Life-long academic pursues second Ph.D., continues journey from Italy

From student to film critic to researcher

 Francesca Borrione, a URI teaching assistant and Ph.D. candidate, discusses her multifaceted academic history. Photo by Ethan Pellegrino.

Ph.D. candidate and teaching assistant Francesca Borrione is ready to make a mark with her international research, publications and academic endeavors. 

Borrione was born and raised in Italy where she received her master’s in communication studies at the University of Perugia, focusing on 1930s and 1940s Hollywood studies. After completing her time master’s in communication, she became a film critic for several years and published many monographs and creative works. Her publications focused on lifelong learning strategies and the use of film for educational purposes. 

After years of that, she began yearning for new endeavors, leading Borrione to land a job in business ethics, igniting a passion for academia in her. So, Borrione returned to the University of Perugia, where she obtained a Ph.D. in Education in 2011 and decided to further her scholastic achievements overseas.

“I had time to think about what I wanted to do, and I decided to just get a second Ph.D.,” she said. “I wanted that international experience and intellectual activity that I was missing.”

Now at the University of Rhode Island, Borrione is nearing the completion of her second Ph.D., this time in writing. She believes that her exposure to Italian and American academics has strengthened her ability to create and communicate.

According to Borrione, the Italian educational system taught her the theory of academics from a unique perspective. She has since taken these lessons and applied them to her work at URI which has enhanced her experience as a teaching assistant.

“When I came here, I had the tools,” she said. “In Rhode Island, I was given the classroom. Now I see things more critically, and I have a different approach. Everything can seem a little unusual at times.”

Though Borrione views herself as more of a researcher than a teacher, she has instructed many sections of English 110: Introduction to Literature in her time at URI. Borrione said that engaging with students and being intellectually active has been her favorite aspect of working at URI.

She credits much of her success to her past students who encouraged her to engage with subjects from various perspectives.

“I love engaging with people on a variety of topics so that my brain is always working,” Borrione said. “It’s been one year since I stopped teaching, and I really miss being in class and sharing what I know with the students. The academic interaction was great.”

Borrione has also written numerous essays and creative works, as well as four novels, including her most recent publication entitled “Les Flaneurs Edizioni.” She said that her life is divided between academic and creative writing.

Her writing has been published by small Italian publishers, but these works have reached far and wide. Borrione does not consider herself an ambitious creative writer. Rather, she aims to produce good work.

Now, Borrione is truly devoted to research and higher-level publications. She said that the process of peer review and community work with other scholars has been the most beneficial aspect of her academic journey.

“My work in English and my more serious work is my starting point for a new academic career,” she said. “My other work belongs to the past in a way. I hope people now will read my research as my writing improves.”

After she graduates in May, Borrione said she envisions herself continuing her current adventure. She feels ready to face the world and stay in academia, either in the United States or elsewhere.

Borrione believes that motivation pushes her to improve and that much of her inspiration has come from URI’s English department. Although she said she made a sacrifice in leaving Italy for her studies, Borrione can see the rewards now.

“Coming here was the best choice I’ve ever made,” she said. “This University has great faculty and dedicated professors. That is not something that I will take for granted.”

Xinquiang Chang, another Ph.D. student and a colleague of Borrione, described her as more than just a teacher or a scholar. Chang said that Borrione’s work is impressive and insightful to the field of literature.

Chang has worked with Borrione for several years and praised Borrione for her diligence and perceptiveness in all of her endeavors. He speaks highly of Borrione’s language proficiency and ability to collaborate with other scholars.

“I think having Francesca in this department is a big addition,” he said. “Her work and expertise serve as a constant reminder for the purpose of our studies, which is to produce knowledge.”