Francesca Toma

Francesca got her Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Padua, and her PhD in Biophysics at the International School of Advanced Studies in Trieste (Italy) in 2009. She joined UC Santa Barbara as a Marie Curie Researcher in 2011, and was a Postdoctoral Scholar for a brief time in the Chemistry Department at UC Berkeley, before joining the Berkeley Lab in 2013. Francesca focuses on the synthesis, characterization, integration, and understanding of catalysts, and light absorbers for an energy-efficient future.

What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?

I am a very curious person and I like discovering new things. I also like to be challenged with non-obvious problems to solve. STEM fits these passions well.

The opportunity to impact society, to originate knowledge, to work with people and excel as a team rather than as an individual.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

I joined Berkeley Lab because I wanted to be part of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis. I love the philosophy of different scientific backgrounds under “one roof”. It enables a continued learning experience and keeps you excited every day. It fosters collaboration and is a fast-paced environment. The interactions with mind-like people, curious and motivated, is priceless.

How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?

We need to de-stigmatize STEM as a male-dominated field. For various reasons, we witness a drop in diversity from college students through the steps of a scientific career. We need mentoring and examples of women and members of other underrepresented minority (URM) scientists that can serve as inspiration for students. We need to do even more with leadership, and actively support the presence of women and other URMs in senior management.

Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

Look for mentors, network as much as you can, and be humble and open to others’ ideas. Take feedback positively; it is precious information that you can use (or not) at your advantage. Also, the world is smaller than one thinks. The school mates that you meet today will likely be your colleagues tomorrow.

When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

Ah! I strive constantly to achieve a better work-life balance, and wish I had more free time but a lot (all!) of it is taken up by my two little girls. I like reading (or rather listening to books nowadays) – currently essays on various topics and biographies. I also like cooking, exercising, and playing the piano. Being in control of how I spend my time outside work makes me more productive and creative.

Any further comments or facts about you that you'd like to share?

Often, the only person that will prevent you from following your dreams is you. Do not allow yourself to be the first to set your limits.