Chemistry & Flying Pigs: An Unlikely But Winning Mix

Somehow the study of chemistry doesn’t seem to mix with the Flying Pig Marathon, but don’t tell that to P.J. Ball, third year graduate student in the department of chemistry.

	Photography by Mark Bowen Courtesy of the Flying Pig Marathon

She just won the race after three previous tries. “Running a marathon is such an amazing experience, and then to win a marathon, especially in my hometown, was such a blessing,” she said.

P.J. is not just any PhD candidate. As an undergraduate biochemistry major, she won recognition for her research and academic excellence, and last year she was presented with McMicken College’s prestigious Isabel and Mary Neff Scholarship. At the time Thomas Ridgway, professor and graduate program director, noted of her performance, “She has proven to be an excellent mentor of younger students, and her enthusiasm for her work and science in general are infectious.” Having taught at Glen Este High School, she has worked with undergraduate researchers to assist them in designing projects.

But running and winning remain in her blood. While a member of the UC Track and Cross Country Team, she received several awards in competitions. And she doesn’t plan to quit running any time soon. “It makes me feel good and gives me a chance not to think about anything. I run almost every day, and I do my long training runs and speed workouts with some of my good fiends, who are old teammates from UC,” she said.

After graduation, P.J. hopes to teach at a small college, where she would “love to be involved with the track and cross-country teams.” “ I’ve been motivated and inspired by so many awesome coaches, and it would be great to be able to do the same for others,” she commented.”