Growing up in Abington, Pennsylvania as the daughter of Nobel laureate, Hungarian biochemist and mRNA researcher Katalin Karikó, she attended Abington Senior High School, followed by the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in sociology of law and deviance and a master's degree in criminology.

Susan Francia is the daughter of Nobel laureate, Hungarian biochemist and mRNA researcher Katalin Karikó.

[8] After graduating, Francia spent ten years as a member of the U.S. Rowing Senior National Team and won gold medals in women's eight at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China and the 2012 Olympics in London, England.

[7] In addition to her international accomplishments, she won the championship eight at the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2012 Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

[12] In February 2021, with her husband Ryan Amos, she had a son born in the United States.