Currently Teaches:

AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Chemistry. Additionally Mr. Mazzella is the Science Department Chair and a Science Fair Coach, Assistant Golf Coach, and part of the National Honor Society Selection Committee.

Background:

• Master of Arts at Saint Michael’s College: Curriculum 
• Bachelor of Arts at The College of Saint Rose: Biology/Chemistry Education
• Has been at Rice since 2015

Get to Know Him:

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I enjoy teaching Chemistry because: I get to the first experience for students in the world of chemistry. I get to see them light up at Bunsen burners, or solve a problem that they thought was hard before and share in the thrill of satisfaction.

I choose to teach at Rice because: I get to decide what I teach in my classroom. I have mostly motivated students who enjoy learning and enjoy problem solving.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Being with the students and my colleagues. 

If you had an unexpected afternoon off, what would you do with your time? Golf or hang out with my wife and dogs.

Best vacation/trip you’ve ever been on: 2006, I was able to go out to Louisville, Ky and Green Bay, WI. I was an intern and was able to do a bit of travel.  

Favorite tradition/fieldtrip/project you do in your classroom each school year: The day the AP Chemistry T-shirts come out and the first lab day of honors chemistry.

Favorite Rice tradition or event: Stunt Nite.

Favorite Rice Sports Team to watch: Football and Ultimate (GO D!) 

Favorite Professional Sports Team or Athlete: All New York Teams- Jets, Mets, Rangers, Fighting Irish

If a prospective family asked you “why should I send my student to Rice,” what would you say? 
Simply, we care. We care about every student who walks in our halls, is in our classrooms or on our team. We get to know our students very well and we genuinely enjoy being around them.