Joanna F. Defranco

Joanna F. Defranco is an Associate Professor of Engineering at the Engineering Division (Great Valley) of Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on software development, internet of things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on quality assurance, security, and practical implementations in engineering and healthcare.

Research Interests

Defranco's work addresses critical challenges in IoT security, digital twins for manufacturing, and AI-driven software quality analysis. She explores secure data sharing frameworks, blockchain applications in healthcare, and the evolution of low-code/no-code platforms. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to telemedicine, smart agriculture, and urban infrastructure.

Publication Trends

Her 2023-2025 publications show increasing focus on IoT integration with AI, secure healthcare data systems, and the societal implications of emerging technologies. Key themes include digital twin adoption in SMEs, generative AI's impact on software development, and cybersecurity resilience.

Collaborations

She collaborates with institutions like IEEE and researchers such as Paul Laplante, Joseph Voas, and Thrasyvoulos Speicher. Her work bridges engineering education with real-world applications in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.