WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Pennsylvania College of Technology has named John A. Pecchia as its new assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources.
Pecchia comes to Penn College from Penn State, where he most recently held three concurrent roles: associate research professor, director of graduate studies for the Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology Department, and director of the Mushroom Research Center. He had been employed at Penn State since 2005.
Pecchia began his service at Penn College on May 27 and is based at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, home to the diesel, forestry, heavy construction equipment, landscape/plant production and power generation majors.
He succeeds Justin W. Beishline in the assistant dean role. Beishline was appointed to a corporate relations role at the college in January.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pecchia to the ESC team. His expertise in plant pathology will be an invaluable asset to our horticulture and forestry programs,” said Bradley M. Webb, dean of Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies. “Beyond that, his passion for lifelong learning and hands-on innovation makes him well-equipped to dive into our diesel programs with enthusiasm and adaptability.”
Pecchia said: “I’m looking forward to making the transition from Penn State to Penn College and am excited about working with the faculty and staff at the Earth Science Center. Penn College’s hands-on approach to education and proven success in preparing students for the workforce are what drew me to this position.”
Pecchia holds a doctorate in plant pathology from Penn State. He earned a Master of Science in biology from then-Bloomsburg University and a Bachelor of Science in environmental biology from then-Lock Haven University.
Among his volunteer and professional activities, he served as co-chair of the American Mushroom Institute Research Committee and served on the Compost Science & Utilization Editorial Board of Directors. At Penn State, he completed an extensive amount of committee work, advisement and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, engagement with international students and scientists, grant and endowment funding proposals, and writing for Penn State Extension publications.
Pecchia has co-written numerous articles for science publications and peer-reviewed journals. He has also presented several workshops and lectures at regional, national and international events and symposiums.
For more information on degrees offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free at 800-367-9222 for more information.