Hynda Kleinman

Hynda K. Kleinman is an American cell biologist who was the chief of the cell biology section at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research from 1985 to 2006. She co-invented Matrigel.

Early life Kleinman was born into a family that valued nature, often gardening, fishing, and hiking. Kleinman's father was a trained geologist and would collect rocks and arrowheads on hikes, which sparked Kleinman's interest in chemical and biological sciences. She did postdoctoral training at Tufts University. In 1992, during his first week as deputy director for intramural research, Lance Liotta appointed Kleinman to chair the new intramural women scientists' task force to investigate impediments to the advancement of women at NIH.

She has received numerous awards for her research and for her efforts on behalf of women scientists. She has obtained multiple patents, many of which have been commercialized and one of which is in pivotal clinical trials.

In 2006, she left the NIH to join the George Washington University as an adjunct professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. She has subsequently consulted for various pharmaceutical companies

Kleinman is Jewish. They had two daughters. She is married to computer engineer Nolan K. Danchik 1995-present.