Welcome to the Hinton Lab group website. We are a diverse group of scientists using a broad range of tools to explore mechanisms that regulate molecular transfer between and changes in morphology of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and how these mechanisms are altered during the pathophysiological states of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Technical approaches employed in the lab target cellular physiology, biophysics, structural biology, molecular pharmacology, and cell signaling, and we translate our research from the bench to the bedside. The Hinton group applies techniques such as primary cell isolation, bioinformatics programming for large data sets, in vitro exercise, confocal/stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), 3D electron microscopy, and various types of image analysis. Additionally, we use human primary cells and cell lines and mouse and fly model organisms to delineate pathophysiological states.
Career Development
Trainees have the opportunity to practice career development in the laboratory and in the community. Career development is a long-term means of continual learning, work, leisure (i.e. work-life-balance), and transitions to move toward an individually determined and evolving chosen goal. We have four laboratory meetings every month, held Tuesdays at 1 p.m., during which we focus for 10–15 minutes on career advice, grantsmanship, and progress toward personal growth.
Further, each Tuesday’s laboratory meeting is distinctly different:
Week 1: This meeting will be research-based, where a member of the laboratory discusses his/her/their progress.
Week 2: Two laboratory members will present journal clubs.
Week 3: We will work on grantsmanship, fellowship applications, and opportunities related to writing.
Week 4: We will build individual lab members’ brand and review each of the Hinton Lab member’s development plans. A lab member will present his/her/their research in progress.
Week 5: We will participate in a team-building activity that includes a celebration of our successes.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)
The Hinton Laboratory has been recognized nationally for our DEI, mentoring, and career development efforts. As part of these efforts, each week, the Hinton lab has “DEI Friday,” a special meeting that focuses on improving these current practices and understanding the science of mentoring.
Most importantly, the Hinton laboratory’s goal is to encourage and uplift trainees. The lab will work to promote diversity and inclusivity across experiences, races, abilities, genders, ethnicities, and cultural differences. The Hinton laboratory strongly emphasizes solidarity and promotes novel interdisciplinary collaborations to foster innovation. Notably, Hinton laboratory members will work hard and bolster one another in the crucibles of scientific research and life. Dr. Hinton’s laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and avoids bias in the hiring process. Thus, the Hinton laboratory will always strongly encourage women and people of color to apply for positions in our research group.
We hope our website conveys a sense of the excitement we feel for our research and the character of the talented people who make up our team. We also hope you will develop an appreciation for the unique environment at Vanderbilt, which comprises outstanding facilities, dynamic research groups, and productive collaborations. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the Hinton Laboratory or Vanderbilt University.
View PDF of Hinton lab poster.