A Chicago native and graduate of Columbia's School of Journalism, Machalinski has always had a keen interest in human sexuality. Science, however, is a newfound fascination. Naturally, the Science of Sex digital master's project was the perfect culmination of her studies.

Before her entree into journalism, she graduated in 2002 from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. As both an English major and scholarship athlete, she divided her time between studying contemporary lit and competing in track & field races.

Prior to moving to New York, she was employed as a media buyer for Starcom Worldwide in Chicago. Her ad savvy paid off ­– she was transferred to the Manhattan office in 2004 to work on the Coca-Cola business.

In October 2006, Machalinski graduated with her masters in journalism. She is now a multimedia reporter at Newsday.com, where she conceptualizes and develops media projects and produces original video. Prior to Newsday, she worked at XLR8R, a music and culture magazine, and at Barron's as an online news assistant.

Her print articles have appeared in The Arizona Republic, The Toronto Star, the San Diego Union-Tribune and other newspapers in the U.S. and Canada.