Mark Paternostro

Dr. Paternostro is featured in ACUE’s module: Providing Clear Directions and Explanations.

Paternostro is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology in the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Medicine. He also serves as his department’s Associate Chair for Education. He teaches Human Physiology for undergraduate, doctoral, dental, and medical students. Paternostro also oversees a teaching practicum for doctoral students to help train future educators.

Previously, he served as Associate Vice President for Academic Services at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, as special mission affiliate of the Pennsylvania State University. In this capacity he oversaw college-wide retention activities.

Paternostro has expertise in various pedagogical techniques used in creating and delivering engaging, interactive large group lectures. He has been honored with numerous teaching awards including the Alpha Phi Foundation Professor of the Year Award from James Madison University, the West Virginia School of Medicine Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Percival L. MacLachlan Basic Sciences Award as selected by the second year medical students in recognition of excellence in teaching basic medical sciences. Most recently, Paternostro received the WVU Health Sciences Vice President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching.

Paternostro earned his BA in Biology from Kenyon College in 1985 and his PhD from the University of Illinois in 1992.