Dr. Patrick Frantom, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, recently visited the Department of Biology at the University of Havana, Cuba as part of the UA Cuba Initiative . Dr. Frantom was part of a group of 12 UA faculty members from various colleges and departments that visited Cuba to establish educational and research ties with their counterparts in Havana. Dr. Frantom was hosted by Dr. Isel Pascual Alonso, the vice-dean for research in the Facultad de Biología and researcher at the Center for Protein Studies. Dr. Frantom taught courses with 3^rd and 4^th year biochemistry students and presented a research seminar to the faculty of the Center for Protein Studies. He also met with the vice-dean for undergraduate studies in biology and several members of the chemistry department. “It was an eye-opening experience, “ said Frantom. “The faculty and students are working very hard to make the best of the opportunities they have, something we occasionally take for granted here in the U.S.”

Building for the Facultad de Biología at the University of Havana

Dr. Isel Pascual Alonso (left) and Dr. Patrick Frantom (right)

Dr. Frantom with a 3^rd year undergraduate biochemistry class.