Outreach
Francesca passionately believes in sharing the wonder of discovery with others. The thrill and empowerment when someone realizes that they can do real science fuels her to make that experience as widespread as possible.
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bioEYES
As a graduate student, Francesca volunteered for 8 years with Project BioEYES, a STEM education program that brings zebrafish research to Philadelphia schools. She was a classroom lecturer, resident zebrafish expert, mentored interns, and even developed a neurodevelopment course still used today.
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Science History Institute
As part of the Science History Institute’s annual Saturday Speaker Series, Francesca gives a public lecture, “Fishing” for Answers: Using the Zebrafish in Biomedical Research. She covered the history of model organisms, technological advances using zebrafish, and delved into one of life’s biggest mysteries: how do we become what we are?
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Philadelphia Science Festival
The Philadelphia Science Festival encompasses 10 days of events designed to educate, inspire, and engage the public in science. In 2016, Francesca helped found a teaching booth sponsored by her graduate program. The booth concept “What is a model organism?” is still used today.
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Start Talking Science!
Start Talking Science is free public event that connects scientists and the public. Scientists present a poster summarizing their research for the general public to “foster insightful conversations and connections” and increase public awareness of the Philadelphia research community. Francesca was a presenter in 2015.
Advocacy
Francesca unequivocally believes that everyone should have access to opportunities for discovery. As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she galvanizes change through meaningful community partnerships based on mutual understanding and respect.
Beyond outreach and mentorship, Francesca had a transformative experience as a lead activist for the 2017-2018 graduate student union campaign (Graduate Employees Together at the University of Pennsylvania, GET-UP).
She publicly advocated for removing barriers to higher education, improving conditions to retain underrepresented minorities, and holding institutions accountable to their values. Further, as a representative on the campus-wide Coordinating Committee, she was involved in campaign strategy and volunteer management, spoke at rallies, and even co-facilitated a seminar for activists on gender and race inclusivity.
She integrates this community-based approach to equity into every facet of her work.