Interests
Current Work
Francesca is a neuroscientist whose research focuses on identifying risk factors and early biomarkers of dementia. She also works with various patient and community advocacy groups on creative engagement initiatives that promote lifelong well-being.
Personal Hero
Constance Markievicz
Words of Strength
Making connections
Vision
To prevent dementia, Francesca believes we need to promote better understanding and awareness of risk and protective factors early in the life course, particularly in young adults. We also need to amplify the voices of people living with a diagnosis and their care partners to reduce fear and stigma surrounding dementia.
Strategy
Francesca uses mixed methods research, including cognitive testing, neuroimaging, and qualitative interviewing, in community-based and patient populations, including people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. She also organizes community outreach projects to promote better understanding of brain health.
Impact
Francesca is excited to be part of the global community of Atlantic Fellows to gain diverse perspectives of brain health and dementia from across the world. She hopes that her work will support dementia prevention, and ultimately, foster more inclusive and age-friendly societies.
Motivation
Francesca works towards a future where everyone can easily access the resources needed to promote healthy brain aging, and where people living with dementia are empowered and supported.
Education & Experience
Francesca received her PhD in neuroscience from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, in 2016. She completed post-doctoral training at the School of Psychology, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, before joining the Global Brain Health Institute in 2020. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago.
In addition to research, Francesca is passionate about cross-disciplinary collaboration between the arts and sciences. In 2018, she co-authored a popular science book, Why Science Needs Art (Routledge, UK).
Awards & Honors
Podcasts
Featured Publications
Send
Francesca
a NoteHave ideas for global brain health or a collaboration? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send an introductory note.
