BIOGRAPHY
Originally from Elizabeth, PA, Frank attended Juniata College where he graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1987. Following, he attended the University of Vermont with intentions of a career in university academics, receiving his PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 1992, but upon graduation made the decision to enter industry instead. Frank worked for Inchcape Testing Services (Based in Burlington, VT) for 5 years as a Senior Chemist, and then moved back to PA to work for Restek Corporation for 14 years as the Director of Technical Development. In 2010, more than a few years after graduate school, Frank finally made the transition to full-time academics, becoming an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. In addition, Frank is also a member of the Forensics Science Program, Center for Molecular Toxicology & Carcinogenesis, and Dual-Title program in Biogeochemistry at Penn State.
Frank’s research interests are in gas and liquid chromatography fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well and mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices. This work is directed towards environmental forensics, traditional forensic chemistry and human exposure events that may contribute to disease. Frank has extensive experience with both GC and LC separations, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, and atomic spectroscopy; having developed analytical methods for a wide variety of organic and organometallic compounds and elemental analysis in various sample matrices.
Outside of work, Frank can be found skiing, hiking, backpacking and working out. For less strenuous activities, he enjoys woodworking and music. Frank is also the President of a private company, Peak Diagnostics, operating in the State College area and specializing in scientific consulting and R&D.