Alec Heckert

Alec Heckert has a diverse work experience in the fields of software engineering and biotechnology. Alec is currently employed as a Senior Software Engineer at Eikon Therapeutics, where they develop and optimizes algorithms for high-throughput single particle tracking and integrates them into a complex software stack for processing super-resolution microscopy data. Alec'sresponsibilities include collaborating with scientific stakeholders, developing Python/C++ packages, working with machine learning and data engineers, creating labeling GUIs and simulation frameworks, and testing ideas from computer vision literature. Prior to this role, Alec worked as a Software Engineer at the same company.

Before joining Eikon Therapeutics, Alec pursued a Ph.D. in Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy at the University of California, Berkeley from 2015 to 2020. During their Ph.D., they conducted research in the lab of Profs.

Additionally, Alec gained industry experience through an internship with the Technology Development group at Caribou Biosciences, where they worked on developing a novel Cas9-based biotechnology. Alec also worked as a research assistant in Prof. Jesse Bloom's lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where they applied deep mutational scanning to study the influenza hemagglutinin protein.

Alec's work experience began in 2012 when they served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Gabriele Varani Lab. In this role, they utilized biophysical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and fluorescence anisotropy to investigate RNA-protein interactions in various experimental systems.

Overall, Alec Heckert's work experience showcases their expertise in software engineering, biotechnology, microscopy, and molecular biology.

Alec Heckert completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry from the University of Washington, Seattle, from 2011 to 2015. Following this, they pursued a higher level of education and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Molecular and Cell Biology/Chemical Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, from 2015 to 2020.