Finding His Path: How MC Helped Nicholas Denton '26 Discover a Future in Research

On hot, humid days in the field, Nicholas Denton learned an important lesson about scientific research—sometimes, the birds simply do not cooperate. 

What began as an honors project eventually led him to present research at conferences, acquire field biologist gear and handle more than 100 birds as part of bluebird research led by Montgomery College Professor Kiersten Newtoff. The experience was one of several at MC that helped him discover not only an interest in research, but the kind of scientist he hopes to become. 

Today, the 2026 MC graduate is studying cell biology and genetics at the University of Maryland (UMD) and plans to attend medical school and specialize in oncology. He is continuing his education as a recipient of the William S. and Annie Kelly Regents Scholarship, the University System of Maryland’s most generous scholarship program. 

This path was far from settled when Denton arrived at Montgomery College in 2023. He enrolled shortly after graduating from high school and began his first year as a part-time student. As he dealt with mental health challenges, he believed a slower transition into college and adult life would serve him better than immediately attending a four-year institution. 

“Looking back, I would 100 percent, without a doubt, say MC was the right choice,” Denton said. “My first semester was relatively tame given I was part time. This let me fully engage with my professors and coursework, which ended up being the catalyst for my success at MC.” 

With confidence in his ability to handle rigorous coursework and an interest in becoming a scientist, he chose to study biological sciences. Smaller classes helped him build close relationships with faculty. 

“It wasn't really until my last year at MC that I had a solid idea of what I wanted to do professionally,” Denton explained. “Meeting and working with some great faculty let me dip my toe into the world of ecology and genetics research.” 

Two of those faculty members, Newtoff and Kathryn Monzo, became particularly important mentors. Monzo guided Denton during an internship at the Library of Congress, where he explored interdisciplinary research and completed a paper examining vaccine hesitancy and the media’s role in exacerbating it—work he describes as his proudest accomplishment at MC. The following semester, he worked one-on-one with Monzo using fruit flies as a genetic model for Parkinson’s disease. Denton later presented this research and earned first place at MC's STEM Conference in May 2026. 

Newtoff introduced him to another side of science—field research. After completing the honors research project on bluebirds in Newtoff's class, Denton volunteered to collect data from bluebird nest boxes across central Maryland as part of the professor’s doctoral research. That experience led to additional research examining nest defense behaviors of eastern bluebirds and tree swallows. 

“It's been rewarding to watch Nicholas grow as a researcher and develop a genuine passion for the work,” Newtoff said. “What started as an honors project grew into presenting at multiple conferences and gaining real field research experience. Even on the hot, humid days when the birds weren’t cooperating, Nicholas understood that was part of the process. He recognized it for what it was—science.” 

Denton eventually discovered his two mentors had been engaged in a friendly competition for his scientific allegiance. 

“I later learned that both of them were in cahoots the entire time I was working with them, both trying to pull me to their style of research—lab versus field,” Denton recalled. “I won't say which I prefer, but it was great to work with two people who were very passionate about research and were eager to drag me into their worlds.” 

At the same time he was discovering research, science became personal. His father was diagnosed with cancer, exposing Denton to the intensity and harshness of cancer treatment. 

“These experiences steered me towards oncological research with a focus on less-physically demanding cancer treatment regimens, specifically through the lens of gene therapy.” 

By graduation, Denton completed 74 credits at Montgomery College, including 27 honors credits. His academic and research accomplishments helped earn him the Kelly Regents Scholarship, which covers tuition and mandatory fees, housing and food costs, and provides a $1,000 annual educational resource stipend.  

“Receiving the scholarship was extremely validating,” he explained. “I admittedly had some doubts about my career ambitions, whether I was picking the right classes or if I was doing too much or too little. But getting confirmation that I was on the right path—and that others were recognizing me for my efforts—gave me a ton of clarity.”  

Denton expects to earn his bachelor's degree in cell biology and genetics in 2028 before pursuing experimental oncology research and treatment. But for now, he’s picked up a few extracurricular activities in his spare time that include camping, birding and, most recently, cyanotype printing. 

Looking back, Denton credits Montgomery College with helping him find his direction in life. 

“It's very hard to emphasize how impactful my time at MC was on my career ambitions and prospects, and my development as an academic. I feel like a new world has opened for me, and MC gave me the tools to find it.”