Hi there,

Photography: Julia Galaktionova (@juphola). 

I am Francisca Prieto Fernández (Panchita Prieto), an environmental microbiologist, with a PhD from the University of Oulu, Finland. I combine my scientific background with design and visual communication to make complex ideas clear, engaging, and accessible.

I believe in integrating interdisciplinarity and intersectionality into research

In parallel with contributions on peer-reviewed scientific articles, I am the author of an illustrated book about a scientific expedition of my PhD Under Extreme Conditions (self-published in 2023 with the support of the research program Biodiverse Anthropocenes). My research work has been presented in different conferences in Finland and abroad. I have also participated in events outside of the university like the presentation of my book. 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 most of my work is shared through Instagram and Linkedin.

I help experts who are looking for…

  • a scientist who engages deeply with complex research.

  • a visual thinker who makes complexity feel simple.

  • a communicator who knows that one message doesn't fit every audience.

  • a creative partner, not just someone who makes things look pretty.

  • someone equally comfortable with data and a sketchbook.

  • someone who understands research from the inside.

How can I help?

Concise visual summaries that communicate research clearly for publications and interdisciplinary audiences.

Transform complex data and ideas into engaging visuals for reports, presentations, and public outreach.

Professional slide design that helps your research stand out at conferences, defenses, and stakeholder meetings.

Visual identities for research groups and projects, including logos, templates, websites, and brand guidelines.

Communication strategy

Tailored communication plans to help your research reach the right audience and maximize its impact.

Custom illustrations and simple animations that explain scientific concepts, methods, and processes with clarity.

From my mind, to yours

What do others say?

  • Dr. Katharina Kujala

    Senior Researcher, Natural Resources Institute Finland


    As her PhD supervisor, I have worked with Francisca for many years and watched her development as a professional artist with growing admiration. She has this amazing skill to take whatever complex idea I present to her and turn it into a concise and easy-to-understand conceptual drawing.

  • Carolina De la Rosa

    Coordinator of Biodiverse Anthropocenes Research Programme, University of Oulu

    I was thrilled to have Francisca lead the workshop "From Underground Culture to Academy" Her session was a true highlight of the event, inspiring researchers to embrace creativity in science communication. Her ability to blend scientific expertise with artistic storytelling makes complex topics accessible and captivating.

  • Dr. Joaquim Viñes Pujol

    Educador y post-doc por la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona

    Estoy muy orgulloso por todo el crecimiento personal y profesional que está realizando, y admiro profundamente como se propone una meta y lo consigue, alternando tanto su amor por la ciencia como por el arte y el descubrimiento y respeto de nuevas culturas.