Paolo Scardina, Assistant Professor of Practice, has received the Alumni Teaching Excellence Award. A three-time Virginia Tech graduate, he earned his bachelors degree in mining and minerals engineering along with both a masters degree and Ph.D. in civil engineering.

Scardina teaches a wide range of environmental and water resources courses, including Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydraulic Structures, Intro to Environmental Engineering, Water and Wastewater Treatment Design, and Groundwater Resources. Beyond the classroom, he directs the Hydraulics Teaching Laboratory and has been involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Virginia Tech chapter since 2011.

He was recognized by nominators for his excitement for teaching and his commitment to making sure students understand the challenging material.  

“Because he was so excited about what he was doing, I felt like I was excited to learn it and everything clicked so much faster,” said Kylie Snyder (’16).

In the classroom, Scardina is known for hands-on learning experiences, including field trips and creative assignments—like a selfie challenge where students document different water infrastructure around Blacksburg and campus.

He also serves as faculty advisor for the ASCE student chapter, one of the largest in the country with more than 200 members. The chapter is highly active, with students participating in community engagement and competing in regional and national events each year.

The alumni teaching excellence award is given based on nominations of civil and environmental engineering alumni that have graduated within the last five years.