Frank Dunn Kern
American mycologist and university teacher
About Frank Dunn Kern
Lived 1883 – 1973 (aged 90). Frank Dunn Kern was an American university teacher, botanist, botanical collector and scientific collector, known for Rust (fungus).
Frank Dunn Kern (June 29, 1883 – September 28, 1973) was an American plant pathologist and university administrator. He was a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University, holding appointments as Head of the Department of Botany and Dean of the Graduate School. He was an expert on the Pucciniales (rust fungi).
Personal life Frank Dunn Kern was born 29 June 1883 in Reinbeck, Iowa, USA. He graduated from University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in 1904 and a master's degree from Purdue University in 1907 His doctorate was awarded by Columbia University in 1911. as well as other collaborations about rusts in Venezuela, Colombia and Santo Domingo.
In 1924 he was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science and President of the Academy in 1929.
He retired in 1950.
Three fungal genera, Kernia which is a genus of fungi in the family Microascaceae, then Kernella Thirum. within the Pucciniaceae family and Kerniomyces Toro. within the Schizothyriaceae, are named after him.
Legacy In 1971 the new graduate center at Penn State University was named the Kern Graduate Building.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Frank Dunn Kern?
American mycologist and university teacher (1883-1973)
When was Frank Dunn Kern born?
Frank Dunn Kern was born on 29 June 1883 in Iowa.
When did Frank Dunn Kern die?
Frank Dunn Kern died on 28 September 1973 in State College.
What was Frank Dunn Kern's occupation?
Frank Dunn Kern was a university teacher, botanist, botanical collector and scientific collector.
What was Frank Dunn Kern known for?
Frank Dunn Kern was known for Rust (fungus).
What nationality was Frank Dunn Kern?
Frank Dunn Kern was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frank Dunn Kern. https://biography.guide/frank-dunn-kern/
MLA: "Frank Dunn Kern." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frank-dunn-kern/.
Chicago: "Frank Dunn Kern." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frank-dunn-kern/.
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