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Albert Yu-Min Lin      

Scientist, Technologist, Explorer & Storyteller; Research Scientist at the University of California, San Diego

Dr. Albert Lin is an acclaimed scientist, technologist, explorer, and storyteller whose innovative approach to exploration has gained worldwide attention. His projects include searching for the tomb of Genghis Khan in Mongolia using advanced technologies like satellites, crowdsourcing, drones, and ground-penetrating radar. He has also led expeditions to remap significant sites from the deserts of Jordan to the jungles of Guatemala using aerial and ground-based Lidar. Dr. Lin is redefining human bionic capabilities through 3D prosthetics and “flow experiments.” He serves as a UCSD Research Scientist and a National Geographic Explorer.

Lin's career took off with the Valley of the Khans Project, where he utilized cutting-edge technologies to search for the tomb of Genghis Khan. This project laid the groundwork for similar endeavors at Maya sites in Guatemala and the First Emperor’s tomb in Xian, China. In Mongolia, Dr. Lin developed the first platform to crowdsource human analytics of satellite imagery, combining remote exploration with public participation. This platform's success led to high-profile briefings and the co-founding of the crowd-based analytics company Tomnod, which was later acquired by DigitalGlobe.

As a firm believer in the power of innovation and exploration, Lin launched the NSF-funded Engineers for Exploration program at UC San Diego in 2010, sending top engineering students on field expeditions worldwide. In 2015, he co-founded the digital K-12 education platform Planet3 Inc. to democratize the "ah-ha feeling" of exploration and science, successfully raising $15M for this initiative. Dr. Lin emphasizes the importance of science literacy, which he passionately advocated for during the 2017 March for Science.

Lin's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year, the United States Geospatial Intelligence Academic Achievement Award, and the Explorer’s Club’s Lowell Thomas Medal. His feature in National Geographic’s “Next Generation Explorer” campaign was recognized with an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Promotional Announcement. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the Washington Post, BBC, NPR, ABC News, TEDx, Wired, and National Geographic. Dr. Lin has also hosted and narrated multiple documentary films, sharing his storytelling prowess on global platforms, from the Sorbonne in Paris to Singapore’s Esplanade.

Beyond his professional achievements, Albert Lin is an avid surfer, climber, guitar player, photographer, and father. His middle name, "Yu Min," translates to "citizen of the universe," reflecting his boundless curiosity and commitment to exploring the unknown.

Speech Topics


Breaking Barriers Lecture Series

An extraordinary and intimate lecture series by Albert Lin, as he shares his remarkable odyssey of shattering barriers in both mind and body. When the loss of his right leg threatened to extinguish his life as an explorer, Albert found inspiration in a single image of amputee surfer Mike Coots. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a grand adventure of recovery, navigating the uncharted territories of neuroscience, engineering, and ancient knowledge to redefine his abilities. Discover how Albert transformed his life and overcame insurmountable odds, ultimately becoming the intrepid explorer you see on TV today. This compelling series is an exploration of human resilience, ancient and modern wisdom, and the infinite potential that lies within us all.

Exploration 101 : A Search for Identity, Purpose and the Tomb of Genghis Khan

Embark on a captivating journey of discovery as we delve into the world of exploration, its allure, and its intricate dance with intention. Join us for a thought-provoking lecture that explores the quest to locate the elusive tomb of Genghis Khan, a legendary figure shrouded in mystery. In this immersive exploration, we will examine the enduring fascination with the Great Khan, the tomb's symbolism, and the incredible story of how one person and one moment in time truly changed the world, all while questioning the fine balance between exploration and intention as forces converge around questions if the tomb should even be found. This lecture traces the origins of Albert's genesis as a world-recognized explorer and the purpose behind exploration itself by looking at the project that started it all, the search for the Valley of the Khans.

The Evolution of Intelligence and Imagination

A captivating public lecture series delving into the profound adventure of exploration into humanity's origins of imagination and intelligence, both on an individual and collective level. As we navigate the dawn of an AI world, we'll embark on a thought-provoking journey to uncover timeless insights and seek answers to existential questions about the potential for co-evolution. Albert weaves narratives through lived experiences at the frontiers of discovery in archaeology, technology, philosophy, and neuroscience. Discover the fascinating interplay between human creativity and artificial intelligence in this enlightening exploration of our past, present, and future yet to be imagined.

News


UCSD Partnership Could Accelerate How NASA Assesses ...
A crowdsourcing effort led by UC San Diego research scientist Albert Yu-Min Lin has turned into a new type of challenge—inviting programmers worldwide to ...

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