The Science of Possibility"
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The first time Franchesca Rolón worked with a research subject it wasn’t a person. It was a rat.
As an undergraduate at Bridgewater State University studying psychology with a focus on neuropsychology, she spent long hours in the lab studying how brain changes relate to conditions like schizophrenia. The work required focus and patience, and she often worked alone. But it sparked something lasting: a belief that understanding the brain is one of the most meaningful ways to help people.
“I became fascinated by how changes in the brain can shape a person’s thinking, behavior, and quality of life,” she says. “What motivated me then, and still motivates me now, is the potential for neuroscience research to improve people’s lives.”
Today, Franchesca is a Research Coordinator at Butler Hospital’s Memory and Aging Program (MAP), where she helps lead clinical trials and supports research focused on lifestyle and brain health.
Moving from lab research to clinical work felt like a natural next step. Clinical research gave her something the lab couldn’t: the opportunity to connect directly with people.
“Clinical research connects the scientific questions we ask in the lab with the real experiences of patients and families,” she says. “Being able to interact with participants and contribute to trials that may ultimately improve treatments is incredibly rewarding.”
No two days are the same in her role. She helps coordinate study visits, conducts cognitive assessments, manages data, and guides participants and caregivers through each step. Her goal is simple: make sure every person feels informed, comfortable, and supported.
One of the studies Franchesca works on is TRAVELLER, a Roche-sponsored screening study with a unique purpose. It’s not a treatment trial. Instead, it helps identify people who may be eligible for future Alzheimer’s clinical studies.
TRAVELLER uses a blood test to measure a protein called pTau217. Researchers believe this protein may reflect changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease, changes that can begin many years before symptoms appear.
This kind of testing could make early screening much more accessible, reducing the need for more invasive or costly procedures.
“pTau217 has shown strong potential as a blood-based biomarker,” Franchesca explains. “A simple test that can help detect these changes could make it much easier to identify people who may be at risk.”
Because the science is still evolving, individual results are not typically shared with participants. Franchesca makes sure to explain this clearly from the beginning, focusing on why the research matters, even if it doesn’t provide personal answers right away.
“People generally appreciate that participating allows them to contribute,” she says. “But many also recognize that this could be a pivotal part of their medical journey.”
Representation in research is something Franchesca cares deeply about. As a woman of color, she understands that not all communities have been equally included in research. In her work, she makes a conscious effort to reach out, build trust, and create a welcoming experience for everyone.
“Good science reflects the full range of people it aims to help,” she says.
Franchesca has also worked on the U.S. POINTER study, a landmark lifestyle intervention trial. The study showed that structured programs focused on exercise, nutrition, mental activity, and overall health can help protect cognitive function.
She sees studies like POINTER and TRAVELLER as connected. One focuses on what we can do to support brain health, while the other helps us understand what’s happening in the brain itself.
What keeps her going, even on challenging days, is the people she meets. Many participants share that being part of MAP gives them a sense of hope, and a reminder that they’re not alone.
“Every piece of data helps researchers understand Alzheimer’s disease better,” she says. “Their involvement lays the foundation for discoveries that could benefit countless people.”