Prof Jing Kong

What do you do on a daily basis in your job? What are the skills that you utilize?

"During the semester, I teach 2-3 days a week. There are community meetings with other colleagues discussing issues in the department/university, and I conduct research with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We work together in the lab and collect and discuss different results, after which we plan out further research."

"I think that fundamental academic learning, math, physics, chemistry, and machine learning, skill sets on how to present data, and writing manuscripts are all extremely important in this career."

When did you first get interested in this career/career path?

"I grew up in China and was very interested in learning about new things such as physics and chemistry. I previously had not thought about being a teacher, but afterwards, I decided that I wanted a life that was meaningful, that had a useful impact on others. So, I decided that going to university would help me create a positive impact on others, and help my students and colleagues about God and Jesus."

What did you do in order to pursue this career path?

"I studied a lot outside of school and spent a lot of time working in the lab. I really enjoyed working in the lab, which helped me to do postdoctoral research after I'd received a PhD."

Tell me about a time you faced challenges. What did you do to get out of it?

"When I started in my current position, I was trying super hard to prove that I was good enough, that I was on the same level as everyone else. I put too much pressure on myself, leading me to develop depression. God helped me realize that I'm His beloved child, and that I don't have to “prove” myself to anyone."

What is some advice you have for High Schoolers looking to pursue this career/career path?

"You have a lot of influence on others, like your students, people who read your papers, and your colleagues. It’s an important position, and you need to know your purpose and mission."

Do you think that being a woman in STEM is difficult?

"Yes, at times. For the women who want to have a family and take care of kids, you will feel the struggle in terms of time management and balancing work and family. This can be very difficult to face, but it depends on you, and what you can handle, since it's different for everyone."

How many women do you work with on any given day?

"Roughly 20% of my department and research group is females, and in my students, a little over 20% of them are female."

Do you feel that High school girls should look into this profession for their futures?

"Yes, after I had my first child, I started thinking about what good careers there are for mothers. After thinking, any career could be good, as long as you are finding a career with purpose. It can be challenging, and you must have the inspiration, but I definitely encourage you to follow this career."

Who is a good fit for your career?

"If you like studying, like sciences and being curious about how things come to be, you always want to find out “why”, and how things work, this career would be suitable for you. Everyone has different talents and meanings, but that is a good place to start."

If you were to create a Passion Project, what would it be about?

"It would be about helping others know more about Jesus. I have always wanted to create an after school program where students can learn different skills (music, art, etc.) while also learning about God at the same time."

What is some advice you have for High Schoolers?

"Utilize what you have learned. Whether it's your academic skills, or extracurricular activities, all of it is to help others, not just for you to have high achievements or go to a top school. We are to help others, and on the way, we may gain fame, or power, but that should not be your motive in life."

What do you wish you knew before starting your journey into STEM?

"I wish I knew more about God, and also that the people around me did as well. There was so much competition in China to be the top, to be the best. However, if your foundation is not firm, you will not be able to climb very high. God helped me understand my purpose and worth, giving me a strong foundation so that I can help others as well."

Editor: Jieling Pua