HAZLETON, Pa. — Assistant Professor of Biology Carl Frankel will serve as the speaker for Penn State Hazleton’s spring 2018 commencement ceremony, which will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium of the Physical Education Building.
Frankel is retiring at the end of the academic year after a 44-year career at Penn State Hazleton, during which he taught courses in biology, human genetics, biochemistry, physiology and more.
“Graduation is a big experience in students’ lives and such a milestone for them. I always enjoy supporting student activities, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be this year’s speaker,” said Frankel, who attends commencement and many other student activities throughout the year.
He instituted many new laboratory studies as part of science courses at Penn State Hazleton. He has worked with several student groups as an adviser, including the Discussion Club, Biology Club, Outdoors Club, and Allies, and directed plays at the campus for several years.
Frankel initiated the popular summer “Critter Camp” at the campus to share his love of nature with elementary school students. During the camp, students explore the outdoors and use the laboratories at the campus to find and learn about a variety of creatures and plants.
He is passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, outdoor recreation and art. He is active in the Greater Hazleton community as a member of six local organizations: the Hazleton Art League, Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, Friends of the Nescopeck, Beth Israel Temple, the Greater Hazleton Concert Series, and the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress. Frankel has volunteered for about 30 years with the art league, where he serves as co-president and developed the Art Youth Expo (now in its eighth year), which provides local youth with the opportunity to display their talents and win prizes.
Frankel holds a bachelor’s degree in genetics from McGill University in Montreal and a doctorate in genetics from Michigan State University.