Penn Postdocs in the News: Yabo Vidogbena, Ph.D., selected for NPA IMPACT Fellowship Program
Penn Postdoctoral Fellow and DBPC Co-President Yabo Vidogbena selected for National Postdoctoral Association IMPACT Fellowship
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dr. Yabo Vidogbena, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Population Studies Center and co-president of the Du Bois Postdoctoral Circle (DBPC), has been selected for the National Postdoctoral Association’s (NPA) 2026–27 IMPACT Fellowship Program, joining a national cohort of postdoctoral scholars participating in an intensive professional and leadership development experience.
Dr. Vidogbena earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Houston in 2025. She also holds an M.S. in Mathematical Sciences from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, an M.A. in Economics from the African School of Economics, and a B.A. in Applied Statistics from the École Nationale d’Économie Appliquée et de Management in Benin.
At Penn, Dr. Vidogbena’s research sits at the intersection of development economics, environmental economics, education, and trade, with a regional focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Using applied econometrics, she investigates the factors shaping learning, structural change, and economic opportunity across the region. Her current research includes work examining the effects of heat on student cognitive functioning in Ghana, temperature and learning across West and Central Africa, structural change in Africa, and educational subsidies for girls in Benin.
Beyond her research, Dr. Vidogbena serves as co-president of the Du Bois Postdoctoral Circle, a postdoc-led organization that builds community and creates opportunities for connection, professional development, and engagement among Penn postdocs. Her commitment to mentorship and knowledge sharing extends beyond Penn, including mentoring girls in remote communities and facilitating research-capacity workshops in West Africa.
The NPA IMPACT Fellowship Program provides postdoctoral scholars with professional development, mentorship, peer community, and opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills and professional networks. The 2026–27 program runs from September 2026 through December 2027 and supports fellows in applying what they learn within their own communities.
Dr. Vidogbena joins a growing community of Penn postdoctoral scholars and alumni who have contributed to the National Postdoctoral Association through fellowship, service, and national leadership. Angela Crumdy, Ph.D., and Alison McCarthy, Ph.D., both alumnae of the Penn Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship, have held national roles through the NPA: Dr. Crumdy was named a 2024 NPA IMPACT Fellow, while Dr. McCarthy was selected to serve on the NPA Postdoc Council. Lindsey Fernandez, Ph.D., a former Penn postdoctoral researcher and PPA co-president, served on the NPA Board of Directors, including as Advocacy Committee Liaison and later Resource Development Committee Liaison.
Together, their engagement reflects a broader tradition of current and former Penn postdocs contributing their perspectives and leadership to the national postdoctoral community. Dr. Vidogbena’s selection continues that tradition while recognizing the breadth of her contributions as a researcher, mentor, and postdoctoral community leader.
We are proud to celebrate Dr. Vidogbena and her selection for the NPA IMPACT Fellowship Program and look forward to her continued contributions to Penn’s postdoctoral community.