William Allen

William Allen is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology at Stanford University, with affiliations to Bio-X and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in neuronal development, particularly olfactory receptor expression and cellular identity regulation.

• Ph.D. in Neurosciences, Stanford University (2019)
• M.Phil. in Computational Biology, University of Cambridge (2013)
• Sc.B. in Applied Mathematics-Biology, Brown University (2012)

Allen investigates chromatin dynamics and DNA modifications like 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in olfactory sensory neurons. His work reveals how epigenetic patterning influences gene expression and neural development. He explores the interplay between histone demethylases (e.g., LSD1) and feedback mechanisms that stabilize singular gene expression.

His research trends include epigenetic regulation of cellular identity, chromatin remodeling in neuronal differentiation, and computational models of gene expression dynamics. He applies techniques such as chromatin immunoprecipitation, fluorescent antibody analysis, and reverse transcriptase PCR.

• Career Award at the Scientific Interface (2022-2027)
• Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists (2020)
• Nemko Prize in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience (2019)
• Hertz Fellowship (2014-2018)

Allen mentors graduate and postdoctoral researchers, advising on olfactory development and epigenetic mechanisms. He has contributed to key discoveries in gene-body 5hmC function and OR expression stabilization through the Tet3-LSD1-Adcy3 cascade. Current courses include directed readings and graduate research in Developmental Biology and Neurosciences.