Born in 1918 in Zhongshan, Canton, Sping Lin’s passion for science led him to Sun Yat-Sen University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1940, inspired by a professor trained in plant physiology at Cornell University. In 1947, Lin pursued advanced studies in the United States at the University of Minnesota, influenced by fellow student Pu Zhelong. There, he earned a Master of Science in 1950 and a Ph.D. in entomology with a minor in agricultural biochemistry in 1952.
During his time at the University of Minnesota, Lin served as a research fellow in entomology, economic zoology, and psychiatry and neurology within the Department of Agriculture. After completing his doctorate, he continued as a research fellow in psychiatry and neurology, advancing to assistant professor in 1963 and associate professor in 1969, supported by Neurology Research Funds.A distinguished researcher, Lin was elected to the Sigma Xi scientific research society from 1966 to 1968 and secured grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.
His contributions to science earned him membership in the American Society for Neurochemistry.In 2000, Sping Lin and his wife, Ying-Ngoh, established the Sping and Ying-Ngoh T. Lin Graduate Fellowship at the University of Minnesota, dedicated to Professors A.G. Richards and A.C. Hodson. Since 2005, this fellowship has supported six outstanding entomology students, ensuring Lin’s legacy in fostering scientific excellence.