In today's fast-changing world, careers in science, technology, engineering, math are hotter than ever. Whether you're interested in computers, chemistry, or any of our degree programs, you'll expand your options and engage your talents.
Our programs run the gamut from earth science to engineering. Oakton's pre-major curriculum and host of transfer agreements provide excellent preparation for transferring to a four-year college.
Whichever program you choose, you'll work with dedicated teachers in facilities that offer the latest in technological advancement.
At Oakton, we offer a special Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program to prepare you for a career in a STEM field or to provide a springboard for transferring to a four-year college or university. Studying a STEM field such as biology, computer science, engineering or physics unlocks your potential to:
In our STEM program, you will have access to a variety of opportunities and resources as you delve into these important and interesting subjects. Our program has been cited by the New York Times as one of the top community college STEM programs in the country.
Furthermore, our Center for Promoting STEM is widely respected and was established in 2006 to increase the number of students who pursue studies and receive a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The goals of CP-STEM are:
So if you're looking to increase your knowledge and skill in the scientific fields and prepare for a rewarding career, Oakton's STEM program is for you!
In addition to the STEM Scholars program, we offer a number of other opportunities for students.
You can enroll in special STEM200 courses that give you the chance to earn up to four credit hours of independent study in STEM topics. You'll be on a student team, guided by a faculty advisor, investigating a real-world project topic, enabling you to hone your collaboration, communication, decision making and research skills, as well as your creativity.
You can also participate in the Skyway STEM Poster Competition, get job experience and professional connections in an internship or explore special STEM opportunities at four-year institutions.
Department Chairs, Coordinators and Full-time Faculty
Chair – Nicole Perry, Professor of Biology
nperry@oakton.edu
Coordinator, A&P - Kanchana Mendes, Professor of Biology
kmendes@oakton.edu
Paul Gulezian, Professor of Biology
Co-coordinator, Environmental Science
pgulezia@oakton.edu
Tess Lesniak, Assistant Professor, Biology
tlesniak@oakton.edu
Stephanie Levi Blumer, Associate Professor of Biology
sblumer@oakton.edu
Nizar Handzic, Professor of Biology
nhandzic@oakton.edu
Khursheed Ichhaporia, Associate Professor of Biology
kichhapo@oakton.edu
Harper Mazock, Assistant Professor of Biology
hmazock@oakton.edu
Kalpa Patel, Professor of Biology
kppatel@oakton.edu
Kritika Pershad, Associate Professor of Biology
kpershad@oakton.edu
Bill Strond, Professor of Biology
bstrond@oakton.edu
Kristi Zenchak, Professor of Biology
zenchak@oakton.edu
Suzanne Ziegenhorn, Associate Professor of Biology
sziegenh@oakton.edu
Coordinator, Ivan Temesvari, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
itemesva@oakton.edu
Ahmed Al-Hmouz, Associate Professor of Computer Science
aalhmouz@oakton.edu
Chair — Sungwon Kim, Professor, Engineering
sukim@oakton.edu
Emily Eagan-Rowe, Instructor, Engineering
eeaganrowe@oakton.edu
Chair — Jennifer Reeb, Distinguished Professor, Mathematics
jreeb@oakton.edu
Maria Antonopoulos, Associate Professor, Mathematics
mantonop@oakton.edu
Mario Borha, Associate Professor, Mathematics
mborha@oakton.edu
Olga Cedrina Associate Professor, Mathematics
ocedrina@oakton.edu
Michael Farquhar, Professor, Mathematics
mfarquha@oakton.edu
Safa Hamed, Professor, Mathematics
shamed@oakton.edu
Anna Hammer, Associate Professor of Mathematics
ahammer@oakton.edu
Ahyoung Kim, Assistant Professor, Mathematics
akim@oakton.edu
Matthew Lee, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
mlee@oakton.edu
Gabriel Porrata Vallejo, Assistant Professor, Mathematics
gporratavallejo@oakton.edu
Naga Potluri, Professor, Mathematics
npotluri@oakton.edu
Christopher Saunders, Associate Professor, Mathematics
csaunder@oakton.edu
Dorota Zak, Professor, Mathematics
dzak@oakton.edu
Chair- Chad Landrie, Physical Science/Professor, Chemistry
clandrie@oakton.edu
Chair – Chad Landrie, Professor of Chemistry
clandrie@oakton.edu
Valeria Benson-Lira, Assistant Professor of Physical Science
vbensonlira@oakton.edu
John Carzoli, Distinguished Professor of Physics
jcarzoli@oakton.edu
Theodore Gotis, Professor of Physics
tgotis@oakton.edu
Melodie Graber, Professor of Chemistry
mgraber@oakton.edu
Elizabeth Kershisnik, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
ekershis@oakton.edu
Gary Mines, Professor of Chemistry
gmines@oakton.edu
Zoran Miodragovic, Professor of Chemistry
zmidrag@oakton.edu
Jelle Wiersma, Assistant Professor, Earth Science
jwiersma@oakton.edu
The Stem Scholars Advisory Committee meets each semester to assess progress, make suggestions for improvements, and assist in on-going, formative evaluation. The composition of the advisory committee includes individuals of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and academic disciplines, reflecting the goals of STEM Scholars.
Michele Brown
Director, Student Recruitment and Outreach
Oakton College
John Carzoli, Ph.D.
Professor, Physics
Oakton College
Reza Dai
Chair, Computer Networking & Systems; Professor, Electronics, Local Area Networks & Mathematics
Oakton College
Al Grippe
Director of Grants Strategy and Development
Oakton College
Krissie Harris
Manager of Student Life and Campus Inclusion, Lecturer
Oakton College
Tess Lesniak
Instructor, Biology
Oakton College
Shannon McKenzie
Internship Specialist
Oakton College
Gary Mines, Ph.D.
Professor, Chemistry
Oakton College
Ella Whitehead
Assistant Director of Enrollment for Equity Outreach
Oakton College
Greg Beitel, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Molecular Bioscience
Northwestern University
Ami LeFevre
Director of Science
Niles West High School
Jeff Rylander
Instructional Supervisor for Science
Glenbrook South High School
Rebecca Stewart
District CTE Department Chair
Maine Township District 207
Michelle Vasquez
Post-secondary Counselor
Evanston Township High School
David Wartowski
STEM Director
District 69
Dianna Yu
Director of Science
Niles North High School
Jim Rabchuk
Dean of STEM
847.635.1688
stem@oakton.edu
Room 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines