Victoria Corbin

Victoria Corbin is the Assistant Dean for Outreach and Student Engagement in the Virginia Tech College of Science and an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Her goals are to show all people how science is relevant and fun (yes, fun) and to inspire and empower students of all backgrounds to pursue careers in science.  

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Corbin was Director of Outreach for the College of Science at the Clemson University. She initiated and carried out creative programming to inform K-12 students, college students, and the general public of important scientific issues. She modernized a teaching lab that offers laboratory field trips in genetics and biotechnology for school groups; initiated and ran summer science camps for middle school and high school students; mentored undergraduates as they provided hands-on science activities to after-school programs; taught graduate courses for in-service biology teachers; initiated and led Science on Tap, a series of informal, free science talks for the public; and collaborated with other faculty to support the outreach components of their grants. Corbin was also PI and director of an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduate grant. 

Prior to her time at Clemson, Corbin was an assistant and associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas.  Her research focused on how genes are regulated and how cells interact to determine their particular identities and roles during development. Her work was funded by NIH, NSF, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Arthritis Foundation. Corbin was also involved in multiple NIH-sponsored initiatives aimed at preparing capable but underserved students for careers in biomedical research. 

Corbin received her BA in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma Washington, her Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University, and her post-doctoral training at The Rockefeller University in NYC.  Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, swimming, cooking, and watching corny movies.