Meet Francesca Grossi, a dedicated PhD student at the University of Genova, embarking on a research journey that delves into the distribution of cetaceans and habitat modeling in the Mediterranean Sea. Her doctoral exploration, initiated in January 2022, focuses on unraveling the impacts of climate change on the distribution of megafauna in Mediterranean Sea. With a keen interest in linking species distribution, particularly that of cetaceans, with oceanographic variables influenced by climate change, Francesca aims to make predictive assessments of potential habitat shifts under different future scenarios. Prior to her PhD, she earned a fellowship at the same institution, where she diligently worked on vulnerability maps for fin whales and sperm whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a unique area in the Mediterranean. This experience ignited her passion for modeling and understanding the impacts on marine mammals.
Francesca holds a degree in Natural Sciences and Technologies and has been fascinated by nature and animals since her earliest memories. Proficient in programs like R, QGis, and Python, she adeptly utilizes satellite data in her research. Her profound love for cetaceans propels her to spend every summer at sea, actively collecting data on marine megafauna and cherishing every moment of the experience. Francesca envisions a future where her research contributes meaningfully to marine conservation efforts, allowing her to continue making a positive impact in the realm of marine mammal studies.
Now let’s hear her story!!!
California dreamin’
I’m a PhD student at the University of Genova in collaboration with CIMA (Centro Internazionale in Monitoraggio Ambientale) Research Foundation, and the aim of my PhD project is to investigate the spatial distribution of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea, and how climate change will impact their population and their habitats.
"The International Center for Environmental Monitoring, CIMA Research Foundation is a non-profit research organization. It aims to promote the study, scientific research, technological development and advanced training in Engineering and Environmental sciences for the protection of public health, civil protection and ecosystems"
As part of my PhD program, I had the chance to spend a period visiting another university around the world. We were searching for a place where I can develop my project. Thanks to my supervisor, we’ve identified as perfect labs to visit the NOAA - Environmental Research Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, focuses on the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on U.S. managed fisheries and protected species, and the De Leo Lab at Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University use quantitative tools to investigate factors and processes affecting the dynamics of infectious diseases of humans as well as the dynamics of marine resources of commercial and conservation interest, both in Monterey (California).
During summer 2022, I contacted both labs and I have presented my project and what I would have liked to do over there. My adventure started on the 26th of February when I flew from Milan to San Francisco. The leaving was thrilling, because of the VISA, until the week before my departure the flight ticket it was not in my hands! For 6 months I have worked on the two labs, participating at the meetings, presenting my work and every month sharing the updates. The colleagues were other PhD students, but also post docs and researchers. They also helped me to get in contact with other experts in the field, and I had the opportunity to meet other cetaceans’ researchers. Scientists helped me on coding, they gave me suggestions on how to process my data and in general a lot of feedback on my analysis. The next step will be keep collaborating with them and to keep in touch for future projects!
Monterey Bay, California
Unlimited Passion for Whale
Harbor Porpoise and Bottlenose Dolphins occur year-round in the shallow sandy shelf region. Minke Whales feed nearshore on juvenile rockfish and other schooling fish over shallow rocky bottom regions. Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Killer Whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Northern Right Whale Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Dall's Porpoise occur near the canyon edge and beyond into deep water regions. I was lucky enough to see most of these animals during the weekends on whale-watching trips!.
I had never been to USA before this experience, for me it was a big step. At the beginning it was tough: the different culture, the long distance with friends and my boyfriend, the language, but it was also an occasion to meet new people and to explore! Thanks to friends and family visiting, I got to see more than I could imagine. I have visited to San Francisco, a city full of contrasts, where the poverty and the criminality is side by side with culture and stunning view. Los Angeles, and more precisely to the Warner Brother Studios, which felt exactly like to be in a movie. I did the classic road trip from north to south California, Oregon and Nevada during my two weeks as tourist there, visiting the most important National Parks. It was an incredible experience which I will always keep in my heart.
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