5 Questions with Caroline Dong

Caroline Dong recently joined the Grinnell community as an assistant professor of biology. Though she primarily grew up in Des Moines, her route to Grinnell was a roundabout one. She spent time in California, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Missouri, then travelled the globe while attending college. With a passion for the outdoors, Caroline brings an up close and personal approach to the study of biology that will surely enrich and inform her students’ experiences.

Q: What outside interests and hobbies do you have?

A: I’ve always enjoyed active outdoor activities like running, hiking, kayaking, and camping. My No. 1 hobby since high school has always been running. I have a long-standing goal to run a marathon in every state, and so far, I’ve finished nine states. Once I even ran a 50-mile ultramarathon in Kentucky, which took me around 10.5 hours! But that was nearly 15 years ago; I don’t think I could pull it off again anytime soon. I enjoy spending my time outside of work with my husband and 11-month-old daughter. Sometimes we jog around the park together (with my daughter in a stroller) or just play in the grass. I can’t wait to take her on her first camping trip next year.

Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?

A: As an assistant professor, I focus on teaching and research. I teach BIO150 (Introduction to Biological Inquiry), BIO252 (Organisms, Evolution, and Ecology), and upper-level electives on bioinformatics. I also prioritize mentoring research students whose interests align with mine. My research involves examining genomic patterns of speciation and adaptation using monkeyflowers, which are North American wildflowers. My love for the outdoors is what brought me to studying biology. My research projects have always involved collecting data in the field and making natural history observations, along with molecular lab work and computing. 

Q: What was the path that brought you to Grinnell?

A: My path to Grinnell took me across the world and then back! I grew up near Des Moines and went to college in the Midwest, then I completed my master’s degree at the University of Hawaii and my PhD at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Both of these big moves were challenging in terms of adjusting to graduate school and a new culture, but it was also so much fun. Eventually, I moved back to the United States for a postdoctoral position and subsequently wound up back in Iowa at Grinnell. It’s been wonderful to be closer to my family and friends.   

Q: What has your experience been like working with Grinnellians? 

A: It’s been wonderful! It’s inspiring to work with such curious and bright students. I love teaching at all levels of the curriculum and getting to witness how students grow through their time at Grinnell. The research-forward curriculum has been so much fun.

Q: What is your favorite Grinnell moment to date.

A: Going on walks to Dari Barn for a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate is a favorite relaxation moment for me.