An enlightening psychologist, international speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Marisa G. Franco received her MS and PhD from the University of Maryland, where she currently teaches courses in University Honors on making friends (HNUH269P) and overcoming loneliness (HNUH278I). Dr. Franco is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives. She is an official TED speaker (2 million views +), and she authored the New York Times bestseller Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends and the forthcoming Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment. She writes about friendship for Psychology Today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like The New York Times, The Telegraph, and Vice. She speaks on belonging at corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and universities.