Dr. Marisa Franco
New York Times Bestselling Author, Psychologist, Leading Expert on Human Connection
Fields of expertise:
Dr. Marisa G. Franco is a psychologist, TED speaker, and New York Times bestselling author who helps people understand the science behind human connection, belonging, and meaningful relationships. Known for translating complex psychological research into practical insights that create lasting change, Dr. Franco empowers audiences to build stronger relationships with themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends, a groundbreaking guide to understanding friendship, connection, and the behaviors that shape our relationships. As a professor at the University of Maryland and a leading voice on belonging, she brings research-backed strategies to corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and universities.
Dr. Franco’s work has been featured in leading media outlets including The New York Times, The Telegraph, Vice, and Psychology Today, where she writes about friendship, connection, and the science of relationships. Through her talks, she challenges audiences to rethink connection as a skill — one that can be cultivated to create more inclusive workplaces, stronger communities, and more fulfilling lives.
