Laura MacManus-Spencer is an associate professor of chemistry. She joined Union in 2006. Her area of research expertise is environmental chemistry. With student researchers, she studies the environmental and biological fate of chemicals used in personal care products and other consumer goods. Professor MacManus-Spencer lives in Schenectady with her husband, Ian, daughter, Aislinn, and two furry children (puppy, Freyja, and cat, Brit).

FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING: Just my email. Lately, it’s The New York Times daily briefing

ONE BOOK YOU HAVE READ MULTIPLE TIMES: I have honestly never read a book more than once (for myself). However, my five-year-old daughter and I have read (and done) “ABC Yoga” together many (many) times!

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED: Keep your head where your feet are

FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS: Hull Plaza looking west at sunset

GO-TO BREAKFAST: Yogurt, berries and granola

NETFLIX OR AMAZON: Both, but more Netflix

FAVORITE PODCAST: The TED Radio Hour

ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD: I wish I could play a musical instrument

ANOTHER SUBJECT YOU WISH YOU COULD TEACH: Yoga

BEST EXCUSE YOU EVER HEARD FOR A LATE ASSIGNMENT: My computer died (I spilled my water bottle on it, etc.). Note to students: invest in an external hard drive!