Helen Yin

Dr. Helen Yin is a Professor at UT Southwestern, renowned for her groundbreaking research in biomedical science, particularly the discovery of gelsolin, the first actin filament-severing protein. Her work has transformed understanding of the cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, and lipid signaling in cellular stress responses, phagocytosis, and autophagy.

• Founded the HHMI- and NIH-supported Mechanisms of Disease & Translational Science (MODTS) graduate track in 2008
• Co-directs NIH-funded faculty development programs focusing on data-driven strategies for junior investigators
• Associate Dean in the Office of Faculty Development, leading initiatives like LEAD, SOAR, and CIMER Mentor Training

Research Interests: Dr. Yin’s work spans the actin cytoskeleton, lipid signaling, and membrane dynamics, with a focus on how phosphoinositides regulate cellular processes. She also pioneers academic career development through programs like SMART.

Publications: Her research spans 35+ years, with seminal work on actin regulation (1979), phosphatidylinositol kinases (2003–2009), and translational science training (2015). Recent studies highlight PI4P’s role in autophagosome fusion and stress responses.

Leadership & Grants: As Associate Dean, she leads institution-wide initiatives for faculty success and NIH R01 grantsmanship mentoring. Her programs are funded by NIH and HHMI, emphasizing rigorous, evidence-based mentorship.