My name is Stefania Melini, and I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II. My research is focused on the molecular and systemic mechanisms underlying obesity and metabolic disorders, with a focus on metabolic reprogramming, inflammation, and organ crosstalk driving long-term metabolic dysfunction.
What first sparked your interest in working in the field of obesity, and what does a typical workday look like for you now?
My interest in obesity research began with a fascination for metabolic flexibility and the way cellular metabolism adapts, or fails to adapt, to different physiological challenges. Now, a typical day for me involves brainstorming project ideas with my team and spending quality time with hepatocytes and adipocytes.
What’s one tool, method, or hack that makes your work life easier that you wish everyone knew about?
I pay close attention to the cells under the microscope and always screen for mycoplasma; it saves a lot of headaches later.
How has being part of the EASO Early Career NetworK (ECN) changed your journey so far?
Being part of the ECN has broadened my opportunities and expanded my vision of scientific collaborations. In particular, as part of the EASO ECN Exchange Programme, I recently spent a week at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen, an internationally recognised hub for metabolic research. The centre integrates molecular, cellular, and computational approaches – including bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics – to unravel the complexity of metabolic disease.
During my visit, I gained invaluable insights into how leading researchers approach metabolic questions, from metabolic memory to circadian rhythm disturbances. One of the most transformative lessons was seeing the power of focusing deeply on a single, well-defined research question, and how this clarity accelerates scientific progress. I also experienced the impact of a truly open and collaborative research culture, where sharing data, ideas, and resources drives creativity and innovation. Engaging with researchers from different backgrounds helped me refine the way I communicate scientific ideas and broadened my understanding of how diverse methodological approaches – from molecular techniques to in vivo models – can be integrated to address fundamental questions in obesity. The exchange reinforced my passion for metabolic research and highlighted the value of international collaboration in shaping both scientific growth and personal development.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to the “you” who was just starting out?
I would tell my younger self to dream boldly, silence the little voice that says “you can’t”, and trust that your moment to shine is always on its way.
What excites you most about the future of obesity research?
What excites me most about the future of obesity research is uncovering the mechanisms of metabolic memory and understanding how extracellular vesicles mediate communication between tissues, shaping long-term metabolic health. I’m not sure where I will end up next – but I hope to be leading exciting projects exploring how tissues communicate in obesity.
What kinds of projects or initiatives would you be most interested in collaborating on with other ECN members?
I would be most interested in collaborating on projects investigating inter-tissue communication in metabolic disorders, particularly the role of extracellular vesicles and circular RNAs in obesity. I’m especially excited to explore how metabolic memory affects both peripheral tissues and the brain.
Is there anything else you’d like the EASO ECN to know about you?
I may be just a small researcher from a small lab, but we share the same big dreams and passion for making a difference in obesity research.
Connect with Stefania!
📧 Email: stefania.melini@unina.it
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-melini-824644252/
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