From 2011 to 2014, Fong served on board of directors for
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography. She studied
phytoplankton and other algae to determine how they are able to survive in the absence of light under the polar ice. The expedition and Fong's research was interrupted by the
COVID-19 pandemic when researchers were unable to return after the outbreak. In total, Fong spent nine months at sea during the expedition. In 2026, Fong appeared in the
National Geographic documentary
Pole to Pole with
Will Smith. Smith dived below polar ice with Fong to assist in collecting microbial samples. Fong cites the importance of studying sea ice algae as "fundamental to the habitability of Earth". == Awards and honors ==