Alba Ballerini, PhD

Institute of Systems Genetics

A bit about myself

Hi everyone, I am Alba, and I grew up in a small town in Tuscany, Italy, where a strong sense of community shaped me and sparked my curiosity to explore the wider world. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Pisa. For my master’s thesis, I joined Patrick Cai’s lab at the University of Manchester, where I later continued as a PhD student. My doctoral research focused on engineering de novo tRNA neochromosomes, and more broadly, my research interests lie at the intersection of synthetic genomics and tRNA biology. One year ago, I joined NYU Langone Health as a postdoctoral researcher in the Boeke Lab, where I am leading efforts to advance the completion of the Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (Sc2.0), an international initiative to design, construct, and characterize the first synthetic eukaryotic genome. As part of this work, I am also involved in teaching the Build-a-Genome course at NYU. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, and traveling. As a passionate foodie, I love exploring New York City’s diverse culinary scene, treating each restaurant and neighborhood as a mini adventure. I also enjoy discovering hidden gems and seasonal flavors in the surrounding upstate area, turning every meal into a small journey.

Building community at NYULH

To me, New York is an incredibly stimulating city that fulfills our ambitions and offers endless opportunities in science and outside the lab. At the same time, it is easy to feel disconnected after moving from a quite hometown. The postdoctoral community at NYU provides the balance I was missing — a space where real connections form, colleagues listen, and a sense of community grows alongside the excitement of big science. The postdoctoral community at NYU offers the other side of this equation: a supportive network where real connections can form, friendships can be built, and colleagues listen and become a community. Since joining NYU, I have been continuously inspired by the PDA community, which has helped me build friendships, gain fresh perspectives in research, and stay grounded in life beyond the lab.

In my first year in New York, I participated in many PDA events, each inspiring in its own way, offering new experiences, and helping to build a supportive and engaging postdoc network.

Postdocs are at the heart of scientific progress, driving innovation, mentoring others, and shaping the future of research. The PDA highlights and celebrates the contributions, challenges, and journeys of postdocs at NYU and beyond. That’s why I am eager to join the PDA Council. I am grateful to the PDA for making NYU such a welcoming and enjoyable place, and I want to contribute to this vibrant, international, and friendly community. I am especially passionate about outreach and social events that create opportunities to share science, connect with colleagues, and engage with all that the world has to offer.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse