The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs works with both the Drexel Postdoctoral Association and the National Postdoctoral Association to ensure that our postdocs have access to a complete network and community.
NPA
Drexel University is a Sustaining Member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). Therefore, our postdocs receive free Affiliate Membership. By becoming a member, you will get opportunities to network with individuals in the postdoc community and gain access to members-only resources, such as the NPA Institutional Policy Database, and myPostdoc Monthly, a webinar offering support to postdocs. To learn more about NPA free resources, events and opportunities, please visit the National Postdoctoral Association’s website.
The Drexel Postdoctoral Association (DPA) is dedicated to representing and supporting postdoctoral fellows by fostering a strong sense of community and promoting academic, professional, and personal growth. We are committed to mentoring prospective postdocs and advocating for the needs of both current and future postdoctoral scholars through a collaborative and inclusive environment. Drexel Postdoctoral Association empowers postdocs to achieve their career goals by facilitating networking, professional development opportunities and resources for career advancement.
My name is Albino Schifino, but I go by Albi. I am originally from Connecticut but have moved around a bit since starting graduate school in 2018. I currently live outside Philadelphia with my girlfriend and two dogs (Earl and Hudson). I am an exercise enthusiast, and I like spending time outside with my dogs.
What is your country of origin? What was the focus of your PhD research, and where did you earn your degree? What is your current postdoctoral project about?
I was born and raised in Connecticut. I received my PhD in kinesiology from the University of Georgia in 2023. My PhD was focused on muscle regeneration following traumatic injury; I worked mostly in preclinical models studying ways to bolster muscle regeneration.
What are your career goals, and how does your current postdoc position support your long-term career trajectory?
I would like to pursue a career outside of academia, leveraging my preclinical and clinical expertise to assist in bridging the gap from basic science to clinical applicability. At Drexel, I work in the Multiscale Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory (PI: Dr. Binder-Markey). My current work is investigating the long-term effects of Botox injections on skeletal muscle structure and function. Currently, my postdoctoral research will help me network with leaders in the biomedical, biotechnology and bioengineering fields to identify the most attractive career path.
What are the key areas or issues you are most passionate about supporting through the DPA?
First, I believe we need to build a sense of community among postdoctoral researchers. Without a community of trusted peers who have similar goals, the overall impact of the DPA will remain minimal. Once the DPA has a slightly greater presence, we can re-evaluate the needs of the larger group and tailor our communal efforts to best support our members. Looking ahead, I hope we can develop programs and initiatives that provide professional development opportunities and improve the connectedness of postdoc researchers throughout Drexel’s campus.
Email: ep637@drexel.edu
Tell us about your background and your current research project.
I’m originally from Italy, where I completed my PhD in cognitive science at the University of Trento, within the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science. During my PhD, I focused on exploring sex differences in autism, while also working on several projects related to autism diagnosis, intervention and social inclusion. Currently, I’m a postdoctoral researcher at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in Philadelphia. My work here centers on advancing early identification and intervention strategies for autistic individuals. Alongside my research, I’m also part of the board of the Italian Special Interest Group on Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Children at Neurodevelopmental Risk, where I contribute to the dissemination of evidence-based practices through seminars open to professionals and families.
What are your career goals, and how does your current postdoc position support your long-term career trajectory?
I’m passionate about academic research and committed to building a career that combines science and real-world impact. My ultimate goal is to become a professor and lead research that meaningfully improves the lives of autistic individuals and their families. I’m especially interested in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that the knowledge we build is accessible and useful to those who need it most. My current postdoctoral position at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is a key step in this journey. It allows me to deepen my expertise in early diagnosis and intervention, collaborate with leading researchers in the field and develop community-based research approaches. Looking ahead, I hope to return to Italy to contribute to the academic and clinical community, fostering stronger connections between research, practice and public services. This postdoc is helping me build the skills, network and international perspective I need to pursue that goal and support the next generation of researchers.
What are the key areas or issues you are most passionate about supporting through the DPA?
As an international researcher, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate academic careers abroad. Through the DPA, I’m especially passionate about providing mentorship and support to other international postdocs, as well as to those who are preparing to enter the postdoctoral phase of their careers. I believe that building an inclusive, supportive community is essential to help postdocs thrive both personally and professionally. I’m also deeply committed to promoting education and professional development opportunities within the DPA, creating spaces where postdocs can grow, connect and feel empowered to shape their career paths.