Sally is a quantum chemist and a runway model. Sally is drawn to quantum chemistry because it requires imagination; to modeling because it is empowering. Sally recently moved to New York City to pursue her modeling career.
Sally first became interested in chemistry in high school. Both of her parents being chemical engineers, Sally grew up surrounded by science and enjoyed lessons in chemistry from a young age. But, like many pursuits, chemistry did not come easily at first. “I felt that it required an alternate way of thinking.” Nonetheless, if not because of her love for a challenge, Sally worked hard to master chemistry and eventually went on to major in chemistry and biochemistry in college.
In school Sally studied all types of chemistry including General Chemistry, Organic, Inorganic, Analytical, Biochemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Sally was most interested in physical chemistry because the quantum chemistry required imagination, and the rigorous nature of the subject, with strong theoretical work in physics and maths, appealed to her. “It was fascinating to me that particles so small had properties that were able to be proven mathematically”.
“It was fascinating to me that particles so small had properties that were able to be proven mathematically”.
In addition to taking chemistry courses, Sally also worked in a theoretical chemistry lab for two years, where she undertook research on atmospheric aerosols. While developing a theoretical model to explain how light is radiated by the fatty acid content in natural aerosols in the atmosphere, Sally began to search quantum mechanics for the answers. Working alongside postdoctoral researchers, she learnt a great deal and was challenged by the complex and detailed chemistry underlying the project.
Sally enjoys chemistry because you never stop learning. There’s always something more to discover.
Sally also has a completely different passion - modeling. Since she was 12 years old, Sally recalls having an obsession with modeling and the fashion world. Her first runway show in Denver, Colorado, in sixth grade introduced her to the lights, the clothes, and the makeup of the fashion world and opened up a new side of her, bringing her out of her shell. “Something about walking the runway and having all eyes on you is very empowering”. Sally has been involved in modeling and 
fashion shows ever since and will be pursuing her modeling career in New York City.
"Something about walking therunway and having all eyes on you is very empowering”
Sally’s photoshoot with Science House was her first shoot in New York City. It was also the first time she has "modeled" scientific concepts! Above, Sally models an electron cloud, in which it is impossible to locate the exact position of the electrons surrounding the atomic nucleus. To the right, Sally displays her hoola hoop skills, demonstrating the shape of the “dz2” orbital, in which the electron may be found along the axis of her body (the z axis) and in the area represented by the hoola hoop (a ring in the xy plane), but not in the “node”, or space, in between.
Keeping up her passions for both chemistry and modeling will take some balance, but Sally believes it's possible - and it's worth it.
