I was a part of Marco's Philosophy of Science course in Bard. What stood out the most about Marco, both in the classroom and in private conversation, was how warm, kind, and encouraging he was. The feedback and comments I received from him in his course did a lot to encourage me in my studies and my own dream of pursuing a path in academia.

I was especially touched by his support during my first ever presentation at an undergraduate conference in a neighbouring college. When he found out that I was presenting, he so kindly offered to read and offer some comments on my paper, which I gladly obliged. I still vividly remember his warm smile and the encouraging two thumbs up he held up as I made my way back into my seat, reassuring me that I did a good job.

Some of my fondest memories of Marco are the funny ones. In his last semester at Bard I did not get the chance to take another course with him, but we would often see each other as he left the department building to teach his class, as I had another class at the same time. Once I was running late for class and thought that I would barely make it with a brisk pace, then I saw Marco exiting the building. He waved at me, checked his watch, and then proceeded to run. As soon as I saw him run, I realised how late I must've been and immediately started running as well! We laughed in acknowledgement of the amusing situation.

Marco once asked me whether my interest in Immanuel Kant's philosophy was because I thought it was true. I didn't have the answer for him then, but told him that I would work on it as I progressed on my studies and would have an answer for him someday in the future. I'm not that much closer to an answer, however, it saddens me that I'll never get to have that conversation with him. 

I only got to have Marco as my teacher for a relatively short period of time. But in that short period as his student, he's managed to leave a lasting impact on me. Now, as a graduate student in the UK (where Marco once studied), I know I'll always have his encouraging words of support and memories of him whenever I feel like philosophy has gotten the better of me.