Nathaniel Guy Mahieu is a driven and knowledge-loving student attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Born in the rural farming community of Centralia, Missouri, he grew up exploring the woods and enjoying the natural world’s inherent beauty and complexity. Throughout his life he has drawn inspiration from nature, as well as from his grandfather, Bill, who’s inventor’s spirit kindled Nathaniel’s imagination as a child. Growing up with these two influences, Nathaniel today has a love of math, whose beauty, he feels, reflects that of nature, and of science. Throughout his high school career, great teachers in Chemistry and Calculus fueled his fire for knowledge. These two subjects and their direct relation to the natural world caught hold of his interest as he entered college. Before college Nathaniel had pursued his interest in computer programming and planned on studying it, but the draw of chemistry and math lured him to a degree in Chemical Engineering which he is pursuing concurrently with a degree in Biochemistry. His experience in college has produced an interest in system analysis through computers and chemistry as well as topics in field convergence. After graduation Nathaniel hopes to go into the research field to gain experience and knowledge to apply his broad background to challenges facing Biochemistry. When he’s not studying, Nathaniel enjoys watching TED Talks, playing ultimate Frisbee, and pursuing Christianity. He is a member of 4-H and FFA (a reflection of his rural background) and a vehement lover of photography (some of his photos may be viewed from his personal website, http://nathanielguy.com/). Nathaniel actively supports his community through such programs as the FFA Alumni, local youth groups, and by contributing time over the summer as a counselor at Boys State of Missouri. Nathaniel’s innate curiosities united with the sapience of inspirational people throughout his development have matured him into an individual with an inherent desire for understanding. His main ambition is to apply the insight he acquires in his life to effectively make a positive impact on humanity.