Now in corporate world, ‘chemist at heart’ brings MTSU women’s history month talks

Natalie LaFranzo, a chemist now working in the corporate world, will speak twice during two upcoming Middle Tennessee State University National Women’s History Month activities.

LaFranzo, director of marketing communications with Personalis Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts, and with strong ties to the American Chemical Society, will speak on “Beyond the Bench — Bringing Together Business, Chemistry and Creativity” at 6 p.m. Monday, March 13, in Science Building Room 1006.

Natalie LaFranzo, director of marketing communications with Personalis Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts, and with strong ties to the American Chemical Society, will speak at MTSU Monday and Tuesday, March 13-14, as part of National Women’s History Month. (Submitted photo by Salma Kilaouy)

“Allyship, Advocacy and the Future of STEM: Where Do I Fit In” will be LaFranzo’s discussion topic at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, in Science Building Room 1003. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Science Building is located at 440 Friendship St. Both events are free, and MTSU students, faculty and staff and the general public are welcome to attend.

LaFranzo’s appearance is part of a monthlong series of speakers and special events to commemorate MTSU’s National Women’s History Month of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, chemistry professor, director of the Women In STEM (WISTEM) Center at MTSU, and founder and director of Tennessee’s first Expanding Your Horizons girls’ STEM education workshop — Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross

“I am delighted to share that Natalie will talk about how she connects business and chemistry (March 13),” said chemistry professor Judith Iriarte-Gross, who invited LaFranzo, one of the rising stars in the chemistry field, to speak.

LaFranzo said MTSU “has assembled an incredible program to celebrate National Women’s History Month. It is an honor to be a part of this impressive program, and I’m thrilled to represent the chemistry community to share the unique needs and opportunities of women in STEM fields.”

“I am a chemist by training and at heart, even if I no longer work at the laboratory bench,” she added. “I am passionate about sharing how students who pursue a chemistry degree can go on to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems — not only through research but through a myriad of career paths. We need passionate, persistent and curious people from many different backgrounds solving challenges inside the laboratory, in business and beyond.”

LaFranzo is passionate about helping students and professionals navigate their careers, supporting the evolution of the American Chemical Society to reflect the changing face of chemistry and creating a more inclusive environment in science so all feel welcome.

LaFranzo is a member-at-large for the ACS Board of Directors and ACS career consultant. She earned her bachelor’s in chemistry from Bradley University and doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)