Dr. Hinkley, a 35 year old high school Professor, holds 6 degrees in the fields of chemistry, botany, biology and geography. He has a B.A from USC, a B.S. from UCLA, an M.A. from SMU, and received his Ph.D from TCU at the age of 25. He also holds a master's degree in psychology, and can speak fluent Marubi, Papuan, and Katubi, to name a few.

Back home, he is the number one man on his chess team, and was the youngest Eagle Scout in the entire city. He has never been married. He wrote a book called, "Rust, the Real Red Menace," and was writing another book "Fun with Ferns," which was the reason for taking the 3 hour tour. During his first week on the island, he discovered 5 different mutations of ragweed.

The Professor shows very little knowledge of sex, sea navigation, and finance, and is oblivious to the constant pursuit by Ginger and Mary Ann.

Still, the Professor is the only rational person on the island, and without his scientific skills and leadership ability it is unlikely that the castaways would ever stand a chance of survival, let alone rescue.