Dr. Tiara Hinton didn’t realize how much she loved science until she was in high school.
As a child, she wanted to be a physician: Her favorite toys ranged from medicine play kits to books about the human body. It wasn’t “science,” she said, but something that intrigued her brain and kept her entertained. Then, during a ninth-grade chemistry class experiment about making ice cream, it all clicked.
“Chemistry showed me a new perspective, seeing how atoms become molecules, molecules become compounds, and compounds become things,” Hinton said. “Science became, for me, something to be explored, an itch that I was barely scratching at when playing doctor.”
Hinton is an Inspire postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Yang Yang. As an interdisciplinary scientist, Hinton specializes in studying proteins that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
“Being at a place like VAI unlocks a world of opportunity for me and my science,” Hinton said. “Not only are there incredible mentors and co-workers, but there’s tools and equipment that I can work with to push myself in new directions.”
Variety is a constant feature in her day-to-day work. While most of Hinton’s time is spent in the lab, there are also opportunities for computational work. At times, automations need to run for extended periods of time, creating a cycle of lab, computer and desk work.
“It might seem like I’m running around the building, but I see it as an opportunity to be forward thinking and maximize my time,” Hinton said. “It’s a balancing act, but I also get to engage all the parts of my brain — and figure out what I love the most.
Decoding the puzzle of research interests is a profoundly engaging experience for Hinton. She balances competing scientific interests, a passion for technology and the drive to learn from other scientists. The reward is bountiful, she says, a job that is creatively and academically rewarding.
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She credits the Inspire Fellowship for providing a stable platform. While there’s a lot to learn, there’s a structure and team that helps her succeed. Meetings and regular check-ins with other program members, along with the support of VAI staff, play a key role in professional development.
“We have the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and knowledgebases, creating a connection that pushes us all forward together, and I know it’s helping me become a better scientist,” Hinton said.
Inspire Fellowship — Supporting the next generation of research leaders through rigorous, personalized postdoctoral training
Van Andel Institute’s Inspire Fellowship supports exceptional postdoctoral fellows by reducing barriers, fostering community, and providing the resources and personalized mentorship needed for an outstanding training experience. We are committed to ensuring fellows have a firm foundation from which to launch their independent research careers — and to make a world of difference. To learn more, visit vai.org/research/postdoctoral-programs.