Paola Di Giuseppantonio Di Franco

Dr. Paola Di Giuseppantonio Di Franco is a Senior Lecturer in Heritage and Digital Humanities at the University of Essex's School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of material culture, heritage, and cognitive science, with emphasis on 3D technologies' role in disaster resilience and museum interpretation. She holds a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship for her REPLACE project, investigating how 3D technologies rebuild community resilience post-disasters. Previously, she held a Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowship at the University of Cambridge and an Eastern ARC fellowship. Her work includes projects like 'Ksar Said: A Virtual Experience' (supported by British Council) and 'Neurocuration', exploring soundscapes and digital replicas in museums. She co-directed the award-winning documentary 'Italia Terremotata', examining earthquake-affected communities in Italy. Her educational contributions include pioneering heritage programs at Essex and developing pedagogies in conflict-affected regions.

• Education: PhD University of California, Merced (2014); Postgraduate Specialisation in Archaeology, Sapienza University of Rome (2008); BA+MSc Sapienza University of Rome (2004)

Research interests span digital heritage applications, community resilience, and cognitive engagement with material culture. She collaborates with SMEs and educators to enhance youth critical heritage engagement, notably in Tunisia, Syria, and Lebanon. Awards include the BAFTSS Practice Research Innovation Award (2020). Grants include UKRI FLF, Marie Curie, and British Council funding.