Rockville Science Center Staff
Abdeladim Elhamdani, Ph.D.
Manager
As a manager of the Rockville Science Center, Abdel develops programs, science projects, and classes that target the whole community - from elementary school students to seniors. Abdel is a neuroscientist who studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the release of chemicals and the recycling of vesicles cargo containing the chemicals in neuroendocrine and brain cells (Neurons). He received a B.S. in Biochemistry, a master’s degree in pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.  Abdel served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University, Assistant professor at Wayne State University, Research Fellow at NIH, and was a Senior Scientist and Project Manager at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne), Switzerland.
Howard Lichtman
Program Coordinator
Howard is the Rockville Science Center’s Program Coordinator. He plans and organizes many of the Center’s programs at the storefront and in the community. Howard has a BS degree in Computer and Information Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Early in his career he worked as a medical and life science technician, in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, tissue culture, electron microscopy, and neurotransmitters. He made a career change to Information Technology and worked over 15 years at a defense contractor where he designed and built IT infrastructure solutions, provided IT help desk support, and IT management for an international corporate conference center.
Alison Chacon
Marketing Associate
As our Marketing Associate, Alison works hard to get word out to the community about the Rockville Science Center and all the exciting events and classes that we offer. Her biggest projects have included redesigning the RSC Newsletter, launching our new website and increasing our visibility on social media. Alison earned a BS degree in Microbiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. After a brief stint working in the food safety industry, she decided to focus on her true passion - writing and editing - and put her skills to work in the nonprofit world, first in the public health arena and then for a faith community as Communications Director. She is thrilled to be back in the world of science helping to spread the news about the Rockville Science Center and all it has to offer to our community!
The Rockville Science Center staff looks forward to welcoming you to our storefront and makerspace in Rockville Town Square. Stop by and say hello!
Evan Keto
Makerspace Manager
Evan manages the Makerspace, a community space where anyone can learn, design, and create. After graduating from Poolesville High School’s Global Ecology program, Evan earned a B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.S. in Forestry from North Carolina State University. During his career, he has created and grown a variety of successful programs in nonprofit, small business, and government settings. Evan has a lifelong love for making a wide range of things, including a trebuchet, an award-winning educational garden, and tablet-woven bands. He is excited to help people from all backgrounds and skill levels see their ideas come to life!