resources and activities.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---evening-sandwiches/2f3b7521-62c9-4681-84e6-b6436b5f05b5Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Learn About Slingshot Choice and How it Works with Your Classroom MaterialsAn informational event designed to help students understand Slingshot Choice and how the program works with their classroom materials. Students can ask questions and better understand how to access the materials needed for their courses.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---learn-about-slingshot-choice-and-how-it-works-with-your-classroom-materials/fd214c94-1747-439f-aaa0-ff3cc8237a14Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Student Activities Board's Vision Board A creative activity where students can create vision boards representing their personal, academic, or professional goals for the semester. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about SAB and connect with other students.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---student-activities-boards-vision-board/4a208be0-2275-47f1-bfda-d4fbfd48f289Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Student Government Association's Game Night & Groceries A fun and interactive event hosted by SGA where students can participate in games, socialize with their peers, and engage with student government while also having an opportunity to receive groceries.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---student-government-associations-game-night--groceries/129b3ce6-e29d-4959-bb8a-d0dce9b52878Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Library Tabling An informational table where students can learn about library services and resources available to support their academic success, including research assistance and other library resources.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---library-tabling/7de18e3d-7953-4b04-9c49-af8d51514e7dThu, 03 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Personalized Key Chains A creative activity where students can make or receive a personalized key chain. This provides a fun break between classes while encouraging students to interact and engage with Student Life.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---personalized-key-chains/d647f02a-aca3-463e-8efe-c48e7655a6c8Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Sidewalk Talk An interactive activity designed to encourage student participation, conversation, and connection on campus. It provides students with an informal way to share their thoughts and engage with the campus community.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---sidewalk-talk/a4a58d61-52e8-4045-a402-b6334887469dThu, 03 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-12/8e6579a6-8f11-4808-b642-e96d5d99bfcaThu, 03 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-13/1fb7d5ec-0859-4188-b12e-4a1e49c2a4e9Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMTRaptor Week - Student Activities Board's Trivia TitansA fun trivia competition hosted by the Student Activities Board. Students can test their knowledge, interact with other students, and enjoy an evening campus activity while learning more about SAB.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---student-activities-boards-trivia-titans/5b6d55f0-d6c8-4d1c-8729-8d0aa22a7bf4Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMTRaptor Week - First Year Student Welcome Lunch A welcoming lunch designed to support first-year students as they begin their college experience. Second-year students will share their experiences, advice, and things they wish they had known when they first started college.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/raptor-week---first-year-student-welcome-lunch/11a5eb76-6073-43a0-a079-58d3445a653aFri, 04 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMTYour Campus Adventure: Office Of Student Life Open House The Office of Student Life Open House invites students to explore the programs, events, resources, and involvement opportunities available through Student Lifehttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/your-campus-adventure-office-of-student-life-open-house/44b2d7ef-1f8a-48cc-adc4-8e38fa7f3096Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMTCarol Whitehill Moses Mobile Health Center at Rockville CampusThe Carol Whitehill Moses Mobile Health Center will be at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus to provide confidential health care to currently enrolled Montgomery College students, including credit and WDCE students. Thursday, September 10, and Thursday, September 24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/carol-whitehill-moses-mobile-health-center-at-rockville-campus/755bfb8d-3170-477d-8acf-1419c529e2fcThu, 10 Sep 2026 14:00:00 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 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-14/62eb46d1-127e-4a6d-a9d2-8cced73eff41Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-15/3768bb9c-4aea-44ee-a340-893cf0b200d5Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMTMonthly Career Workshop: Brand and Build: Creating Tech-Ready Resumes & LinkedIn ProfilesMonthly Career Workshop: Brand and Build: Creating Tech-Ready Resumes & LinkedIn Profileshttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/monthly-career-workshop-brand-and-build-creating-tech-ready-resumes--linkedin-profiles/85ffb53d-8be2-44bc-a3fa-2c0349078a7cMon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMTCarol Whitehill Moses Mobile Health Center at Rockville CampusThe Carol Whitehill Moses Mobile Health Center will be at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus to provide confidential health care to currently enrolled Montgomery College students, including credit and WDCE students. Thursday, September 10, and Thursday, September 24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/carol-whitehill-moses-mobile-health-center-at-rockville-campus-1/95940d1b-0c47-4eaf-a0f4-cd6d310b8bcaThu, 24 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMTAlumni Board of Governors MeetingThe MC Alumni Board of Governors meeting will take place at the Central Services building on Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. Located at 9221 Corporate Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850. Guests are welcome to attend. Please reach out to alumni@montgomerycollege.edu for more information and to RSVP.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/alumni-board-of-governors-meeting-5/9802b40d-7ef4-4ddf-a0e9-d3d79f92816dThu, 24 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMTClub Rush & Resource Fair Club Rush & Resource Fairhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/club-rush--resource-fair/2d3162a8-6367-4602-b992-93c7a4bbde68Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMTVolunteer Fair TP/SSVolunteer Fairhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/takoma-silver/event/volunteer-fair-tpss/f396c298-b11f-4518-9062-a686221d3a2fThu, 01 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-16/738b550d-3af1-4412-918c-03bc3e188885Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-17/d464dbb8-6041-4f03-92c1-2d92029ed4fbThu, 01 Oct 2026 21:00:00 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 GMTFall Alumni SocialJoin the MC Alumni Association on Wednesday, October 14 from 4-9 p.m. at Fallen Oak Distilling! Enjoy the opportunity to play games, win prizes, connect with former classmates, purchase alumni swag, and support MC scholarships. RSVP in advance: https://2026fallalumnisocial.rsvpify.com/https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/other/event/fall-alumni-social/780f7d93-b5e0-4ee3-b0e6-f2ea99989123Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-18/3a773e7c-b466-408e-bf94-477af67b364fThu, 15 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-19/803351b8-1085-48f3-86a9-7820c7fff9d4Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMTMonthly Career Workshop: The Hidden Tech Job Market: Networking Best Practices for Career ChangersMonthly Career Workshop: The Hidden Tech Job Market: Networking Best Practices for Career Changershttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/monthly-career-workshop-the-hidden-tech-job-market-networking-best-practices-for-career-changers/0630dff4-b0e9-4c0e-8ffc-de21891018d4Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-20/7789d5c7-5cbc-4eab-b92f-a0f4f1e220ccThu, 29 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-21/dad1ac50-64d5-4fc8-b1c1-f2cb5928b03aThu, 29 Oct 2026 21:00:00 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 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-22/f46098e3-4683-4c08-805a-3e8c60b3c944Thu, 12 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMTMobile Farmer's MarketFresh, affordable, locally grown produce is coming to the Pinkney Innovation Complex! Beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Mobile Farmers Market will be onsite every other Thursday, offering a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products at low cost.https://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/germantown/event/mobile-farmers-market-23/40b5cc1f-4f9c-48b7-9f9e-e10ac652ff62Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTMonthly Career Workshop: Own the Interview: Pitching Non-Traditional Experience as an IT Asset Monthly Career Workshop: Own the Interview: Pitching Non-Traditional Experience as an IT Assethttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/monthly-career-workshop-own-the-interview-pitching-non-traditional-experience-as-an-it-asset/b09c3c29-e8ed-4012-a572-ee107e04b2baMon, 16 Nov 2026 23:00:00 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 GMTMonthly Career Workshop: IT Tools Bootcamp: Get Hands-On with Tech Tools & AI Monthly Career Workshop: IT Tools Bootcamp: Get Hands-On with Tech Tools & AIhttps://go.activecalendar.com/montgomerycollege/site/rockville/event/monthly-career-workshop-it-tools-bootcamp-get-hands-on-with-tech-tools--ai/2f90927f-79be-404c-b4ae-53753bd370efMon, 14 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT