Dr. Julie K.

Dr. Kang’s academic journey is notably interdisciplinary. She completed an Honors BA at McMaster University and a BSc in biology and zoology, building a foundation that blends creative and scientific thinking. This perspective carries into her classroom, where she is known for engaging, creative instruction that helps students connect biological concepts to literature and real-world applications. She teaches courses ranging from Cell Structure and Function to Plant Diversity and Evolution, emphasizing understanding over memorization and helping students develop durable skills in critical thinking and scientific communication.

Dr. Kang’s research focuses on plant developmental genetics, morphology, and evolution. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed articles—many with undergraduate and graduate students as first authors—along with book chapters and review papers. Her work has received grant funding at the local, state, and federal levels. She is active in the scientific community as a journal editor and peer reviewer and regularly supports trainees in presenting their work at conferences and symposia.

The cornerstone of Dr. Kang’s teaching and mentoring philosophy is to inspire students to think expansively, whether their interests lie in plants, animals, or humans. She actively collaborates with students to strengthen their research abilities, critical thinking, and communication skills, positioning them for future success. Her primary objective in supervising undergraduate research is to provide meaningful learning experiences that enhance both academic and career goals. She has served as a research mentor and Principal Investigator at the University of Iowa and UC Davis. 

With 20 years of mentorship experience, Dr. Kang has guided numerous undergraduate and graduate students through thesis projects and research training. While her research specializes in plant biology, students that Dr. Kang works with benefit from a wide-ranging educational experience that has helped them get into medical school, dental school, and PhD programs. Ultimately, Dr. Kang is committed to cultivating minds that are curious about the world and equipping students with a strong foundation for the next step in their professional journey.