Conversations with Nate:
Your major is Biochemistry with Physics as a minor. Do they tie together at all?
I'd say they do quite a bit. In my experience, biochemistry applies the principles of chemistry (interactions between molecules and atoms) to the study of life (biology). Physics includes the study of a lot of the phenomena and principles explaining the molecular interactions of chemistry, so it's very rewarding to derive some of the fundamental theory behind what my "major" studies in a few of my "minor" courses!
What made Biochemistry and Physics attractive as an academic focus?
I think I've always been very interested in how things work, I recall being quite interested in submarines and rockets when I was younger. As I got older, I began to develop an interest in pharmaceuticals and their design, which led me to choose biomedical engineering as my initial major during my freshman year. From my first day in intro biology class, I was fascinated by the more "biochemistry" focused topics the professor discussed, such as the hydrophobic effect and the interactions of different types of lipids. So, I quickly switched my major, and I've discovered a deep interest in the fundamental chemistry (and underlying physics) behind the interactions of biological molecules, which tie into my interest in how things work. It is quite gratifying to see how all components of a system piece together, and my biochemistry and physics interests allow me to search for this feeling in a smaller, living landscape.
Last summer, you did an internship at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. What did you do there?
I was working in the molecular therapeutics division, where I assisted in experiments studying two proteins, pendrin and pfCRT (functions not super relevant!). I was very inexperienced with research, so my day to day work mainly consisted of fairly early steps in the overall experiment, like cloning (multiplying the DNA encoding the proteins) and purification of the proteins for future study down the line.
What did you do when you interned at Regeneron this summer?
I am unable to disclose any specifics of what I did this summer, as it is proprietary information/technology, however generally I developed new, non-viral delivery technologies for gene therapy platforms. I really enjoyed my time at Regeneron this summer, and I learned so much about new techniques, experimental approaches, and some clarity about what I'd like to do with the rest of my life!
Which courses have you enjoyed in your first three years on campus? What made them enjoyable?
The most enjoyable classes for me in my first three years on campus have been the first two organic chemistry classes, and the first physical chemistry class. The organic chemistry classes were really fun for me, and I felt that the material enabled me to be very creative. The reaction mechanisms we studied in organic chemistry employ a lot of spatial and abstract thinking, and solving the problems showcased a fundamental understanding of the working of these systems, which was super gratifying to me. Physical chemistry introduced some of the fundamental quantum mechanics behind the atom, which also really hit at my interest in understanding how systems work. Furthermore, physical chemistry was a challenging course, but it was extremely rewarding to work through long problems and arrive at elegant solutions.
Coach Wylam talked about the goal each off-season is to improve your performance in the different events. As a first-year, you had the 11th-highest point total. That rose to fifth highest during your sophomore year, and to second highest last year. How do you achieve the improvement?
I think for me, it's just been about being as consistent as possible. I try my best to work to my maximum ability in each practice during the season, and I think this has helped me improve my performance in my events over my time at the university. In addition, I try my best to stay consistent with swimming during my winter and summer breaks, which gives me more time (than during the conventional six-month season) to develop my fitness and technique and not have to totally restart my training after each summer.
In an event as short as the 100 freestyle, how do you achieve the faster times? Is it based on technique?
I'm definitely not an expert, and swimming performance is pretty complicated, however I think improving in the 100 freestyle is broken into three categories: speed, endurance, and technique. Water is very viscous, and the arms and body need to be placed in such a way as to minimize resistance while maximizing the amount of water pulled by your hands. So, adjusting these positions are the technical changes that allow you to move more efficiently and generate more propulsion through the water. Then, speed is how fast you can move your arms and legs while maintaining this technique, with a higher stroke rate and faster kick with good technique allowing you to move faster. And then fitness quantifies how long you can maintain this speed before becoming fatigued and slowing down. So, to improve in the 100, these three areas need to be developed, which can be targeted with a variety of specific training sets. Fitness training pushes the body for longer efforts to build endurance, speed sets focus on maximum exertion for a short period of time, and technical sets are often very intentional, removing speed and simply focusing on the positioning of the body and arms.
When did you begin swimming competitively?
I think around 6, although my memory is a bit foggy! I began swimming in the summer leagues, and then began year-round swimming shortly after, which I've continued to this day!
As a junior, you were added to the swim team’s Recruiting Coordinator Council. How often does the group meet? What projects do you undertake?
This group met around 5-6 times a semester, mainly in advance of recruiting events, where prospective swimmers would visit the university, stay overnight with current swimmers, and learn about the program. We would plan and coordinate these recruiting weekend events, which include games and team trips in Rochester to provide these potential recruits with a fun and memorable experience.
How did you become involved with the University?
URochester was always on my list of schools due to its strong academics, and I began talking to the coaches here during the second half of my senior year, which sealed the deal for coming here!
