Todd Petty
Q: Title:
A: Associate Professor
Q: Academic Discipline:
A: Forestry and Natural Resources
Q: Describe your proudest moment as a teacher.
A: My proudest moment as a teacher occurs whenever a student discovers a worthwhile lifetime pursuit as a result of their experience in my class. So many students are uncertain of what they want to do with their degree. Nothing sounds important enough to spend an entire career working on. But when that lightbulb goes on and a student realizes that there are opportunities that are fun, challenging, and rewarding, that makes teaching fun.
Q: What do students like best about your classes?
A: Students appreciate the enthusiasm and energy for the subject that I bring to the classroom. It is easy for me to teach, because I am passionate about rivers, water, and the benefits that clean water brings to our society. If I didn’t care, it would show, and my students would suffer as a result.
Q: What makes the learning experience in the Davis College stand out?
A: Without question, the diversity of subjects is the strength of the Davis College. Students have so much to choose from, which makes it very easy for students to discover their passion for the natural world.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching in the Davis College?
A: The diverse expertise of the faculty and the diverse backgrounds of the students. We also have some of the best graduate students in the world, which makes teaching in the Davis College a truly enjoyable experience.
Q: What opportunities are available for students to participate in research or creative projects?
A: The opportunities to participate in research projects in our program (Wildlife and Fisheries) are endless. Each summer my lab employs 3‑4 undergraduate students that work side by side with graduate students in the field. This experience combined with internships and independent studies creates a unique atmosphere of learning through direct application of skills. I can’t think of another College with better oppportunities to gain meaningful research experience than the Davis College.
Q: In what ways do students contribute to your research area?
A: Students contribute to my research in at least three ways. First is through the simple act of working on projects, whether it be helping collect field data or processing samples in the lab. Second, students contribute through the questions that they ask about why the research is relevant, how the information is used, and what would happpen if the scientific community was not pursuing these types of issues. Third, students indirectly force my research to be relevant, because I try very hard to incorporate my research into the classes I teach. If I pursue obscure topics, then it is not possible for me to make it an important part of the students’ learning experience.
Q: List some qualities/characteristics of successful students in your program?
A: Dedicated
Inquisitive
Passionate
Principled
Q: What advice would you give future students?
A: Your entire life is an opportunity to learn, but you only get one chance to go to College. Use that chance to pursue your passion.
Q: What have you learned from your students?
A: I have learned from my students that the natural world is an infinitely marvelous place. No matter how much you think you know, there is so much yet left to be discovered. Watching students discover their world keeps me super‑charged.
Q: What do you like about living in West Virginia/ Morgantown?
A: My family and I love West Virginia because of its natural beauty and the kindness of its people. Get a bike and a kayak and get after it.
