Paolo Scardina, Assistant Professor of Practice, has been awarded the Alumni Teaching Excellence Award. He is a three time Virginia Tech alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in mining and minerals engineering, and a master’s and doctorate degree in civil engineering.

Scardina teaches a variety of classes in environmental and water resources including Fluid Mechanics, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Hydraulic Structures, Intro to Environmental Engineering, Water and Wastewater Treatment Design, and Groundwater Resources. In addition to teaching he is the Director of the Hydraulics Teaching Laboratory and has served as the American Society of Civil Engineers, Virginia Tech chapter since 2011.

He was recognized in his nominations for his mentorship both inside and outside of the classroom.

“He was a great teacher and an even better mentor,” said Lena Breuer (’19, ’20). “He teaches so concisely, is very professional, engaging, and a great teacher in office hours. He always sets aside however much time is needed to help students understand the material.”

Cassandra Harvey (’17) agreed about Scardina’s mentorship. “Professor Scardina has been an excellent mentor while I was both in school and after I graduated,” she said. “He has gone above and beyond to provide guidance and wisdom on many things. He is truly a caring individual that has made a lasting impact on my life.”

Inside of the classroom, Scardina is known for the field trips and fun classroom assignments that he gives, including a selfie assignment where students are challenged to take selfies in front of various types of water structures throughout the town of Blacksburg and on Virginia Tech’s campus.

He also serves as the advisor of the ASCE student chapter, which is one of the largest student chapters in the nation with over 200 students. The ASCE chapter is actively involved in campus and the surrounding community and members and students teams compete annually in regional and national competitions.