Francine Baker is a PhD student in the Immunology Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a BS in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland and an MS in Biology with a concentration in Cancer Prevention and Control from the University of the District of Columbia. Prior to her PhD studies, Francine worked as a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, where she developed her skills in translational cancer biology and molecular epidemiology.
Francine's current research focuses on understanding the interplay between the immune system and the microbiome in the context of sickle cell disease (SCD). She investigates how early-life perturbations like asplenia and penicillin prophylaxis, and environmental exposures, influence long-term immune health and susceptibility to related conditions like asthma and acute chest syndrome.
In addition to her research, Francine is deeply committed to public health. She is actively involved in the sickle cell community advocating for better understanding and treatment of SCD. Her work strives to bridge the gap between clinical research and patient care to improve health outcomes for those affected by SCD.