Allyson began college at Murray State University in Kentucky, where they played on the women's soccer team and studied nutrition. They first found a love for chemistry when they took a brief organic chemistry course as a requirement for their major. Shortly after, they transferred to Marian University Indianapolis where they started as a chemistry major while continuing to play soccer. While doing organic chemistry research, they were encouraged by their mentors to apply to graduate school. A year later, they found themself at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the Sanchez Lab, where they studied specialized metabolism in marine host-microbe systems. Following their defense in 2026, they started at Mount Holyoke College, where they teach organic chemistry. Outside of work, Allyson enjoys being outside--hiking, biking, camping, and playing soccer. When the weather doesn't favor being outside, Allyson enjoys arts and crafts like crocheting, watching women's sports, and hanging out with their cats, Timmy and Velcro. 

Email: amcatamney @ mtholyoke (edu)