Student Member Spotlight: Francesca Razzano

Written by: Kevin Corbley

Francesca Razzano is a third-year PhD candidate in the Engineering Department at the University of Naples Parthenope in Italy, where she is supervised by Prof. Gilda Schirinzi of Uni. Parthenope and co-supervised by Prof. Silvia Liberata Ullo from the University of Sannio. She also earned her undergraduate degree in Benevento, studying Electronic Engineering for Automation and Telecommunications at the University of Sannio. During her second year of PhD, she completed a three-month visiting research program at the European Space Agency (ESA) Φ-lab in Frascati (Rome), Italy. Among her recent responsibilities, Francesca is currently undertaking a visiting research period at INRIA–Université Grenoble Alpes in France, working under the supervision of Prof. Jocelyn Chanussot.

Her PhD research focuses on developing AI-powered solutions for satellite-based environmental monitoring, with three main pillars: onboard AI processing for water quality assessment, SAR tomography for precise 3D forest structure analysis, and explorations into quantum machine learning applications.

A GRSS member since 2023, she serves as an active member in the IEEE GRSS IDEA Program. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in nature and discovering new places while traveling around the world.

Why did you decide to join GRSS? 

I decided to join GRSS during my studies for the master thesis—thanks to Professor Silvia Liberata Ullo at University of Sannio, who encouraged me to join and explore all the activities and programs in which I could get involved. 

How do you expect your GRSS experiences to assist you in current academic pursuits?

I expected GRSS membership to give me access to the latest in AI and remote sensing for Earth observation, plus a chance to build solid international connections through its busy schedule of events. That’s exactly what happened – Summer schools helped me sharpen my skills and conferences let me share my work and meet key experts. Those relationships have opened up real collaborations that push my PhD research forward every day.

What are some GRSS activities that you have attended or participated in?

My GRSS journey began with the 2023 GRSS IADF Summer School in Benevento on computer vision for Earth observation, marking my first involvement in the community. I was selected again for the IADF Summer School in Benevento 2024, where I received the Best Poster Award, sponsored by Thales Alenia Space, for my work on onboard AI for environmental monitoring. I’ve presented my research at key conferences: two oral presentations at InGARSS 2023, one at IGARSS 2024 in Athens, and two more at IGARSS 2025 in Brisbane. I also attended the GRSS HDCRS Working Group Summer School 2025 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Beyond presentations, I’ve contributed to GRSS outreach—supporting IEEE GRSS IDEA program activities at IGARSS 2025, managing the GRSS booth at ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025, and promoting GRSS initiatives at IADF Summer Schools.

Long term, how do you anticipate GRSS will benefit your professional career?

Long-term, I see GRSS as a cornerstone of my professional growth, thanks to the extensive international network I’ve built through its events, summer schools, and conferences. These connections, especially ongoing exchanges with experts I’ve met, have already accelerated my research and skill development during my PhD, and I expect them to open doors to collaborations, job opportunities, and leadership roles after my PhD. A key highlight is my participation in the mentorship program under IEEE GRSS IDEA Women Mentoring Women, where my Canadian mentor, Heather McNairn, provides invaluable career guidance and research insights that will shape my future in remote sensing.

Has your experience in GRSS so far differed from what you expected?

Yes, my GRSS experience has far exceeded my expectations. I anticipated strong international connections since I already knew several people involved, but the personal and professional growth I’ve achieved—through mentorship, collaborations, and leadership opportunities—has gone well beyond anything I could have imagined.

At what upcoming GRSS events can people expect to meet you?

You can expect to meet me at the IADF Summer School 2026, where I hope to actively participate again—presenting GRSS and IEEE GRSS IDEA initiatives (I’m deeply committed to their mentoring and outreach programs and eager to contribute) while engaging from a scientific perspective, as the topics closely align with my research. I also plan to organize volunteer events for IEEE GRSS IDEA at IGARSS 2026, and I’m strongly motivated to make it happen.

What words of encouragement would you offer others who are considering joining GRSS?

Join GRSS! It’s an incredible community that welcomes everyone eager to grow. Just show up to one event, whether a summer school, conference, or working group, and you’ll find yourself connected to inspiring people worldwide who will push your ideas further. If you’re passionate about science and collaboration, don’t wait, participate and watch how it transforms your journey!

If you would like to learn more about Francesca and connect with her, please visit her LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-razzano-38120b299/

Do you know an IEEE GRSS Student Member who deserves to be recognized? We invite you to submit a nomination by sending a brief message to ir_pub@grss-ieee.org with the subject: “Student Member Spotlight.”

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