Ignoring Limits

Utah State University undergraduate biochemist Bradley Hintze is not only excelling in his studies, he’s a 2007 finisher of LOTOJA, the nation’s longest one-day bicycle race sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation.

Impressive, yes. But even more remarkable is Hintze’s perseverance in the face of significant physical challenges. He has difficulty holding his head upright and walks with a limp. Lack of fine motor skills makes writing difficult and precision lab techniques impossible.

 

“I’d be a disaster at the lab bench,” says Hintze, revealing his characteristically subtle sense of humor.

 

Born with mild cerebral palsy, Hintze’s physical disabilities initially seemed minor. But at puberty, he developed cervical dystonia that became progressively worse. The neurological movement disorder of the neck, for which there is no known cure, causes Hintze’s head to involuntarily twist and turn to one side.

 

Hintze says he was initially timid about pursuing university studies. “I thought college wasn’t an option for me; that it would be way too difficult.”

 

At the suggestion of a Salt Lake vocational rehabilitation center, he entered USU in fall 2003. With encouragement from advisor Cathy Myers-Roche and his professors, Hintze overcame his fears and gained confidence in his studies. The graduating senior is now choosing between competitive graduate school offers from Duke University, the University of North Carolina, SUNY Buffalo and the University of Pittsburgh.

 

“Brad has a great enthusiasm for science and I love having him in our lab,” says Sean Johnson, Hintze’s faculty mentor and R. Gaurth Hansen Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. “I am constantly amazed at his abilities and drive. I have never heard a word of complaint or frustration regarding his physical challenges. He doesn’t seem to let anything prevent him from succeeding in whatever it is he wants to do.”

 

In spring 2008, USU honored Hintze with the university’s Legacy of Utah State Award. The honor was created in memory of the agricultural students and instructor involved in the 2005 USU van accident. It is given annually to a student who embodies the true spirit, heart and soul of Utah State and demonstrates love and support for the university family, while leading with a vision of hope for the future.

 

“Brad’s dedication to science is clear,” Johnson says. “He is one of the most inquisitive students I have ever met, and his influence is felt throughout our department. One of the top performing students in our departmental courses, Brad is constantly sought out by other students who are struggling to understand the coursework.”

 

Despite a busy academic schedule Hintze found time to squeeze in nearly 4,000 training miles with USU mathematics lecturer and tandem bike partner Bryan Bornholdt in preparation for the grueling LOTOJA. The 206-mile bike race starts in Logan, Utah, and finishes in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Participants climb and descend three mountain passes in the race’s first 110 miles in unpredictable September weather that can range from scorching heat to sudden snow squalls.

 

“Our Logan to Jackson ride was remarkable,” Bornholdt says. “Yes, we prepared for it but it still demanded a great deal of heart and determination. Bradley has these traits in spades.”

 

Bornholdt recounts that, at the LOTOJA awards ceremony, a race participant walked up to Hintze and thanked the Aggie student for his inspiration.

 

“The man told Bradley that, when we passed him, he was about ready to give up,” Bornholdt says. “But he decided if Bradley was still riding, he would keep riding. He moved in behind us and rode with our group the last 11 miles. He was in tears as he spoke to Bradley.”

 

 Hintze, a Willard L. Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellow, has carved his niche in computer-based biochemistry research in Johnson’s lab. He uses x-ray crystallography techniques in combination with biochemical analysis to understand the structure and mechanism of proteins.

 

“Our goal is to get a picture of the protein based on x-ray diffraction,” he says.

 

In varied research forums, Hintze has presented his lab’s efforts in determining the crystal structure of a protein complex called TRAMP, found in brewer’s yeast.

 

“TRAMP is a protein complex that’s involved in RNA degradation in the nucleus,” he says. “It identifies RNA substrates that need to be degraded and labels them – much like a lumberjack identifies and tags trees in a forest that need to be cut down.”

 

The project gives scientists a structural view of cell components that play a central role in nuclear RNA surveillance, Hintze says. “RNA surveillance is a widespread cellular process that is critical for cell function and viability.”

 

Determining the structure of TRAMP is trailblazing research.

 

“We’re getting information that’s never been known,” he says. “That fascinates me.”

 

In celebration of Hintze and his fellow science students, USU’s College of Science hosts Science Week March 23-28. For information about the week’s activities, click here.

 

 

Contact: Bradley Hintze, bradley.h@aggiemail.usu.edu
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, (435) 797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu