A concert pianist for most of her life, Allison first discovered science unintentionally while studying for a nutrition degree. Having always considered herself a musician, Allison was surprised to find that science struck a chord, but followed this passion to graduate with a B.A. in Biochemistry. Allison now works as a chemist and in her spare time is an enthusiastic scooterist.
Allison has always had a big passion for music. Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, Allison began performing in competitions at the age of 8. With talent and dedication that saw her practising for three to five hours every day, Allison gained recognition as an accomplished pianist, winning numerous awards and competitions. A highlight of her young career, Allison performed in the prestigious Carnegie Hall, New York City, as the winner of a piano competition at age 15.
Allison returned to New York City as an adult where she went on to become a professional pianist, performing at various events and locations including restaurants, ballet studios, cabaret shows, churches and private events. However, as her career was taking off, the sedentary lifestyle of sitting at the piano day after day and eating fast food between gigs quickly began to catch up with her. "I noticed that my clothing was feeling tighter and I was having trouble climbing the stairs to my apartment. I wanted to do something about it, but I did not know where to start so I joined Weight Watchers." In just under a year, Allison transformed herself, losing 84 lbs and living a much healthier lifestyle. Dedicated to encouraging others to realize their own goals, Allison started volunteering at Weight Watchers meetings and informally coaching her friends on health and nutrition. “Sharing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with others was extremely rewarding, but I wanted to be sure that I was giving people good advice. It was then that I decided to return to school to study Nutrition."
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With this goal in mind Allison took the bold step of enrolling in introductory courses at her community college. Her first courses included subjects with which she was familiar - English and History for example. But Allison soon started taking more difficult classes like Chemistry for Nurses and Anatomy. "I worked hard and tried not to feel overwhelmed by the ultimate goal. I outlined what I needed to do for the next few years and then broke it down - what I needed to do this year, this month, today.” Allison set mini-goals as she had learned to do in Weight Watchers, and the reward was a perfect 4.0 GPA.
"I worked hard and tried not to feel overwhelmed by the ultimate goal. I outlined what I needed to do for the next few years and then broke it down - what I needed to do this year, this month, today.”
In light of her natural affinity for the subject, one of Allison’s Chemistry Professors, Dr. Don Cameron, spoke to her after class one day and suggested that Allison pursue more difficult courses. Allison remarks, “I had never thought of myself as a scientist before, but he encouraged me to try." After a year at the community college, Allison transferred to a four-year school, and signed up for courses in Physics, Calculus, and Organic Chemistry. “Toward the end of my undergraduate work, I started to appreciate how the sciences were all related to and dependent on each other.” Allison graduated from Hunter College in 2007 with her B.A. in Biochemistry. "I had never worked so hard for anything in my life. It was worth it." Allison will be enrolling in post-graduate studies in the fall.
"I had never worked so hard for anything in my life. It was worth it."
After college, Allison worked as a pharmaceutical chemist and is currently using her chemistry education to test raw materials at Axel Plastics plastics research laboratory, specializing in process aid additives. “Whenever a plastic product is manufactured, the plastic is melted and placed into a mold. When it hardens, it takes on the shape of the mold. I work with the chemicals used to release the plastics from their molds and the materials used to make them.” A fitting analogy for her own life, as Allison feels she has broken out of her former mold and is headed for new and exciting adventures.
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Allison's interests do not stop at chemistry. Allison also has a special appreciation of antique scooters and, as a chemist, she can explain in detail how they run. In fact, the motor oil that protects and lubricates the moving parts of Allison's scooter engine performs a very similar role to the chemicals she works with. While modern scooters have two tanks – one for the gasoline and one for motor oil – her 1959 Vespa GS, does not use a separate oil tank. Instead, Allison mixes motor oil in with gasoline at a ratio of 20:1, to keep these scooter engines running smoothly.
Unfortunately, the utilization of the oil-fuel mixture significantly increases the emission of pollutants due to the combustion of the oil. For this reason, Allison frequently rides a modern Vespa GTS 250, which she purchased in 2006. Modern Vespas not only have cleaner emissions, but they also go a lot further on a tank of fuel, up to 70 miles per gallon. “I love my GTS. I get to work quickly, and my gasoline bill is about $5 per week. I have driven over 13,000 miles on my scooter so far.”
Allison still plays the piano part-time and for leisure and commutes to the lab by scooter. “I think what I want people to know most of all is that curiosity is a wonderful thing! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to try something new. If you’re interested in something, pursue it. Take it as far as you possibly can and see where it leads you. I had pictured myself as nothing more than a musician for so long. You never know what you’re capable of until you believe in yourself and try it.”
"If you’re interested in something, pursue it. Take it as far as you possibly can and see where it leads you."
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