Carolina Franco, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Research Scientist | Therapeutic Landscape & Translational Projects

About

Highly accomplished Ph.D. with expertise in Pharmacological Sciences, specializing in therapeutic landscape research, omics data synthesis, and translational project leadership. Proven ability to inform early-stage asset feasibility, assess biomarker strategies, and drive development prioritization through structured analyses and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in preclinical program strategy, regulatory documentation, and developing robust assay performance reports for commercial oncology therapeutics.

Publications

Vitamin B ₆ is governed by the local compartmentalization of metabolic enzymes during growth

Science Advances

2023

Simplifying the B Complex: How Vitamins B6 and B9 Modulate One Carbon Metabolism in Cancer and Beyond

Metabolites

2022

Metabolism and Endocrine Disorders: What Wnt Wrong?

Frontiers in Endocrinology

2022

Methylarginine targeting chimeras for lysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins

Nature Chemical Biology

2024

Education

University of California Irvine

Ph.D. Pharmacological Sciences / December, 2025

University of California Irvine

M.S. Pharmacological Sciences / May, 2024

Penn State University

B.S. Biotechnology / May, 2018

Experience

UC Irvine

Graduate Student Researcher / September, 2021 — November, 2025

Conducted in-depth therapeutic landscape research evaluating target biology, competitive positioning, translatability, and development risk to inform early-stage asset feasibility. Synthesized omics datasets, published literature, and experimental findings to assess biomarker strategy, patient segmentation considerations, and potential clinical impact. Led multi-phase translational projects generating structured analyses and executive-ready presentations that informed development prioritization and strategic next steps. Managed parallel workstreams, timelines, and cross-functional contributors to ensure high-quality analytical outputs under deadline.

Amgen

Grad Intern - Cardiometabolic Disorders / June, 2025 — August, 2025

Supported preclinical program strategy by developing structured assessment packages evaluating mechanism-of-action viability, development risks, and differentiation potential. Synthesized internal data and external literature to support gono-go and prioritization decisions. Developed client-style slide decks summarizing risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps for scientific and leadership stakeholders. Contributed to cross-functional discussions on pharmacology, biomarker positioning, and development pathway considerations.

Pfizer (Seagen)

Research Associate I - Potency Assays / July, 2018 — May, 2021

Contributed to IND/BLA-aligned documentation supporting commercial oncology therapeutics (PADCEV, TIVDAK) gaining exposure to regulatory and lifecycle considerations. Partnered with QA/QC and regulatory teams to support compliant execution and documentation of stability and release criteria. Developed structured reports summarizing assay performance, risk factors, and quality metrics to inform internal decision-making. Gained familiarity with regulatory, commercial, and operational factors influencing product sustainability and market readiness.

Join Carolina on NotedSource!

Join Now

At NotedSource, we believe that professors, post-docs, scientists and other researchers have deep, untapped knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged to drive innovation within companies. NotedSource is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for collaboration with industry and networking with other researchers.

For industry, NotedSource identifies the right academic experts in 24 hours to help organizations build and grow. With a platform of thousands of knowledgeable PhDs, scientists, and industry experts, NotedSource makes connecting and collaborating easy.

For academic researchers such as professors, post-docs, and Ph.D.s, NotedSource provides tools to discover and connect to your colleagues with messaging and news feeds, in addition to the opportunity to be paid for your collaboration with vetted partners.