Recognizing Plant Direct first authors: Will Hinckley

Will Hinckley, first author of  The HAC1 Histone Acetyltransferase Promotes Leaf Senescence and Regulates the Expression of ERF022

Current Position: Undergraduate Senior in Dr. Judy Brusslan’s Lab at California State University, Long Beach

Education: Bachelors in Cellular/Molecular Biology in Progress at California State University, Long Beach (Graduating Fall 2019)

Non-Scientific Interests: Music/Concerts: I’ve seen Sia, Misty Boyce, Sara Bareilles, The Dawn of May, Amber Mark, and I’m excited to be seeing Sara Bareilles, Lord Huron, Bon Iver, and Of Monsters and Men soon. I really want to see Phoebe Bridgers, Florence and the Machine, Brandi Carlile, Hozier, and many more. Other interests include piano, dogs, American-Sign Language (ASL), RuPaul’s Drag Race, sitcoms, and Lord of the Rings.

Brief Bio: After working in Dr. Judy Brusslan’s lab for three years and completing a summer internship with Dr. Alison DeLong, I have found that I love genomics and molecular biology. I am interested in studying the genetic mechanisms that control leaf senescence. I will apply for graduate school this year with the goal of earning a PhD. I intend to pursue a career in research involving genomics and molecular biology, preferably in the plant sciences. I am learning ASL with the goal of making STEM more accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing communities. I am proud to represent the LGBTQIA+ community in the Plant Sciences!