Albert Yu-Min Lin, Ph.D.

PhD, National Geographic Explorer, Storyteller

Albert Lin is an explorer of both the external world and the inner landscapes of the mind. Known for his groundbreaking work in combining technology with ancient discoveries, Albert has pioneered the use of cutting-edge tools to search for lost civilizations, uncovering stories from the past with new eyes. His award-winning scientific work has been featured in documentary films and across major media, blending the power of technology with the wisdom of ancient cultures to reveal hidden layers of history.

After completing his Ph.D. in science and engineering, his journey as a National Geographic Explorer began with the Valley of the Khans project, a pioneering initiative that harnessed technology to search for Genghis Khan’s tomb. Leveraging an innovative tool kit of forest- and ground-penetrating technologies, Lin scoured vast terrains while respecting the traditional beliefs of Indigenous communities, which called for noninvasive exploration. This project marked the genesis of his application of similar approaches that led to groundbreaking discoveries across the globe.

One of his most noteworthy accomplishments involves using lidar (laser mapping) and cutting-edge technologies to uncover ancient cities concealed beneath the canopies of remote jungles, mountain ranges, and deserts. These remarkable expeditions have been brought to a global audience in various adventure-driven factual TV series, including “Lost Treasures of the Maya,” “Buried Secrets of the Bible,” and “Lost Cities with Albert Lin.” Beyond ancient history, Lin’s “seeing the invisible” mantra extends to the natural world, where his curiosity gives way to awe, as showcased on National Geographic’s “Welcome to Earth” and “Explorer.” With a background in science and engineering, he was the driving force behind National Geographic’s pioneering crowdsourcing effort to assist his expedition in Mongolia, using satellite imagery and public participation, a concept he transformed into the platform known as Tomnod, which has since engaged millions of individuals in projects ranging from search and rescue missions to humanitarian and environmental monitoring.

In 2016, Albert lost his right leg below the knee and his journey took on a new dimension as he grappled with the mysteries of phantom limb pain, sparking a profound curiosity about the mind’s ability to reshape itself. This experience opened his eyes to the potential of neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to rewire and adapt, and led him to explore the edges of consciousness itself. For Albert, imagination isn’t simply a creative force—it’s a doorway into realms where science meets spirituality, where altered states of consciousness might unlock hidden paths within the brain. He sees neuroplasticity as a scientific explanation for the landscapes of the mind, a framework that both grounds and expands our understanding of where imagination originates and how it transforms us.

Albert’s thinking weaves together logic, curiosity, and wonder, informed by his respect for indigenous wisdom and his belief in the interconnectedness of all things. He approaches life’s mysteries not just as puzzles to be solved, but as experiences to be lived. His explorations are driven by a relentless question: What lies beyond our perceived limits? Whether trekking across vast deserts, diving into ancient manuscripts, or exploring the frontiers of the human mind, Albert’s journey is one of profound discovery, bridging worlds and perspectives in pursuit of deeper understanding.