HAZLETON, Pa. — Albert Lozano-Nieto, professor of engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and discipline coordinator in engineering for the University College, has been appointed interim director of Academic Affairs at Penn State Hazleton.
“Albert brings a vast academic skillset and strong track record of advocacy, collaboration, and leadership to the role of interim director of Academic Affairs,” Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright said. “I’m confident his experience as an educator and administrator will enhance the already strong academic experience for students and faculty at Penn State Hazleton.”
Lozano-Nieto began his career at Penn State Wilkes-Barre in 1996 as an associate professor of engineering, earned tenure in 2002, and was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2008.
He served as director of Academic Affairs at Penn State Wilkes-Barre from 2011 to 2017, where he expanded the campus’ academic program offerings with the addition of the corporate communication and rehabilitation and human services degree programs, and an accounting option in the business degree program.
With the goal of strengthening student success and engagement, he reestablished the campus’ first-year experience requirement for first-year students and supported efforts to increase undergraduate research opportunities. He also served as an adviser during New Student Orientation and chairperson of the campus’ Strategic Planning Committee.
In 2019, he assumed the newly created role of discipline coordinator in engineering for the University College, providing support for engineering faculty and serving as a mentor to those pursuing promotions and/or tenure.
Lozano-Nieto has earned numerous awards and recognitions during his Penn State Wilkes-Barre career, including the Hayfield Excellence in Service to the Campus Award, the Above and Beyond Award, and the Hayfield Innovation Award.
An accomplished scholar, he has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and received three patents. He is also active in professional organizations, serving as a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American Society for Engineering Education, and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Lozano-Nieto earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering and a doctoral degree in electrical engineering, both from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain.