Socrates Fellows Who We Are Erilynn Heinrichsen
Erilynn Heinrichsen is a 4th year PhD candidate in the Biomedical Sciences Program at UCSD, with a BA from Luther College in Decorah, IA. Following an internship at the Research Institute for Olympic Sports in Finland, Erilynn is pursuing her interests in science and health by using a Drosophila model to study the genetics of obesity and hypoxia in the laboratory of Dr. Gabriel Haddad. An active participant in local scientific outreach and recipient of the Association of Women in Science scholarship, she hopes to eventually serve as a mentor for students through teaching science and coaching running at the undergraduate level.
Erilynn’s desire to teach was largely inspired by the professors she had while at Luther College. “These mentors guided and encouraged me without reserve, and I hoped that I would someday be able to have even half the impact on others as my teachers had on me.” Erilynn also discovered the joy of mentoring in the team atmosphere, serving as a captain for her college cross country and track teams, a counselor and coach at running camps, and an assistant coach at UCSD.
With her past research experience ranging from DNA sequencing to exercise physiology, and her current research in obesity using fruit flies, Erilynn recognizes the importance of relating the intricate details of science with the broader picture. She believes that making this connection is essential for students to understand and appreciate the complexities of science.
Since moving to San Diego, Erilynn has enjoyed the many opportunities for sharing science with the community, working at several conferences for junior high and high school students, the San Diego Science Festival and teaching with the Salk Mobile Lab. In her down time, Erilynn spends as much time outside as she can by running, hiking, kayaking and soaking up all that San Diego has to offer.
As a Socrates Fellow, Erilynn is looking forward to gaining experience, learning how to be an effective teacher, and most importantly, having the chance to inspire other students in science.
