Muskegon Community College (MCC) is excited to introduce its newest addition to the biology faculty, Frank Suarez-Roman. As a faculty member at MCC, Suarez-Roman will instruct courses in Environmental Science, General Biology II, and Plant Science. He will also play a pivotal role in stewarding resources and developing programs for the Life Sciences’ Herbarium and the Kasey Hartz Natural Area, fostering engagement across MCC’s diverse communities.
Suarez-Roman’s journey into education was inspired by his childhood experiences in the natural and agricultural landscapes of rural Puerto Rico. These early encounters with the environment ignited his passion for biology and learning, shaping his path towards becoming an educator. He has developed an inquiry-based teaching approach, drawing from his extensive background in conducting graduate and undergraduate research in herbariums, forests, classrooms, and labs.
Suarez-Roman’s teaching philosophy centers around “embodied learning for the creative application of knowledge.” He is guided by three core principles: Education, Inquiry, and Community. Prior to joining MCC, he served as an adjunct biology faculty member at Concordia University and gained valuable experience as a fundraiser at the University of Michigan. He holds both an M.A. in higher Education and an M.S. in botany, enabling him to integrate natural and social sciences perspectives into his teaching methods.
In addition to his academic role, Suarez-Roman is enthusiastic about mentoring students and advising MCC’s Garden Club on sustainable garden planning and cultivation. His dedication to experiential learning and community involvement aligns with MCC’s commitment to student success.
Outside of the classroom, he enjoys celebrating the changing seasons with friends, engaging in outdoor activities, and communing with nature. This connection to the natural world helps him navigate Michigan’s winters, coming from a tropical background.
MCC offers over 80 areas of study including environmental science, geology, and other sciences. In addition, the college provides a variety of community resources including a planetarium, natural area, science museum, health and wellness center, art gallery, and golf course. Visit www.muskegoncc.edu to learn more.
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