Keren Belay attended the University of Maryland College Park and studied Information Science. She has an associates's degree in Computer Science from Montgomery College. This is her first year at Northwood. On her free time she enjoys playing tennis and reading a good book. 

Samar grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and completed high school under the British system (O- and A-levels). She came to the US for college and attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts with a major in Biochemistry. She developed a love of science in college and went on directly from Wheaton to MIT where she earned her PhD in Biochemistry. This is Samar's 7th year of teaching and 4th year at Northwood. Prior to Northwood and beginning her teaching career, Samar worked for DC Public Schools for 5 years managing their STEM PLTW programs and FIRST Robotics teams across all of the DCPS high schools. 

Daniel grew up in a Navy family moving all around the world. He went to college at the University of Illinois for Biology and then did research at the National Institutes of Health. He attended the University of Maryland for his Masters in Teaching and officially joined the Northwood team in 2025. Outside of teaching Daniel is a fan of board games, hiking, and miniature painting.

Courtney has the best job in the world. She loves encouraging students to wonder about the world around them and find their own voices and passions. She loves leading students in outdoor ed activities and sponsors the food waste recovery program. In her free time, she volunteers at a local animal shelter, runs, maintains a fruit and vegetable garden and takes care of her pets and family.

Kristen is the RT for the Science, Technology & Computer Science department. She is also one of the Environmental Science Regional Program teachers. She studied for her undergrad in Natural Resources Management and her Master's in Environmental Planning at University of Maryland in College Park. She started her teaching career in 2008 in Prince George's County and has taught both middle and high school science.

Mr. Ducre is a Morehouse College graduate, a former Army Captain, a father of two sons, and a husband who is married to Dr. Adriene King-Ducre PhD. He has taught here at Northwood High School for the past 11 school years. During his tenure at Northwood Mr. Ducre has taught both honors and General Biology as well as electives, Wildlife and Marine Biology, Forensic Science and Astronomy with Physics respectively. Additionally Mr. Ducre has been the Assistant JV Baseball Coach for 2 seasons and has sponsored a campus club. Mr. Ducre's goal, mission and quest as a teacher has always been to inspire his science students to be ready to conquer the world! 

Aura Gonzalez Serrano holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Colombia and a master's degree in special education. She has over 10 years of experience in plant health and genetics research. Before joining Northwood High School, Aura taught middle school science. She currently teaches Honors Physics and Astronomy with Physics.

Kelly graduated from the University of Maryland with an undergraduate degree in biology and a Masters of Education. This is her sixth year at Northwood and her fourth year coaching the girls' soccer team. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, playing soccer, baking, video gaming with friends, and spending time with her dog, Jake.

In Steve's 20 years of teaching, he's taught multiple science subjects in MD and DC, grades 6-12. Part time, he is an instructor at the University of Maryland. He's motivated by helping kids build their knowledge and hone skills that will allow them to learn more about the world around them. In his free time, Steve enjoys performing improv, reading, watching Bravo reality TV, and walking his dog Linus with his partner Nick. 

Ms. Loughney is a co-teacher with some of our science classes!

Mr. Mana Graduated from the University of Manchester UK with a Bachelor’s Of Science Degree in Physics with a Focus in Mechanism Systems.  He also has a Master’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and Design and a Master’s Of Science Degree in Professional and Technical Education. Mr. Mana is a member of the Academy of Technology and Engineering and has professional qualification in Constructions.

Mr. Mana has 15 years of Experience Working as an Engineer and has taught at the University Level as a Part-Time Lecturer. This is his 6th year teaching at Northwood, his 8th year in MCPS, and his 21st year overall.

My Motto: Fail as First Attempt in Learning with a focus on Designing your own world 

Aaron loves helping students, with academics and with life. He is a geologist by training, with degrees from Rice University and the University of Arizona. In the classroom, creativity is the most important intellectual goal. Aaron especially enjoys guiding students to see the wonder and fun in science and in the world around us. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a question!

Mr. Miller has taught at Northwood for 21 of his 28 years teaching. He has a bachelor's degree in Geology and another one in Science Education. He also holds a masters degree in environmental management. In his free time he enjoys gardening, painting, printmaking, playing guitar, bicycling and paddle boarding. 

Ms. Minneman is excited to start her eighth year teaching at Northwood! A Nationally Certified Counselor, she earned a BS in Math from Washington & Lee and an M.Ed in Counseling from NC State. Outside the classroom, Heather stays busy volunteering with NHS theater, sponsoring the Computer Science Honor Society and CyberForensics team, and coaching the NHS eSports team. She lives in Rockville with her husband, daughter, and a lively menagerie of pets (1 dog, 6 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and endless fish). When she isn't driving her daughter to softball practice, she occasionally finds time for reading, cooking, and sewing.  

Felipe graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a major in Biology and a minor in Marine Bio. He then moved to Georgia to be closer to his nieces and began teaching there. In 2022, Felipe moved to Maryland and began teaching here at Northwood. Outside of work, Felipe enjoys watching F1 races, playing soccer, and racing in competitive iRacing championships. He has two dogs, Snoopy and Rush, and got married in April of 2023! Currently, Felipe is working to grow the marine biology club at the school and has both a saltwater and a freshwater tank in his classroom that the kids are in charge of and regularly plans educational trips to other countries for the students to attend .

Annika graduated from UMD twice, with a Bachelors in Chemistry and Spanish minor, before a Masters in Education. Along with trying to inspire the youth to care about the environment, she also coaches volleyball in the fall and spring. Outside of school, Annika enjoys playing volleyball (who knew), playing board games, knitting, and watching movies. 

Brian is his 4th year at NHS and 18th year teaching science. Brian attended the University of Maryland studying environmental science and later earned a Masters in Chemical and Life Science. He enjoys bicycling, cooking/baking, nature walks, travel, and spending time with family. He is passionate about chemistry and getting students to understand the connections the chemistry has to their every day lives.

Max Wright is currently in his 8th year at NHS. He has previously taught at BCC and Blake high schools. He holds a BSC in Industrial Technology from the University of Technology, Jamaica and a Masters in Workforce Education & Development from Illinois University in conjunction with the University of Technology, Jamaica. Mr. Wright also holds a Certificate in Administrative Studies from McDaniel College. Max enjoys flying drones, listening to reggae music, traveling and engaging in small car/gardening/engineering projects. Max is very happy to be a Gladiator and he looks forward to welcoming new members to the family like you. 

Sofia graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 2021 with a degree in Chemistry Education. This is her 6th year teaching at Northwood! She is excited about getting students interested in Chemistry. Outside of work, Sofia loves to run (has ran 2 marathon and wants to qualify for the New York and Boston Marathon), enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking, and going to concerts (would love new song recommendations)!