Lydia Franco-Hodges, MFA

Alda-Certified Facilitator
Assistant Professor of Practice

Contact Lydia

"Do you think it's strange to teach improvisation and theater practices to scientists?" Lydia avidly replied No to this question, and a big YES, AND to the Alda Center. Ever since, her work has enhanced the communication skills of thousands of scientists and medical professionals at national laboratories, hospitals, medical schools, private corporations, foundations, and global initiatives nationally and internationally, from NASA to Nairobi.

Lydia is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, where she designs and facilitators professional development programs that blend applied improvisational theatre with communication strategies. In addition to science communication programs, she developed and delivered the Alda Center's Women in STEM Leadership Program. Lydia teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in at Stony Brook University.

Prior to joining the Alda Center, Lydia taught acting at Stony Brook University. She enjoys created learning environments that encourage students to move out of their comfort zones, take risks, develop their courage, and co-create with others. Inspired by Alan Alda and the Center's mission, Lydia champions interpersonal connection and brings her vast experience as an actor, artist, and Alda-Certified facilitator to help others make a positive impact on and in our world.