Meet Our Faculty

Mr. Omar Abead received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Jordan University of Science & Technology. He is a trained clinical pharmacist with experience as a Pharmacy Technician in clinical and retail settings, including Walgreens and CVS.

He also worked extensively in COVID-19 vaccine clinics and provided hands-on training to newly hired Pharmacy Technicians. These experiences helped him discover his passion for teaching.

Dr. M.T. AliNiazee received his PhD from the University of California, Riverside in 1970. He has been involved in research and teaching at major U.S. universities, including the University of California, Davis and Oregon State University.

He is the founder of Northwest Suburban College, previously served as its president, and teaches courses in biology and research & development.

Dr. Asefa Ansari received her PhD in Zoology and Entomology from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. She has more than 30 years of teaching and research experience at universities and colleges.

In addition to teaching at National Louis University, Dr. Ansari teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences at NWSC.

Dr. Barnes is an experienced educator specializing in Psychology, Sociology, and Public Health. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at institutions including Computer Systems Institute, Erikson Institute, ASA College, and Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development.

She holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Illinois Chicago, an MS in Education from Erikson Institute, an MEd in Counseling & Student Development, and a BS in Business from Tuskegee University.

Her work emphasizes equity, social justice, community engagement, and student wellness.

Mr. Bruce Elegant is an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Aurora University and serves as an Assistant Professor in Health Systems Management at Rush University. Formerly, he was President and CEO of Rush Oak Park.

He brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in hospital and outpatient care settings. His teaching offers students practical insights into healthcare staffing, regulatory changes, clinical technology, and data-driven leadership.

Ms. Delilah Figueroa is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Certified CPR Instructor.

As Lead Instructor for the Medical Assistant Program, she brings more than 15 years of experience in medical assisting, externship coordination, curriculum management, and accreditation support. She is deeply committed to student success.

Dr. Isaac Gold holds doctoral and master's degrees in mathematics and has extensive academic experience, including positions as Department Chair, Director, and Faculty member.

He also holds a master's degree in management and has higher education administrative experience, including serving as the founding president of American Islamic College.

Dr. Debra Gurney serves as Dean of Academic & Student Affairs at Northwest Suburban College, providing leadership for academic quality, curriculum development, faculty oversight, and student outcomes.

She brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience in nursing and health sciences education across Illinois, including leadership positions at Aurora University, North Central College, College of DuPage, Dominican University, and City Colleges of Chicago.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Northern Illinois University and continues to teach in the nursing and health sciences fields.

Dr. C. Zoe Hoeppner is an accomplished educator and scientist with experience in secondary and higher education, university research collaboration, and scientific assessment.

Her previous roles include Lead Science Teacher at Nazareth Academy, Cell Biology Faculty at Benedictine University, and teaching and external relations positions at Northwestern University and Chicago State University.

She earned her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Illinois Chicago and her BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Tulsa.

Ms. Husseini earned her master's degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2012. She has contributed her chemistry knowledge at Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Eclipse Publishing Company.

She has also taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College Preparatory School of America, and Northwest Suburban College, using innovative strategies to make science accessible to students.

Ms. Shazia Ilyas earned a master's degree in creative writing and literature from Harvard University and bachelor's degrees in English and philosophy from Roosevelt University Chicago.

She has worked in education for more than a decade and has served as a dean and administrator at multiple higher education institutions, including NWSC. She continues to contribute to the college through teaching.

Ms. Amber Jacob is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Certified EKG Technician.

She has more than a decade of experience in allied health as a Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician, with experience in specialties including cardiology and gastroenterology. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and practical experience with students.

Dr. Rubina Khan is an educator, activist, and professor whose commitment to education and social progress has shaped her professional life. Her teaching journey began while tutoring children in Hyderabad, India.

After earning her doctoral degree from the University of New Orleans, she taught Education, English Composition, and Literature at undergraduate and graduate levels.

At NWSC, she teaches Composition and Fundamentals of Speech Communication. She is dedicated to helping students become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and problem solvers.

Ms. Sena Kinkle has more than 16 years of experience in healthcare ambulatory settings. She is a highly skilled Medical Assistant with experience in clinical and office environments.

Her skills include patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, minor surgery, medical record-keeping, and CPT, ICD-10, and HIPAA knowledge. She enjoys teaching and serving students.

Dr. Saranya Kumar is a physics educator and materials science researcher who completed her PhD in Physics from VIT University, India, in 2025. She also holds bachelor's, master's, and M.Phil. degrees in Physics.

Her teaching experience includes undergraduate physics courses and laboratory instruction. Her research includes perovskite solar cells, thin film synthesis, semiconductor materials, and advanced characterization techniques.

She is passionate about connecting theoretical concepts with practical and real-world applications.

Mr. Anthony McIntosh is a PhD student specializing in social epidemiology and the social determinants of health. He has more than six years of teaching experience in public health.

He has also held leadership roles within the Departments of Surgery at Loyola University Chicago and Northwestern University, contributing to initiatives focused on improving health outcomes and addressing disparities.

Ms. Fatema Mirza holds an MBA in health services management and an MPA in nonprofit management. She serves as Board President of Worry-Free Home Care, Principal Consultant at Worry-Free Health, and Associate Director at Atlantis Health Group.

With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, she also teaches in the NWSC Departments of Health Sciences and Research & Development.

Mr. Edgar Montalvo serves as NWSC's Vice President of Finance & Budgeting and teaches in the Department of Mathematics & Finance.

He received his MBA from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in civil engineering from Norwich University. His professional background includes service with the U.S. Army, Department of State, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as executive financial leadership.

Dr. Gayathree Raman holds a master's degree in medical laboratory technology and a PhD in molecular biology.

She has more than five years of experience at NWSC in various administrative and academic roles, supporting program directors, faculty, and externship coordinators in areas including advising, student affairs, accreditation, career placement, and financial aid.

Don Rey is an accomplished finance and healthcare administration professional with more than 30 years of combined experience in higher education, managed care leadership, and corporate strategic development.

He serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Finance at Roosevelt University and previously spent 17 years as full-time faculty at Robert Morris University.

His professional background includes senior leadership roles in healthcare systems, managed care strategy, contract negotiation, and network development. He holds an MBA in Finance and a BS in Psychology.

Rachel brings extensive clinical experience in magnetic resonance imaging and a strong commitment to educating future imaging professionals. She currently serves as an MRI Technologist with Duly Health and Care and previously worked at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Her experience includes cardiac MRI, fetal imaging, spectroscopy, functional MRI, patient safety, and clinical instruction. A graduate of Rush University, she is ARRT registered in Magnetic Resonance.

As Program Director, Rachel provides academic leadership, oversees curriculum development, supports student success, and strengthens clinical partnerships.

Dr. Ghazi Sarhan is an experienced mathematics educator with a PhD in Mathematics Education. He has taught developmental and undergraduate mathematics courses in face-to-face, blended, and online formats at institutions including Dominican University, Triton College, Roosevelt University, and Robert Morris University.

His work includes curriculum development, mentoring new faculty, and partnerships with local schools to promote advanced mathematics learning. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Dr. Jay Shahed has more than 35 years of experience in higher education administration and instruction, specializing in institutional development, accreditation, and strategic program expansion.

He currently serves as Acting President and Provost of Northwest Suburban College. His leadership has focused on strengthening academic operations, advancing regulatory compliance, developing new academic programs, and expanding community and clinical partnerships.

He continues to contribute to NWSC's academic community through his teaching and institutional leadership.

Dr. Mohammed Siddiqi earned a graduate degree in physics, a master's degree in mass communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a doctoral degree in the same field from Temple University.

His professional experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Sound Vision Foundation and holding key administrative positions at various universities, including Dean of Academic & Student Affairs at NWSC.

He continues to contribute to the NWSC community through teaching in Communication and Language & Literacy.

Dr. Stefan Stefanoski is a physicist and engineering educator with extensive experience in physics, renewable energy, and applied materials science. He earned his PhD in Applied Physics from the University of South Florida and holds a Project Management Professional certification.

His teaching experience spans undergraduate and graduate physics, engineering, thermodynamics, astronomy, and renewable energy. His research focuses on batteries, solar photovoltaic systems, and materials for energy applications.

He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and held research appointments including a Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowship.