Megan Mackey has discovered the science of balancing work and play.

"The idea that being a college student allows no time to socialize – whether it is by being a student athlete or enjoying the diverse culture the school and the area has to offer – is unacceptable to me," said the college senior.

Megan spends five to six days a week working in a Coykendall Science Building laboratory and one day a week hanging out with friends.

For her first two years at New Paltz, play meant heading to the field as a member of the New Paltz women’s soccer team. Megan credits the experience with helping her acclimate to college life. She continues to support her team by attending recruiting sessions and tournaments.

"Being on the team taught me lessons I can apply to other aspects of my education and life in general," she said.

Megan says her biggest accomplishment was working with her advisor Pamela St. John and a group of students last year to publish a paper in the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics.

Her work on the project was an extension of her bio-physical chemistry research, which focuses on oligonucleotides, which she describes as "tiny strands of DNA." Megan says she would like to work in the field of cancer research, something she has experience with. Last year, she volunteered in the oncology department at the Albany VA Medical Center.

Megan has also worked with the Chemistry Club. The club designs experiments for Family Mole Night events that teach local children about chemistry. And Megan, who is also a chemistry tutor, said that before she graduates in May, she would like to start an introduction program for potential chemistry students.

"The more people I can get interested in chemistry the more excited I get," she said.