A Great School Depends on a Great Faculty
By Matthew R. Werner ’95, PG’97
Dean and ABS Chair of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Most of us are aware of the significant effort that Webb expends to select an incoming class of 28 students. Multiple interviews, on-campus assessments, class attendance, and overnight visits build upon the standard college applications, test scores, transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Webb’s substantial investment in time and resources in this endeavor reflects the importance of finding students that can positively contribute to our small, tightknit community, while succeeding academically, and growing personally and professionally.
If one out of 28 and one out of 100 is important to the Webb experience, what can we say of one out of 10? Given the small size of Webb’s faculty, the importance of each individual professor in the pursuit of Webb’s mission is significant, much like it is with the carefully selected Webb students. Faculty members serve as the motivating force behind the development of Webb students, through teaching, advising, mentoring, and modeling. Webb’s demanding, high-contact academic program is a challenge for faculty members and students alike, much is demanded from both sides of the lecture podium and laboratory benches. The job of a faculty member at Webb is very demanding and very rewarding at the same time.
Beyond the course syllabi, Webb faculty members help students secure internships and post-graduation jobs through connecting students with their industry networks. Professors’ personal recommendations help students secure competitive scholarships and spots in prestigious graduate schools. Faculty members serve as a resource as students develop their plans for their future beyond Webb. Many faculty members continue to provide support and mentoring to recent graduates as they start their careers.
We often say at Webb that students have nowhere to hide, well the same can be said of faculty members. Webb faculty members’ availability to their students is unprecedented. Posted office hours are not a thing at Webb because if a faculty office is occupied, the door is open to students seeking guidance or support. Daily, I witness students engaging professors beyond the faculty offices, in the lecture rooms after a class ends, in the common spaces of the Couch Academic Center and Stevenson Taylor Hall, and even in the lunch line. Not to mention regularly responding to student emails that arrive in one’s inbox at all manner of times throughout the day and night, weekends and holidays included.
Bruce Rosenblatt, Chair of the Board (left), and Mark Martecchini, President of Webb Institute (right), celebrate Professor Michael Martin as the third Mandell and Lester Rosenblatt Professor of Marine and Electrical Engineering.
In addition to their direct student-facing activities, Webb faculty members manage the operation of the academic enterprise by serving as laboratory and shop directors, and as members of faculty and shared governance committees. Webb’s professors lead Webb’s accreditation activities, conduct research, serve on committees of the board of trustees, and interact with industry while continuing to develop professionally as educators and within their areas of expertise. They create and revise course materials and assignments while continually refining, modifying, and revising courses and the overall curriculum.
Ultimately, a faculty member’s success at Webb comes down to passion. A passion for Webb Institute and its mission. A passion for a culture of high standards and high expectations. A passion for the value of education. A passion for honor, integrity, and personal responsibility. A passion for student development and success. I am thankful everyday that I get to work with a team with the passion and energy that maintains Webb’s place as a model of excellence in engineering education. It is clear to me that a great school depends on a great faculty.
Webbies Triumph at Block Island and Newport-Bermuda Race
Webbies Zachary Doerr ’24 and John Feleciano ’25 have solidified their status as exceptional sailors with back-to-back victories in prestigious races, sailing NEKA Sailing’s Groupe 5.
In May, the duo braved the high seas and emerged victorious in the ORC Double-Handed Division at the 2024 Block Island Race. They skillfully navigated 186 nautical miles of light, shifty winds, overcoming strategic challenges and numerous lead changes to secure a welldeserved win at 4 AM.
Continuing their winning streak, Doerr and Feleciano recently achieved a historic victory in the Newport Bermuda Race, securing first place in their class and an impressive second in the Double-Handed Division. They crossed the finish line, completing the grueling 636-mile racecourse at Saint David’s Lighthouse after 3 days, 13 hours, 33 minutes, and 8 seconds.
Despite being the youngest crew in the entire race, the pair demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, missing the top spot by a mere four minutes. Reflecting on the experience, they described it as “the hardest thing we’ve ever done.”
“I think John and I did a good job of identifying the tactical factors that affected this race (the Newport Bermuda Race) and generally made good decisions. The race had a lot of short steep chop, which made it very psychologically challenging to continue pushing forward. In the end though, it was a huge sense of accomplishment to have finished so well, especially when sailing with a peer and not a coach or more experienced sailor,” said Zach Doerr.
“Seeing the lights of Bermuda breaking through the rain squalls on the final night was unforgettable. We saw conditions ranging from 0 to 30 knots, navigating lightning storms, torrential rains, the Gulf Stream, and a rough sea state the entire way. We were very happy with our result – showing that the hard work and months of preparation had paid off. We couldn’t have done it without the support of NEKA Sailing. We’re also thankful for the support of our families and the Webb community, motivating us to keep pushing through tough conditions,” stated John Feleciano.
Their success follows one of the missions of NEKA, or the North East Keelboat Alliance: to promote shorthanded offshore sailing to college students who without the program would not have access to this sport. NEKA provides opportunities to Webb students and other college students alike, giving a framework to learn the skills required to succeed at offshore sailing.
Offshore sailing is highly technical, requiring not just sailing skills, but also electrical, computer, engine, and structural knowledge. In addition, the sport promotes leadership, organization, and teamwork, helping to form well-rounded individuals. The Webb community is immensely proud of John’s and Zach’s remarkable achievements. Their consecutive wins are a testament to their dedication and talent, and to the spirit of Webb Institute. Congratulations to these outstanding sailors!
Webb Exchange | One Student’s Journey
I’m Lisandro Nicoletti, a Brazilian studying at the University of Southampton, UK. I chose to do a semester abroad so as to experience the excitement of my first day at university for a second time, and I chose to do this at Webb Intitule in order to become a part of its well-known alumni community.
As an exchange student, my journey has been full of new experiences. If I had to pick a favourite day at Webb, it would probably be when we hosted the Engineers Cup. We spent the whole day on the water sailing with other marine-engineering-related colleges and universities. And following the sailing, I organized a traditional Brazilian barbecue at the yacht club for everyone.
Lisandro with members of the Class of 2024 at a fellow classmate’s hockey game.
Beyond campus, Webb Institute sponsored me to attend many events, including the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston, and Broadway shows organized by Webb’s Culture Club.
Looking back, I got to experience many things for the first time, from carving through the slopes of Vermont during the annual ski trip, to seeing an eclipse from a classmate’s hometown, and even scuba diving in the Dominican Republic during spring break. More recently, we as a class had the opportunity to go watch a classmate’s hockey game.
As the semester came to an end, I found myself looking back at all the lifelong memories and friendships, and all the invaluable professional experience I gained over my time at Webb. I can proudly say that in just one semester I gained the title of a “Webbie” – thank you Class of 2024.
Webb Institute Celebrates Historic First National Championship | Daniel Escudero ’25 Clinches College Singlehanded Sailing Title
Webb Institute is proud to announce a historic first in our school’s history. Daniel Escudero ’25 has secured the national title at the 2024 ICSA Open Singlehanded National Championships, earning Webb its first-ever national championship. Competing against elite sailors from universities with legacy sailing programs, including Harvard, Yale, and Brown, Daniel emerged as the men’s champion, securing the Glen S. Foster Trophy on November 10 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Daniel Escudero ’25 wins the Glen S. Foster Trophy – pictured with fellow sailors and competitors, Guthrie Braun ’26 (Brown) and Mathias Reimer ’27 (Yale).
The two-day competition hosted the top 18 sailors out of the 103 in the nation that raced in qualifying stages. Beginning with light, shifty winds on day one on Tampa Bay, the conditions tested each competitor’s adaptability and skill, as they navigated through eight races. Despite the challenging environment, Daniel ended the first day in second place, closely trailing Brown University’s Martins Atilla by only seven points.
On day two, as the breeze and sea state picked up, Daniel surged to the top of the leaderboard, using a strong third-place finish early in the day to gain momentum. With three races left in the series, he extended his lead and ultimately clinched the championship title.
Webb Institute President Mark Martecchini expressed great pride in Daniel’s accomplishment, noting,
This is a monumental moment for Webb. Daniel’s win represents not only his exceptional dedication and resilience but also Webb’s commitment to supporting our students in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievement; it’s an inspiration for our entire community.
Daniel, who balances a rigorous course load in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, has demonstrated remarkable tenacity both in the classroom and on the water.
Reflecting on his achievement, Daniel shared,
Winning this championship is a dream come true. A win like this doesn’t come often for Webb, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my school. Competing successfully against such talented sailors required a lot of dedication and support from those close to me, and I’m very proud to bring this victory home to Webb.
The 2024 College Sailing Open and Women’s Singlehanded National Championships saw Sophia Montgomery ’25 of Harvard University win the Women’s title, with competitors in both fleets facing a mix of variable and demanding conditions. Daniel’s triumph also follows his earlier success this year when he captured the ILCA 7 North American Championship, highlighting his standing as one of the most skilled sailors in the collegiate circuit.
Glen S. Foster Trophy – Men’s Championship Final Standings:
- Daniel Escudero ’25, Webb Institute
- Guthrie Braun ’26, Brown University
- Mathias Reimer ’27, Yale University
Photo Credit: Lexi Pline / College Sailing
Moving Forward
By Alyssa Caliguri | Director of Admissions and Student Affairs
As I step into this new role as the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs I am excited to see what is in store for Webb Institute. While I’m not new to Webb being the former Associate Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, this role is a new opportunity for me to bring my strengths into this role. This new position for me is not just a career advancement but an opportunity to help shape the future of Webb Institute for years to come. The former Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, Lauren Carballo set up Webb to be extremely successful during her tenure. My only hope is to continue to build upon the great foundation she laid out for the past 8 years during her time at Webb.
Getting to welcome a new class of 28 students to campus after we had the privilege to watch the seniors walk across the stage months prior is always an exciting time. Having the opportunity to see the perspective students turn into admitted students is always an incredible experience. From those shy interviews to getting them knowledgeable on everything Webb during Orientation Week, they truly start to become a family in such a short amount of time within their class. They really are an impressive group and very accomplished prior to Webb. With Webb’s top-notch education there is no doubt in my mind they will become the very best next generation of great leaders in the Maritime Industry. I cannot wait to see all that the Class of 2028 accomplishes during their collegiate career inside and out of the classroom.
Alyssa presenting during Webb’s Incoming Student Orientation.
As we look towards the Fall we will look to hire an Assistant Director of Admissions to grow our admissions department and continue to spread the word out about Webb being one of our top goals. Another goal of mine is to also grow our Student Affairs side of the department. Admissions and Student Affairs go hand in hand in my opinion. You often will see other institutions have an Admissions Department which gets students in and hands them off to the Student Affairs Departments but the unique thing about Webb is that you get to see them through during their whole collegiate career from before they are even admitted. My passion is about enhancing the student experience from the very first time they step onto Webb’s campus to take a tour to four years later when they walk across that stage as a Webb graduate. Webb has such a strong curriculum and outstanding faculty to teach them, I hope on my departments end we can help guide them holistically to be the best leader outside of the classroom as well. I hope to continue the strong collaboration among all faculty and staff to continue to improve Webb’s student experience.
As Higher Education continues to evolve day by day my hope is that by focusing on relationship-building, collaboration, staying knowledgeable with the ever so changing industry, strategic planning, and innovation, our department can achieve new heights of success when it comes to student experiences at Webb Institute.