I am Francisca Prieto Fernández (Panchita Prieto). I help researchers and science-driven organisations communicate complex ideas through illustration, writing, and visual storytelling.

With a PhD in environmental microbiology from the University of Oulu, Finland, I combine my scientific background with design and visual communication to make complex ideas clear, engaging, and accessible. In 2026, my clients have included startups and research groups, with a particular focus on sustainability and biotechnology.

Alongside my contributions to peer-reviewed scientific articles, I am the author of an illustrated book about a scientific expedition of my PhD. My research work has been presented in different conferences in Finland and abroad. I have also participated in events outside of the university like Start up events. I enjoy creating bridges between the scientific community and the general public and I have helped other researchers to work on their communication skills, like with the workshop From Underground Culture to Academy. I have worked as freelance illustrator and writer for different clients, such as the Oulu Student Magazine, and my visual abstracts have enhanced research plans of European grants applications like the one received by Dr. Katharina Kujala. I am a member of the Catalan Association of Scientific Communication and Hafven in Hannover. Most of my work is shared through Instagram and Linkedin.

I am always open for meaningful connections. Do you want to have an online coffee together? Let’s make it happen.