She previously was a consulting hematologist for the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Program of Zoological Station in Naples Anton Dohrn. Pica has taught a number of courses, some of which include human anatomy, embryology, and experimental morphology; hematology and hemopathology of sea turtles; and hemopathology of sea water vertebrates. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Naples and is a member of several scientific organizations.