Benjamin Binder-Markey

Benjamin Binder-Markey is an Assistant Professor at Drexel University in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and holds an affiliate appointment in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. He directs the Multiscale Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory, focusing on integrating physical therapy, engineering, and computational modeling to study muscle adaptation post-injury/disease.

• Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Northwestern University, 2018), DPT (Northwestern University, 2015), BS in Mechanical Engineering (University of Delaware, 2008)

Research Interests center on understanding how changes in muscle properties affect physical function. Key areas include:

• Neuromuscular adaptation after stroke and botulinum toxin therapy
• Mechanobiology of skeletal muscle in cancer cachexia
• Computational modeling of muscle stiffness and recovery
• Development of high-definition muscle recording technologies

His recent publications analyze passive muscle mechanics, BoNT-induced stiffness, and computational models of muscle behavior. Grants include funding from the Hartwell Foundation, NIH, and Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Early Career Achievement Award, American Society of Biomechanics (2023)
  • New Investigator Recognition Award, Orthopedic Research Society (2023)
  • Journal of Biomechanics Top Paper Award (2022)

Students include PhD candidates Tim McGinley, Alexis Garduno, and Lauren Braccili, and Master’s Co-Op student Jacob Taub. Collaborations span institutions like Nemours Children’s Health, Northwestern University, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.