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Dr. Tom Powers is an Assistant Professor of English at Montgomery County Community College. The courses he has taught since 2002 include Developmental English, English Composition I and II, Writing for Business and Industry, and Advanced Creative Writing. During this spring semester, he is running English 250: The Graphic Novel, a new course at the College. In addition to his teaching duties, he works as an English Tutor in Tutorial Services, is a member of the Student Support Committee, and has served as co-advisor to the College’s award-winning Art & Literature Magazine since 2011. Regarding his educational background, Dr. Powers holds a B.A. in English and History (Temple University), an M.A. in English (Villanova University), and a Ph.D. in Literature and Criticism (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). He is also the author of Gender and the Quest in British Science-Fiction Television: An Analysis of Doctor Who, Blake’s 7, Red Dwarf and Torchwood (McFarland, 2016) and is the coauthor, along with Dr. Marc Schuster, of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan’s Guide to Doctor Who (McFarland, 2007). Since 2010, he has composed numerous articles, include four cover stories, for the Eisner-Award-winning Back Issue! magazine (TwoMorrows Publishing), which specializes in the Bronze Age of comics.

Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Becky Hays grew up in Delaware County, PA, where she graduated from Penn Wood High School (Lansdowne, PA). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with Concentrations in Ecology and Marine Biology and minors in Chemistry and Geography from Millerville University; she received her Master of Science in Marine Studies and Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Delaware. Her research has focused on nutrient chemistry, biogeochemistry of sandy beaches and salt marshes, and the use of remote sensing and GIS for environmental mapping. She then completed a postdoctoral position with the University of Delaware and Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, PA, where her research focused on paleoclimate reconstruction and isotope geochemistry. Following that, Dr. Hays was an Associate Professor in Biology at Eastern University for 10 years, where she taught general biology, environmental science, and animal courses and worked with students on environmental mapping research. She joined the Montco community in 2021 as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs – STEM. She also is an adjunct at Montco and regularly teaches BIO 121 online. Her hobbies include reading fiction, watching movies, crocheting, puzzles, and spending time with friends and family.

Friday, March 7, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.

Marcus Willis is an inspiring leader at a leading Biopharmaceutical Company. He manages Clinical Data Managers who support Data Management and Validation of Oncology Clinical Trials. He started his career at the Company managing an animal vivarium of laboratory research animals supporting vaccine release testing. His background is in Animal Science, obtaining his B.S. from Cornell University in Animal Science, and his MLAS (Master of Laboratory Animal Science) from Drexel College of Medicine. Marcus has been at his current institution in his career for 6 years. Prior to joining this company, he was interested in veterinary medicine and followed the pre-veterinary medicine track. Through graduate school he learned about research management and decided to take a career shift. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is near and dear to his heart, and he is a proud advocate! While in his first role at the company, he started a Racial Injustice Committee focused on Education, Recruitment, and Community Outreach. This committee hosted the inaugural Merck Day at MONTCO Career Fair! In Marcus’ spare time, he enjoys spending time with his dog, family, and friends. He is also a certified scuba diver, loves to ski and play basketball, as well as ride his bike. Marcus often enjoys reading and considers himself a forever learner self-educating on financial literacy to achieve generational wealth. Marcus wants to help groom the next generation of leaders!

Friday, April 11, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.