Uncovering a Love of Chemistry: Brittany (Cripps) Malsegna ‘23

When Brittany (Cripps) Malsegna ‘23 began studying chemistry at Le Moyne, she expected that it would be challenging in all of the best ways, and it was. The deeper Malsegna delved into her study of the discipline, the more she grew to love it. Experience working with sophisticated lab equipment like an NMR spectrometer, bred confidence in her. She reveled in watching the reactions she learned about in the classroom come to life in the lab, and in uncovering the ways in which chemistry impacts nearly every aspect of our society. It wasn’t long before she was able to answer an array of complex, scientific questions. That, in turn, led her to ask even better, more nuanced ones that lie at the heart of the work she is doing today.

Malsegna is a chemist at Bausch and Lomb, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of eye-health products, including contact lenses, lens care products and pharmaceuticals. She works in an analytics lab in the company’s quality control department, helping to ensure that the company’s products are safe and stable for the people who rely on them every day. She has recently been involved in the development of tests that ensure the stability and accuracy of one of the company’s new products, which she said has been “a particularly fun challenge.” Malsegna’s job demands that, in addition to being meticulous in her science, she must also be self-directed, flexible and collaborative. 

The Rochester, N.Y., native credits her time at Le Moyne, particularly the analytical chemistry classes she took, with helping to prepare her for this work. As an undergraduate, Malsegna participated in the Clare Boothe Luce Research Program, which provides women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math with research, networking and professional development opportunities. She also served as a research assistant at Syracuse University and the University of Rochester. Away from the classroom and lab, Malsegna was a member of the Chemistry and Biology clubs. She also took part in Le Moyne’s Stempower program, which offers numerous educational and professional-development opportunities, as well as a sense of community, to women interested in studying STEM at Le Moyne.

Malsegna credits her professors at Le Moyne with modeling for her what it means to be a dedicated lifelong learner. She firmly believes that the best part of her work is the opportunities it provides her to continue to evolve, step out of her comfort zone and discover new things. She looks forward to growing in the field and to seeing where it will take her – and where she can take it.

“I love helping people, and I enjoy being able to make a positive impact on their lives,” she said. “That is what I was looking for when I was trying to find a job – the opportunity to use my love of science and research to help others.”