Franco Pradelli

I am a biomedical engineer with a deep and enduring fascination for mathematics. During my undergraduate studies at the University of Bologna, I was first introduced to the field of Computational Biology—and something immediately clicked. Whether it was the thrill of coding, the intellectual challenge of using mathematical models to infer complex biological realities, or the elegance of simulation-based reasoning, I felt an instant spark. That initial fascination has since evolved into the central passion that drives my work today.

After spending a few years in the startup world, I returned to academia to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Padova. My doctoral research focused on employing mathematical models—particularly partial differential equations (PDEs)—to investigate tumor growth and tumor-induced angiogenesis in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, a well-known cancer predisposition syndrome. This work taught me the importance of carefully observing the biological data you aim to model, and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. I had the opportunity to work closely with clinicians and biologists from international teams, gaining a broader and more nuanced understanding of both the scientific and human aspects of cancer research.

During my Ph.D., I also connected with the EDIT Lab and Prof. Jeffrey West through the Mathematical Oncology website. After several years of actively engaging with their content, I joined the editorial team in 2023 to help curate the newsletter and contribute to the broader community.

My current research interests lie at the intersection of mathematical modeling, evolutionary theory, and oncology, with a particular focus on therapy resistance in cancer. Beyond my scientific pursuits, I have a strong passion for the arts. I’m a museum enthusiast, I sketch in my free time to relax, and I’ve been a devoted Studio Ghibli fan ever since watching Spirited Away at the age of six. I also find peace and inspiration in nature, which is a constant source of wonder for me.