ESP Biography

ALBERT HINMAN, Genetics PhD Student

Major: Genetics

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2021

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am a Genetics PhD candidate in Dr. Anne Villeneuve's laboratory as well as a Public Policy Graduate Certificate Student in the Public Policy Program at Stanford University.

For my PhD research: Meiosis is a specialized cell division program that reduces an individual’s two sets of matched chromosomes by half to produce gametes (sperm or eggs); this ensures that upon fertilization, each sperm and egg will contribute one complete set of chromosomes to the embryo. This division crucially depends on the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their corresponding repair in a meiosis-specific manner to promote correct chromosome segregation. My studies aim to elucidate how the DSB machinery operates to ensure a successful outcome of meiosis.

In addition to my research, I have recently acquired a strong interest in science and technology policy. To explore this area, I am part of the first cohort of the Public Policy Certificate Program where I take courses relevant for policy in economic theory. At my previous institute, Virginia Tech, as well as Stanford, I devote time outside of the laboratory to education, mentoring, diversity-advocacy, and making connections with people.

My hobbies are listening to music, taking care of my cat, reading on science & technology policy, connecting with people, enjoying time with my fiancee, and playing computer games.

Past Classes

(Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

C5268: The Chemistry of Coke: Taste the Feeling in Splash Fall 2016 (Dec. 03 - 04, 2016)

After looking at a brief history of Coca-Cola, this class will explore the current varieties of Coke and their chemical compositions. We will investigate these chemical compositions through the variety of sweeteners used in three different Coke products. After discussion, students will get to taste the difference in each one.

B4513: Tyler and Albert Teach Genome Editing in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)

Genome editing is revolutionizing the level of control that humans have over their health and environment. In this class we will discuss the basic techniques that scientists use to alter the genomes of organisms and the effects of these changes. Throughout the course, students will brainstorm ways to apply these techniques to current issues in human health, medicine, and agriculture.

B4521: The Nanoscience of our Living World in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)

There's a lot of buzz words being thrown around with nanotechnology and nanoscience in current media. What exactly is nanoscience, and how does it affect us? This class will serve as a crash course showing how the nano-world interacts with our living one. We will cover: The Basics of Nanoscience, Basic Nanomedicine Applications, Nanoscience & the Environment, and if time permits, Nanotechnology Commercial Products. If you have the slightest interest in this class, regardless of your background, I highly encourage you to sign up. Remember that to think big, we sometimes have to think small!