Marcello Napolitano
Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
PhD, Oklahoma State University;
MS, University of Naples, Italy
Sample Courses Taught: Flight Mechanics; Automatic Controls
Career History: Dr. Napolitano has been part of the WVU faculty for more than 12 years. He has published 20 journal articles, written two book chapters, and presented at 48 professional conferences. He has repeatedly been named an outstanding teacher and an outstanding researcher, and serves on numerous master’s and doctorate committees.
Why do you teach at West Virginia University?
In my interview, I immediately felt that my department was like an extended family. The first WVU person I met, who greeted me at the airport, became a dear friend. I saw some unique challenges and opportunities, and was essentially asked to build a research program starting from ground zero.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
It is a continuous challenge, every year, every semester, every day. Teaching is like the game of chess: it takes very little to learn the basic rules, but it takes a lifetime to master it.
Do you have any advice for a student thinking about graduate school?
Be focused and persistent; graduate school is the time to allocate your energy for the goal of acquiring all of the tools needed for your professional life. Think of yourself as a satellite moving around a planet—orbit around them, extract their positive energy, learn as much as you can, and spin off toward higher goals.
Can you describe the classroom environment?
I learn every day from my students, who are wonderful examples of dedication and talent. Students can inspire teachers as much as teachers can inspire students.
How does teaching at a graduate level differ from teaching at the undergraduate level?
There is a fundamental difference. Graduate students have already committed to a specific topic, and do not need additional motivation about that topic. However, it is only through exciting undergraduate classes that students eventually decide to go to grad school.
What are three things every graduate student should know before starting class?
Time management; synthesis, or looking at issues from a global view; and the courage to take tough courses.
