Curiosity may have been detrimental to the cat, but it has opened so many doors for Molly Graffam. A member of the Class of 2013, Graffam's curiosity has served her well so far, leading her to a degree in biochemistry, a spot in Fairfield University's varsity 8 boat that won a championship, and a mural on a wall in the Bannow Science Center.

"I think I was always curious as a child about how things worked, kind of like a detective," Graffam said. "I grew up reading Nancy Drew and really enjoyed science. But I have also always enjoyed drawing too."

The Connecticut native began painting a mural at the entrance of the chemistry department last week to provide inspiration to those who follow her. She hopes future students will come to understand that art and science can go hand-in-hand, a doctrine that truly embraces the ideals of a Jesuit education.

"I enjoy being artistic," Graffam said. "This mural is a way to give back to Fairfield for everything I received from this school. It's a way to bring arts and sciences together because I embody both of them. I have always enjoyed both and want to show that a person can be an artist and a scientist."

The mural will include her passion for science, art, and athletics. She will infuse the five types of chemistry - physical, organic, inorganic, biochemistry, and analytical - with the University's mascot. The antlers of the Stag will include those five elements along with a physical depiction of each element.
The idea of doing a painting in the Bannow Science Center was a result of collaboration between science and athletics. A conversation between a chemistry professor and an athlete was the catalyst of the artistic commission.

"I was doing research here last summer with Dr. Amanda Harper-Leatherman," Graffam said. "One day, I started doodling on the blackboard. Dr. Leatherman said 'Oh you are creative'. I told her I painted a mural before at a camp I attended and said I would like to do one here as well. She thought that would be awesome and wanted to know when I could start. I didn't have time to do it during my senior year because of classes and rowing on the weekends. Since I was going to be here this summer, I thought this would be a good time to get it done."

Graffam is back on campus as the first aid director for BASE (Broadening Awareness of Science Education) Camp. The camp is designed to engage female high school students in hands-on, research-based experiences in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics, in an effort to inform and excite students about the process of science.

"I think there are more women going into science and I think it is important to keep that trend going," Graffam said. "These girls at camp are really excited about science. We just want to give them as much information as we can, point them in the right direction, offer them advice, and give them a unique experience. "

It was Graffam's desire for unique experiences that led her to the rowing team four years ago. After being a student-athlete at Bristol Eastern High School, Graffam came to Fairfield University as a student without any athletic expectations. But after a month or so, she missed being an athlete. A chance meeting at a retreat offered her the experience for which she was looking.

"After a few weeks on campus, I thought that I am not on a team anymore and that was different for me," Graffam said. "I was on a freshman retreat and someone mentioned the rowing team and said they needed coxswains. I told her I didn't know what rowing was and I certainly didn't know what a coxswain was. She said to come out to practice and see what it was about."

Her curiosity got the best of her again and so she set her alarm and began the trek across campus for a 6 am practice. Despite the early wake up, Graffam immediately knew that rowing was going to become her new passion.

"I thought it was awesome," Graffam said. "I enjoyed rowing from the first day that I was there and knew this was something I would want to join and learn."

She learned quickly, becoming part of the novice 4 boat that won a gold medal at the 2010 Dad Vail Regatta. The victory marked the first time that the novice 4 won a race that year, and more importantly, marked the first time that the women's varsity program won a gold medal at Dad Vail. Graffam would experience that championship feeling throughout her career, capping it with a gold medal at the 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships as a member of the varsity 8.

"When we won the MAAC championship, it was an out of body experience," Graffam said. "When we crossed the finish line, I thought did this just happen? We had been working the whole season for this moment and to actually accomplish our goal was amazing. It was definitely a privilege to be in that boat. You don't just get to be in the boat because you are a senior. Whoever makes the team faster gets to be there so I thought it was a real privilege."

Graffam embodies the traits of a scientist, an artist, and an athlete. As a scientist, she sees things not as they are but why they are. As an athlete, she sees a river not as body of water but as a challenge. As an artist, she sees a wall not as a structure but as a blank canvas. It is that vision that has allowed her to satisfy the curiosity which has made life so interesting.