Albert Yu-Min Lin

Albert Yu-Min Lin is an American engineer, scientist, technologist, explorer and television host. He is a senior lecturer and an associate research scientist of mechanical and aerospace engineering at University of California, San Diego. Since 2019 he has been the presenter of Lost Cities With Albert Lin.

Early life and education Lin was born on 22 March 1981, in Santa Cruz County, California. He completed a bachelor of science (2004), a masters of science (2006) and a PhD (2008) in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California San Diego. He is the founding director of UC San Diego's Center for Human Frontiers, which aims to harness technology to augment human potential.

Lin's work gained attention in 2009 for utilizing a combination of satellites, drones, geophysics, and intensive ground exploration to search for the missing tomb of Genghis Khan. The show focuses on the use of drones and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) imaging to reveal otherwise hidden archaeological structures within and beneath modern cities and remote landscapes.

Personal life Lin grew up surfing and is an avid outdoorsman. Everything from the knee down was removed in an attempt to alleviate pain, but Lin was in turn plagued by phantom limb pain. He credits a heavy dose of psilocybin with improving the symptoms.

With Kara Lin, Lin has two children, son Charlie and daughter Millie. In April, 2025, Charlie Lin was injured in a skiing accident in Reno, Nevada, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Charlie was treated at Renown Hospital Tahoe Tower and has since made "remarkable" steps toward recovery.

Recognition Lin is a recipient of both the Desert Research Institute Nevada Medal and the Lowell Thomas Medal from The Explorers Club.

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