Albert Ye, G3
Albert enrolled at Stanford intending to double major in Biology and Physics. However, after joining the lab of Dr. Bill Burkholder in his second year, he decided to focus on biological research, though he has not lost his interest in physics. He graduated with honors and a specialization in Molecular and Cellular Biology. His honors thesis summarized his work on the biochemistry of the sporulation kinase kinB in B. subtilis. Having thoroughly enjoyed the two years of undergraduate research, he decided to pursue a PhD.
Albert entered Harvard intending to study biology quantitatively, something he feels has been neglected until recently. The systems biology philosophy offers ample chances to apply mathematical approaches. Albert joined the MacBeath lab at Harvard Chemistry in June of 2008. His project explores the complex systems biology of the DNA Damage Response (DDR), a crucial pathway that has been implicated in such behaviors as cellular senescence, genomic instability, and tumorigenesis, and is furthermore a popular target for anti-cancer therapies. The DDR has been extensively studied and its key players painstakingly identified. It is now ready to be investigated quantitatively and holistically from a systems perspective.
Albert is unsure as to whether he wants to stay in academia — with a post-doc followed by a faculty appointment — or enter industry. Either way, he says he is currently enjoying his time in this storied department.
