About our staff
The MSE/ESM Engineering Communications Program is staffed by faculty with extensive teaching and research experience in engineering communication.
Dr. Marie C. Paretti, Director
Dr. Paretti holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering and an M.A. and Ph.D. degree in English. Her background includes industry experience as both a chemical engineer and a technical writer. Prior to directing the Engineering Communications Program, Dr. Paretti served as the Assistant Director of Professional Writing and then as the Assistant Department Chair in the Virginia Tech English Department. She has taught both first-year composition and technical writing, along with specialized courses in advanced composition, user documentation, and writing for the web. Her current research focuses on the integration of communication and related professional skills into engineering curricula.
Ms. Christine Burgoyne, Assistant Director
Ms. Burgoyne holds a B.A. in English Studies and has completed graduate coursework in English. She has extensive experience as an instructor of both first-year composition and engineering communication, and works closely with students on their writing and presentations as they move through their undergraduate careers. Her current research focuses on helping engineering students develop cross-cultural competence, and she has been instrumental in developing the global components of the Engineering Communications Program.