Wai-Foong Hong

Dr. Wai-Foong Hong is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Sterling College. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Genetics and Developmental Biology) from Monash University, with prior degrees from National Chung-Hsing University in Taiwan.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Monash University
  • M.S., National Chung-Hsing University
  • B.S., National Chung-Hsing University

Her research focuses on plant molecular biology and microbiology, particularly investigating:

• Genetic responses to environmental stresses in rice (BWMK1 kinase pathways)
• Auxin-regulated cell dedifferentiation in Arabidopsis
• Genetic variation in Pelagonium species
• Host-pathogen interactions in Ralstonia solanacearum

At Sterling College, Dr. Hong conducts applied research on wheat genetics, studying how changing local weather patterns impact wheat variety selection to benefit local farmers. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes conceptual understanding, critical analysis, and practical application through hands-on experiments.