Instructors and Staff
Dr. Jim Romano, Co-Founder and Owner
Dr. Jim Romano has been teaching science and preparing students for the DAT for over 35 years — long before test prep became an industry.
After completing two exceptional degrees in Organic Chemistry and Dental Surgery from the University of Miami and New York University, Dr. Romano realized his true passion was developing meaningful connections with students so they could reach their goals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Romano has tutored students in all the sciences — Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and more. His teaching is built on integrity, sound fundamentals, and creative problem-solving techniques that cut through complexity and make difficult concepts click.
In March 2006, Dr. Romano published the first edition of the DAT Destroyer — a comprehensive, no-shortcuts approach to DAT science preparation that quickly became the gold standard in pre-dental education. He went on to found Romano Scientific and co-found Orgoman.com, building a teaching system trusted by over 10,000 students and used by students accepted to top dental schools across the U.S.
The vast majority of students who use the Destroyer series and score competitively on the DAT go on to gain acceptance to dental school. Dr. Romano's methods don't just prepare students for a test — they build the scientific foundation that carries students through dental school and beyond.
"The crazy professor at the beach who changed my life" — that's how many students describe Dr. Romano. Unconventional? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
Read more about Dr. Jim Romano →
Nancy Steen, Co-Founder and Owner
Nancy Steen is the co-founder of Orgoman.com and CEO of Romano Scientific, where she has spent over 20 years helping build one of the most trusted DAT and OAT preparation platforms used by students across the U.S.
Working alongside Dr. Jim Romano, Nancy oversees every aspect of the business — from curriculum development and publishing to student support and daily operations — ensuring that every product meets the high standards the Destroyer series is known for.
Her focus is simple: to make sure every student who commits to Dr. Romano's methods has the support, resources, and guidance needed to succeed on the DAT, OAT, and beyond.
Professor Denis Barengolts
Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biology, Math
For over 20 years, Prof. Denis Barengolts has been a dedicated instructor at Romano Scientific and Orgoman, teaching Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and AP sciences in both individual and group settings.
His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics from The College of Staten Island and a Master's degree in Biological Sciences from Hunter College, along with 11 years of experience as a research scientist specializing in neurodegenerative disorders and infectious diseases.
This combination of research experience and teaching expertise is what makes Prof. Barengolts exceptional in the classroom.
"Denis is easily the best tutor I've had in my academic career. His ability of breaking down what initially seemed like intimidating and extremely difficult material into simple, comprehensive terms made learning fun and rewarding. I could not recommend him more, and simply cannot imagine doing so well in the course without him."
– Michelle Weinberg
"Not only does Denis always keep us captivated when he teaches, but he's become more than just a tutor. He really has extensive knowledge in every topic he teaches, enough to answer all the crazy questions and theories on science I may have. I couldn't thank him enough because the truth is, that without him, I wouldn't have received an A in Organic Chemistry I. Thank you Denis for all the laughs and good times, and not just for being an outstanding tutor but a great friend too."
– Shumaila Irshad
James Borovilas
Physics, Math, Calculus 1, 2, and 3
James Borovilas is a PhD student in Biophysics at Cornell University, with a degree in Applied Physics from Columbia University.
He teaches Physics, Math, and Calculus at Romano Scientific and Orgoman, focusing on building a strong foundation that allows students to succeed across a wide range of topics.
James works with students at all levels and specializes in making complex subjects — including algebra, differential equations, classical mechanics, and quantum optics — clear, manageable, and approachable.
Prof Kerry McKenzie
Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Perceptual Ability
Prof. Kerry McKenzie is a dedicated Chemistry educator with over two decades of teaching experience. She graduated summa cum laude from Saint Francis College and earned her Master of Science in Chemistry from Long Island University.
In addition to her work as a private tutor at Romano Scientific, Prof. McKenzie has taught at Long Island University, Brooklyn College, and Kingsborough Community College. She is highly experienced in General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Nursing Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Regents Chemistry, with a proven ability to make challenging material clear and approachable for students at every level.
"After struggling with AP chemistry for the first half of the year, I decided to attend tutoring sessions with a friend who recommended Kerry. Since then, Kerry has filled preexisting gaps while also teaching me new material. Her methods are clear and precise, allowing for maximum retention. I feel ready to tackle college chemistry and the AP exam under Kerry's advisement."– Deirdre
"A friend and I were having trouble with AP Chem until we began tutoring with Kerry. The notes and advice she provides for me help me to study not only during tutoring sessions, but also on my own time. Her methods for problem solving are clearer and simpler than those that I learned in class and help me to understand much more than I otherwise would have."– Leyla Adali
Professor Blois
Math
Professor Blois was a highly respected Math Professor at the College of Staten Island, with a background in Mathematics and Computer Science from New York University.
During his time at Romano Scientific and Orgoman, he contributed to the development of mathematical problems for the Destroyer series and created hundreds of instructional videos for the Orgoman YouTube channel. His years of experience made him an invaluable educator, helping countless students succeed in their studies.
Professor Blois has since retired, but his legacy continues through the students he taught and the educational content he helped create.
(Photo from his pre-dental journey)
Joe Montesano, D.D.S.
Dr. Joe Montesano is a graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine and is now a practicing dentist at Page Family Dental.
During his pre-dental journey, Joe served as a Student Advisor at Orgoman and Romano Scientific, helping guide aspiring dental students through the DAT preparation process.
Ksenia
Ksenia has been an integral part of Romano Scientific for over 10 years, bringing deep expertise in internet security and copyright protection.
Her work behind the scenes helps safeguard the company's digital assets and intellectual property, ensuring that the Destroyer series remains protected for the students and educators who rely on it.
Her role plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity of the Destroyer series in an increasingly digital landscape.
Tracey Levy, Customer Service Manager, Mimeo, Inc.
Tracey Levy is an experienced Customer Success Manager at Mimeo, a leading global print and logistics company. Her primary focus is overseeing the production and delivery of our DAT study materials, including the DAT Destroyer series, to students throughout the U.S.
With strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Tracey plays a key role in supporting Mimeo's partnership with Romano Scientific and Orgoman.
Ron Romano
Office Manager and Student Support
Ron Romano is an essential part of the Romano Scientific team, serving as Office Manager and Student Support at the Staten Island location.
Ron keeps everything running smoothly — from opening and closing the classroom to ensuring the space is organized, clean, and welcoming for every session. He monitors weather conditions and communicates any schedule changes to students promptly, so they are never left guessing. He is always on hand to greet students as they arrive and ensure each class is set up and ready to go.
His behind-the-scenes dedication allows students to walk in and focus entirely on learning.