Chemistry With a Side of Art

Before beginning her first year as an undergraduate student on the New York City campus, Makayla Napper had already completed three graphic design-related internships. It may come as a surprise, then, that she is not enrolled in an art or design program. But to Napper, it makes perfect sense.

From a young age, Napper thought she would go to school for something creative, perhaps music or traditional art. When it came time to plan for her higher education, she decided to major in a field that could combine her interests with job security: chemistry.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and the role we play in it,” the second-year College of Arts and Sciences student explains. “I think nature is beautiful. I hope to become an environmental scientist or chemist…something along those lines.”

As she follows in her grandfather’s footsteps, a chemical engineer who encouraged Napper to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), she still makes time for her first love—art.

On campus, she is involved in the Digital Arts Club, Music Cubs, and Black Student Union, as well as a senator for the L.I.F.E. Club. At home in the residence hall, she indulges in writing songs, making music, drawing, and painting, among many other hobbies.

“I’m known in my family for making very experimental dishes,” she admits of her special interest in cooking. “It’s a gamble whether my meals are good or not!”

Napper’s extracurricular résumé is evidence of a student well-adjusted to college life, and combined with an optimistic view of her coursework, the Washington, D.C., native has found a second home at the university. As new friends, experiences, and opportunities pepper her life, she is excited to see what the rest of her years at New York Tech will offer.

She especially looks forward to enrolling in organic chemistry, a course she hears is notably challenging. Rather than fear the curriculum, she is eager to embrace the subject with an open mind and explore new concepts.

“I’m very happy this is the school I chose,” she reflects, citing the easy bus rides to visit her hometown and the small class sizes that make for more effective learning. “Since coming here, I am more hopeful about the future and surer of where I want to take myself.”

With a minor in energy science, technology, and policy, Napper is setting herself up for the career in environmental preservation/protection that she envisions. To further prepare, she is considering pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or molecular biology and a master’s degree in an environmental science-related topic.

“I’m excited about the host of knowledge that awaits me,” Napper says of her journey ahead. “I’m interested in learning more about these fields and using that for the greater good, so the more I can learn, the better. I’ve only ever been excited to learn more.”