About
For Victoria Kong ’17, some of the most meaningful parts of her Carroll College experience happened where science, creativity and community came together.
A Chemistry major with a minor in Combined Fine Arts, Victoria embraced opportunities across campus, from undergraduate research and tutoring to Student Activities, theatre, choir and string ensemble. Those experiences not only helped her find a sense of belonging at Carroll but also laid the foundation for a career she never imagined when she first began studying chemistry.
Today, Victoria is a Student Learning Specialist for STEM Equity Initiatives at Stanford University's Center for Teaching and Learning, where she helps students build confidence, find community and succeed in science.
Finding Her People at Carroll
For Victoria, the personal connections she formed at Carroll were a defining part of her experience.
"My favorite part of Carroll was the small classes and the close-knit communities they created," she said.
As a member of the Honors Scholars program, Victoria took courses alongside the same group of students over multiple semesters. Her involvement in the performing arts introduced her to faculty and classmates she might never have met otherwise.
"Those small groups made it so much easier to find 'my people,' and that sense of belonging runs through nearly every memory I have of Carroll," she said.
Whether she was helping organize campus events, performing with fellow students or simply stopping by the Chemistry faculty's office hours to chat, Victoria found a community that encouraged her to explore all of her interests.
Where Science, Teaching and Community Meet
After graduating from Carroll in 2017, Victoria continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning her PhD in Chemistry in 2024.
As she approached graduation, she knew a traditional postdoctoral research position wasn't the path she wanted to pursue. Instead, she explored opportunities in industry research, education, science communication and academic administration.
That's when she discovered a position at Stanford University's Center for Teaching and Learning.
"It's a job I didn't know existed when I started exploring careers," Victoria said. "The work has its challenges, of course, but I wake up grateful every morning for what I get to do and the change it makes possible."
In her role as a Student Learning Specialist for STEM Equity Initiatives, Victoria works to help students develop confidence and a stronger sense of belonging in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She also supports instructors in creating more equitable, inclusive and student-centered learning environments.
For Victoria, the most rewarding part is working directly with students who are passionate about science and supporting one another.
"People leave STEM for many reasons," she said. "Knowing that my work helps students build confidence and a stronger sense of belonging in STEM, and helps instructors transform their courses to be equitable and inclusive, keeps me motivated and grounded."
A Career Built on Unexpected Connections
Although Victoria's PhD helped open the door to her current position, she credits much of her preparation to experiences that began outside the chemistry classroom at Carroll.
Through Student Activities, she learned how to organize events and bring people together. Tutoring and serving as a teaching assistant gave her early opportunities to support other students in their learning.
Those experiences continued to shape her interests throughout graduate school and ultimately helped lead her to Stanford.
"Carroll's small size made it easy to get involved and to step into leadership roles early," she said.
Victoria's work and dedication to teaching have also earned recognition. During graduate school, she received an Honorable Mention from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the University of Pittsburgh's Safford Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.
She has also shared her experiences on an alumni panel for incoming Chemistry graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh and was invited to participate in a discussion with Organic Chemistry faculty and instructors about designing student-centered learning environments.
Embracing More Than One Passion
Today, Victoria lives in San Francisco with her husband. Outside of work, she continues to embrace the creativity and adventure that were part of her Carroll experience.
She enjoys making art, cooking for friends, hiking, skiing and taking advantage of California's sunshine.
Looking back, Victoria believes one of the most valuable lessons Carroll taught her was that students don't have to limit themselves to a single interest or career path.
"Being a chemistry student who also found a home in the arts showed me that the most meaningful work often happens where different interests overlap," she said. "That mindset helped me find a career that blends science, teaching, and community building."
It's a lesson that has taken Victoria from the chemistry labs and performing arts spaces at Carroll to a career helping the next generation of scientists discover their own potential.
And she remains grateful for the people who helped her along the way, including Dr. Rowley, whom she thanked for nominating her for the Alumni Spotlight.
For Victoria, Carroll's impact wasn't simply about preparing her for a career in chemistry. It was about giving her the confidence, connections and freedom to discover a path that brought all of her passions together.
