Speaker’s Bureau
A collection of our expert faculty and staff who can discuss issues within their fields. To interview one of our PCC experts, please contact the Director of Public Relations or the Public Relations Specialist.
Robert Asaadi – Political Science, Global Politics & Iran???
Preferred Pronouns: he, him
Dr. Asaadi is based at the Sylvania Campus where he teaches US Government, Comparative Political Systems, Global Politics: Conflict/Cooperation, Continuing Education: Community Service/Action Seminar. He serves as the college’s chair of the Internationalization Steering Committee and is the faculty advisor for the West Coast Model European Union. Dr. Asaadi holds a doctorate and master’s degrees in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Iowa.
He is the author of the book “Postrevolutionary Iran: The Leader, the People, and the Three Powers” (2022) highlighting the complexities of Iran, its leaders and people. In addition, he has published reviews of “Hidden Liberalism: Burdened Visions of Progress in Modern Iran” and “The Iran-Iraq War,” as well as led academic presentations highlighting Iran and the Middle East region. A full list of his research and outreach work.
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Dorina Cornea-Hasegan – Microelectronics & Semiconductors
Preferred pronouns: she, her?
Cornea-Hasegan brings almost 40 years of experience in engineering and education to her role as faculty in Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Technology Program, which is housed at the Rock Creek Campus. Beginning her career as a design engineer in Romania, she transitioned to academia after earning her master’s degree in Industrial Technology from Purdue University. Since joining PCC in 1995, Cornea-Hasegan has held various leadership roles, including Microelectronics Department Chair, STEAM Lab Coordinator at the Rock Creek Campus, and Principal Investigator of the Mentoring in Microelectronics Technology (MeMT) S-STEM NSF grant.?
Her strong partnership with state semiconductor industries has been instrumental in maintaining a nearly 100% job placement rate for Microelectronics Technology students and graduates. Cornea-Hasegan has played a key role in program innovation, contributing to the implementation of new MT’s specializations in Automation and Solar Manufacturing Technology.
A passionate educator, with a background in EE, she teaches core courses in Analog and Digital Electronics. In 2008, Intel recognized her outstanding contributions to semiconductor education by naming her Educator of the Year. In 2020, she received the Excellence in Teaching Galbraith Award, from PCC’s Rock Creek, in recognition of her advocacy of the college within the community.
Downloads:?Hi-Res Photo 1 — Hi-Res Photo 2
Andrew Garland-Forshee – Family and Human Services
Preferred Pronouns: he, him
Garland-Forshee, known to his students as “Dr. Andrew” or “Dr. G-F,” is a seasoned educator, scholar, and practitioner with over 25 years of experience in education, family services, and human services. Based at PCC’s Sylvania Campus, he serves as Chair of the Family and Human Services Program. Garland-Forshee’s expertise spans mental health stigma reduction among LGBTQI+ populations, trauma-informed interventions, and the integration of mindfulness and contemplative practices in human services education.
Under his leadership, PCC’s Family and Human Services Program earned national accreditation from the Council for Standards in Human Services Education in 2024. A first-generation college graduate, Garland-Forshee has published extensively in scholarly journals and contributes as a peer reviewer. He also holds certifications in trauma-sensitive mindfulness and accessible yoga for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
Garland-Forshee holds a doctorate in Human Services from Walden University (Minneapolis), a master’s degree in Human 沙巴体育官网ment from Pacific Oaks College (Pasadena) and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College (Olympia).
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Patty Hawkins – Mechatronics & Advanced Manufacturing
Preferred Pronouns: she, her
Hawkins is the Program Dean of Electronics, Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing, and the PCC OMIC Training Center at PCC. With over 25 years of experience at the college, she has dedicated her career to supporting underserved students and communities, fostering industry partnerships, and developing strong pathways from education to workforce opportunities.
Before stepping into her current role as program dean, Hawkins served as the director of the PCC OMIC Training Center, where she worked closely with industry partners to advance hands-on workforce training. Prior to that, she spent a decade as a faculty department chair in the Adult Education Program, leading efforts to improve student success and curriculum development.
Hawkins’ expertise in curricular processes is extensive—she has served as an Educational Advisory Council leader and chair of the Curriculum Committee, ensuring high-quality academic programs at the college. Earlier in her career, she worked as a student resource specialist at the Cascade Campus, supporting career technical education students.
A passionate advocate for social justice, equity and inclusion, Hawkins thrives on collaborating with internal departments, industry, and community partners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s in Post-secondary, Adult, and Continuing Education from Portland State University.
Downloads: Hi-res Photo 1 — Hi-res Photo 2
