Frederick W. Alt

A Supportive Mentor
And Hard-Driving Scientist

Fred Alt has spent 40 years studying cancer, immunology, and DNA repair, while mentoring the next generation of scientists. His research has explained how instability within the genome leads to cancer. He discovered the cancer-causing gene known as N-myc and linked it to a childhood brain cancer called neuroblastoma. He's shown how the immune system genetically rearranges itself to recognize and attack foreign invaders. Many of the 100-plus alumni from Alt's lab are leaders in academia, industry, and publishing and he was awarded the 2003 American Association of Immunology Excellence in Mentoring Award.

"I try to provide a very rigorous scientific environment, where lab members are constantly challenged to think about and justify their work," he explains. "At the same time, I try to promote a friendly and open environment where collaborative work and active discussion are encouraged."

Explore this album of Alt lab trainees, where several of his students weigh in on the success of his approach.