Francesca Tuazon, PhD is a “Big Picture” scientist – she searches for over-arching themes in science and connects these discoveries to the human experience and the broader natural world. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2011 with a BS in Biology and minor in Art History and received her doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 2019, where her research focused on the development of the early zebrafish embryo. While performing experiments and presenting data, Dr. Tuazon was continually struck by the many overlaps between the humanities and science, across both craft and creativity. This inspired her current work, which leverages hard and soft skills from the arts to empower STEM trainees from underrepresented groups to persist and thrive in their careers. A painter since childhood, Dr. Tuazon understands the power of creative expression and aims to unlock that experience within early career scientists. Though in its initial phases, her work is guided by the powerful vision of a more inclusive and innovative world through embracing the art in science.
Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents Although I am a formally-trained developmental biologist and scientific researcher, I am also an avid appreciator, and sometimes practitioner, of visual art. My current work leverages the overlap between science and art to empower trainees from underrepresented backgrounds in their fields. This professional interest grew from my graduate […]