From Chemistry to Crosswords: A Unique Journey

If you’re a crossword enthusiast, get ready to be amazed! UBC chemistry professor Mark MacLachlan has taken the world of word puzzles by storm, and he’s got the credentials to prove it. While discussing his passion for crosswords, MacLachlan dropped the name of the legendary New York Times crossword editor, Will Shortz, like it was nothing.

A Dual Career: Science and Puzzles

When he’s not teaching and researching at the University of British Columbia, where he specializes in 'supramolecular materials' (yes, it’s as complex as it sounds!), MacLachlan is crafting intricate crosswords that challenge and delight. "During my postdoc, my wife and I enjoyed the Times crossword together weekly, and I wondered who created these fascinating puzzles. So, I gave it a try myself," he shares.

Rejections Turned into Success

His first submissions were met with rejection, but that only fueled his determination. Now, he’s known as a 'cruciverbalist'—a fancy word for crossword creator derived from Latin. MacLachlan’s persistence paid off, with about 75 of his puzzles published across major outlets. That’s roughly one every two months!

The NY Times and Its Competitive Edge

Submitting puzzles to the New York Times is no easy feat. The paper receives 150 to 200 puzzles weekly, but only seven make the cut. MacLachlan has successfully navigated this competitive landscape, often gracing the pages on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. "The puzzles vary weekly in difficulty, primarily through the clues the editorial team refines for clarity. Sometimes they might revise up to half of the clues!" he explains.

Collaborative Creativity

What keeps him coming back for more? The collaborative process of puzzle-making! He thrives on the dynamic exchanges with the editors, making the art of crossword creation not just a side gig but a source of joy.

Mark MacLachlan: The Crossword Chemistry Concocter! Crosswords and chemistry might seem worlds apart, but for Mark MacLachlan, they are the perfect blend of art and science. Stay tuned for more of his ingenious wordplay!