Where Chemistry Clicks
Publish Date: April 8, 2026
For many students, chemistry comes with a reputation. It can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and out of reach before the semester even begins. For Kim Salt, Professor of Chemistry at Crafton Hills College, helping students move past that fear is at the heart of her work.
“I try to make chemistry approachable,” Salt says. “That means breaking complex ideas into manageable pieces and connecting them to everyday experiences.”
Salt currently teaches first and second semester general chemistry, CHEM 150 and CHEM 151, and has also taught introductory chemistry, CHEM 101. Her teaching philosophy centers on problem-solving, persistence, and curiosity rather than memorization.
She wants to create an atmosphere in the classroom that supports students while they develop their ability to solve problems related to difficult subject matter. In addition to providing students with knowledge of chemistry, she would like them to leave her classes with a belief in their abilities and a commitment to logical thinking.
"I want students to have confidence," she stated. "I want them to believe that they can face difficult challenges and will be able to solve problems using logic. These are skills that will remain with them regardless of whether or not they continue studying chemistry."
In the years that Salt has been teaching, she has witnessed firsthand how developing this type of confidence in her students can lead to a positive change in a student's academic career. One of the most memorable moments was when a student who believed they could not succeed in chemistry came to understand that they were capable.
"The most rewarding feeling is seeing the realization occur with a student who believed they were not a science person to recognize that they are able to complete chemistry," she said. "I have had students begin a class believing they were unable to do the material and finish the class with a sense of confidence and ability to accomplish. Witnessing the transformation of a student is an incredible experience."
Many of Salt's students have remained in touch with her long after they completed her classes. Some of her students have entered into careers in health care, research, engineering, and education. There have also been students who have contacted her years after completing their classes to let her know about the accomplishments they have made.
"That is one of the best things about being a teacher," she said. "Knowing that I played a small part in a student's journey into the field of STEM is truly special."
Salt developed an interest in chemistry because she wanted to learn how the world works at a molecular level. Over time, she decided to continue her education and earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of California, Riverside.
"Chemistry helps explain everything that we experience daily," she said. "At some point, I discovered that I enjoyed sharing my enthusiasm for chemistry with others as well."
Prior to working at Crafton Hills College, Salt worked at the Claremont Colleges for two years.
She started at Crafton Hills College in 1999 and found a home for herself within the community college system.
"What brought me here and has allowed me to remain here is the strong sense of community and the ability to positively affect the lives of our students," she said. "Community colleges are comprised of a diverse and driven population of students. Being a part of their educational journey is highly rewarding."
Salt has several other hobbies outside of the classroom and laboratory. She enjoys creating crochet items and playing musical instruments. Both of these activities, according to Salt, allow her to use a different area of her brain than chemistry.
"I enjoy having creative outlets," she said. "These help me recharge."
In addition to her creative pursuits, she also enjoys riding her bicycle on Zwift, a virtual cycling and training platform, and relaxing at home with her husband and their four dogs.
"These types of activities provide balance to my life," she said. "They enable me to return to the classroom refreshed and prepared to teach."
With over 20 years of service to Crafton Hills College, Salt continues to find meaning in her students' growth, both academically and personally.
"Once students realize that they can accomplish something difficult, it changes how they perceive themselves," she said. "The confidence gained from recognizing that they can accomplish something difficult opens doors that students never believed were possible."
