Physical plant worker by day; astronomer by night
By day Joe Marzullo is the engineer in charge of Trades
in Physical Plant, but when the moon rises the astronomer within him emerges.
"Astronomy has been my hobby since I've been 7 years old," said
Marzullo, a self-taught astronomer. When he learned about Montclair State's
public telescope nights 12 years ago, he was eager to participate, and
today he assists Mary Lou West of Mathematical Sciences in running the
program.
"He's a wonderful observer, great with children and sometimes brings
one of his own telescopes," said West, who has come to rely on Marzullo,
especially on family nights. But Marzullo's skills as an astronomer don't
just shine at night. He also teaches an astronomy course on weekend mornings
for the Academically Gifted and Talented Youth Programs.
"We do a hands-on introduction to astronomy," said Marzullo.
"We build comets and solar systems to scale, and I invite my classes
to participate in family public telescope nights."
A member of the North Jersey Astronomical Group on campus, Marzullo also
participates in Project ASTRO NOVA, a national program that partners amateur
astronomers with grade-school teachers to offer students hands-on inquiry-based
activities in combination with a constructivist approach to teaching.
"Project ASTRO NOVA recruits amateur astronomers because we're
passionate about the science," said Marzullo, who works with middle
school children in Verona.
"When Joe teaches astronomy in the schools we go out to help him,"
said West. "He conducts some extravagant activities including a performance
called ‘Dance of the Planets.' "
Marzullo, a 25-year veteran in Physical Plant, earned a bachelor's degree
in industrial technology from Montclair State in '99, but never entered
a degree program in astronomy because he enjoys being able to call it
a hobby. "Gazing at the stars after hours relieves stress,"
he said. "It's quiet time for me, and working with children is rewarding.
I love watching them get excited when they see Saturn for the first time."
But there is a political aspect to astronomy for Marzullo as well.
"It's a democratic science," he explained. "Other
sciences that require expensive lab equipment are too costly for the working
class. With astronomy you just need to look up at the sky."