Although she has frequently served as master carpenter for Harvard dramatic productions, she said her last performing role was as the hind end of a horse. Adams House's pool theater, she said, would be an ideal place to hone her acting skills.

"I intend absolutely to have a part [in House productions]," she said.

According to Cabot House Co-Master Janice Ware, one of Judith Palfrey's colleagues at Children's Hospital, the pair will make excellent House administrators. Given Adams House's reputation for supporting the arts, she said the match is especially strong.

"I think that they'll make marvelous masters," Ware said. "They bring a great combination to the House...and it's such a great venue for them."

And on the academic side, both Palfreys have received numerous awards for their work in pediatrics and their involvement in community affairs. Sean Palfrey said he has served as a mentor to the Human Faces program, a division of Project H.E.A.L.T.H., a campus group that organizes student participation in community health programs.

He said that as masters the two will work to enhance such activities in the House.

"People can expect us to be looking for ways to use the House for these community activities," he said.

But the Palfreys said they expect to spend their first year in the House getting accustomed to the particulars of Adams House and doing a lot of listening to students and tutors.