Francis Virtucio
About Francis Virtucio
Francis Virtucio is a Research Technician at Integral Molecular in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has worked since 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pathology from Drexel University, where he also engages in undergraduate research.
Work at Integral Molecular
Francis Virtucio has been employed as a Research Technician at Integral Molecular since 2021. In this role, he is involved in general lab management practices and performs various quality control assays. He works on the Virology team, focusing on the development and production of COVID-19 Reporter Virus Particles (RVP). His contributions include culturing and maintaining cells specifically for RVP production, which supports safer COVID-19 research and antibody testing.
Education and Expertise
Francis Virtucio studied at Drexel University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pathology from 2019 to 2025. His education has provided him with a solid foundation in biological sciences, which he applies in his current research roles. He also engaged in undergraduate research at Drexel University Office of Undergraduate Research since 2020, further enhancing his expertise in scientific research methodologies.
Background
Francis Virtucio completed his high school education at Vineland Senior High School from 2015 to 2019. He gained early research experience through various positions, including a Radiology Apprenticeship at the Center for Diagnostic Imaging in 2016 and Cognitive Psychology Research at the New Jersey Governor's School in the Sciences in 2018. These experiences contributed to his skill set and interest in scientific research.
Previous Research Experience
Prior to his current roles, Francis Virtucio worked on the SEA-Phages Bacteriophage Research project at Drexel University from 2019 to 2020. This position lasted for six months and involved research in bacteriophage biology. Additionally, he completed a Radiology Apprenticeship for one month in 2016, which provided him with insights into diagnostic imaging.