Franca is the Director of Nutrition Services at Student Health, an Assistant Professor with the Department of Community and Family Medicine, and adjunct faculty in the Department of HPER. She is one of three Student Health dietitians, and has worked at Duke for over 20 years.

She has an Associate Degree in medical technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Nutrition from the University of Maryland. Franca received her Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1989. Franca is a registered and licensed dietitian and gourmet cook. She is also a member of the advisory board of Bottom Line Health magazine.

Franca has worked with professional and amateur sports teams and individuals, and spends much of her time at Duke working with athletes as well as students struggling with disordered eating behaviors. Franca is very actively involved with the media in promoting messages about good health and nutrition through television, magazines and newspapers, and works closely with Duke Dining Services and the Compass Group (Bon Appetit) . During the Fall and Spring semesters, Franca teaches PE 110 – Diet and Nutrition.