Biography

Fran’s career blends communications and environmental science. She received a B.A. in History of Ideas from William Jewell College before pursuing an M.A. in Journalism at the University of Missouri. Her thesis explored reader’s perceptions of the credibility of news articles about climate change. After completing her master’s, Fran worked for five years as a science communicator. Her time working with researchers inspired her to pursue her own career as a scientist. She completed a B.S. in environmental science from Oregon State University, where she had the opportunity to do field work at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Fran pursued further field work with the National Park Service, contributing to long-term water monitoring efforts in the Sonoran Desert. At the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Fran uses time series statistics and genetic information to investigate the role of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems. She contributes her writing and editing skills to DWELL.