Kristin Weston

When Kristin Weston (22) arrived at Saginaw Valley State University, she knew one thing for certain: she loved chemistry. What she didn’t yet know was whether her future would be in a lab as a chemist or in a classroom inspiring the next generation of scientists. By the time she began student teaching, the decision was clear. “I knew I had chosen correctly,” Kristin recalls. Teaching combined her love of science with her desire to connect with students, and it set her on a path that would quickly distinguish her both professionally and within her community.

Kristin’s time at SVSU was anything but typical. In 2020, at just 19 years old, she ran for and was elected to the Bangor Township Schools Board of Education. Encouraged by community members who recognized her leadership and passion for education, Kristin stepped into public service while still a full-time college student. Balancing coursework with board meetings, committee work and community responsibilities wasn’t easy. There were evenings she had to miss class to fulfill her duties. But she credits SVSU’s supportive faculty for helping her succeed. Kristin is now completing the final year of her 2021–2026 term, reflecting on half a decade of leadership that began before she had even earned her degree.

After graduating in 2022 with a degree in Chemistry Education, Kristin began her teaching career at Detroit Country Day School. The private school environment offered a new perspective compared to her student teaching experience, allowing her to observe different instructional models and school cultures.

While she valued that experience, she was excited to return to Midland to teach chemistry at H. H. Dow High School, where she spent two years teaching AP Chemistry. In the 2025–2026 school year, she transitioned to Midland High School following a colleague’s retirement. Kristin feels like Midland High is her dream school, and has loved every part of her first year. Returning to the community she serves on the school board has brought her journey full circle, as both an educator and an advocate for local students.

Kristin’s impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. What began as casual chemistry videos on TikTok quickly grew into something much larger. One of her videos went viral, with more than 14.2 million views. Today, her account, @Kristinthechemist, has grown to more than 21,000 followers and even led to a sponsorship opportunity.

Kristin has intentionally shaped her TikTok into a collaborative space for chemistry teachers to share experiment ideas, troubleshoot lab challenges and exchange recommendations for supplies. The comment sections have become mini professional learning communities, where educators across the country connect over their shared love of science.

From serving on a local school board before age 20 to inspiring thousands of educators online, Kristin Weston embodies what it means to stand out, not for recognition, but for impact.

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