Women's soccer senior Maiya Pacleb recently received recognition at the Murdock College Science Research (MCSR) Conference. Her research "Oxadiazole containing liquid crystals: Effects of structural changes on phase behavior" garnered the 2020 John Van Zytveld Physical Sciences Award.

"It probably sounds complicated," said Pacleb. "But you've likely heard of LCD – liquid crystal display. It's used for your phone, laptop, TV, and other electronic devices."

Pacleb worked with her advisor and professor, Dr. Eric Scharrer. "He's the best – he always makes learning fun," said Pacleb.

While Pacleb was inspired by working with Dr. Scharrer, she was also motivated by the opportunity to challenge herself.

"I wanted to grow my knowledge more by engaging with the concepts in organic chemistry and how they can be applied in research," she said. "I just like the flat-out personal and intellectual challenge that research possesses."

Whether on the pitch or in the lab, Pacleb perseveres. "Research is a tedious process that doesn't always go your way and continually tests your knowledge," she said.