Martin “Marty” Wanielista, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus Marty Wanielista served as the college’s third dean from 1993 to 2002.

Under his leadership, the college expanded its partnerships with industry, including Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation, Boeing and Disney, and increased its work with state and federal government including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, and the Florida DOT.

He began his career at UCF (then FTU) as an assistant professor in 1970, and later was chair of the Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences Department. He also served the college as director of research and interim dean. In 2007, UCF honored him as a Pegasus Professor, the university’s highest faculty honor.

His research areas include stormwater management, water resources engineering, hydrology and stochastic methods, surface and groundwater pollution control; and mathematical models of surface water systems. He launched the Stormwater Management Academy at UCF and is executive director. He has authored more than 200 publications and has received numerous awards for his societal contributions.

Dr. Wanielista’s work spans everything from green roof design to lake restoration and pollution impacts on waterways, and his work has benefitted beloved places in the region including downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola; the Econlockhatchee River; and the Wekiva River.

He has donated generously to the college, including establishing the Marty Wanielista Endowed Fellowship to benefit environmental engineering students. A laboratory in the Engineering II building also bears his name.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Detroit; a master’s degree in sanitary engineering from Manhattan College; and a doctoral degree in environmental engineering from Cornell University.