About Nathan

Hometown:
Cincinnati, Ohio

University Partner:
Kenyon College

Degree:
Mathematics

Grant Partner:
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Senior Mentor:
Dr. Richard McCombie

"Steamboat helped me to learn to listen and not feel pressured to always be in the spotlight, but to truly admire others; that being thoughtful is another essential part of being leader; and that being exposed to a large range of different ideas and people, especially those in stark contrast to your own is important for broadening your own range and strengthening your own opinions. I overall realize that I have a lot to learn, but am more confident in my ability to constructively discuss ideas, meet new people and process and integrate these new experiences for myself."

Scholar Background

Prior to his Steamboat summer, Nathan Huey studied at Kenyon College in rural Gambier, OH. Nathan is majoring in mathematics, but also works in the molecular biology laboratory of Dr. Wade Powell where he studies the changes in gene expression mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the African clawed frog. His dual interests in mathematics and biology led him to the burgeoning field of bioinformatics, the collection and analysis of the sequences of key biological molecules. In his prior summers he has gained experience on both sides of the bench : data collection and the subsequent analysis, allowing him to receive a Goldwater scholarship his sophomore year at Kenyon. The cutting-edge bioinformatics research at Cold Spring Harbor was the ideal venue to continue his exploration of the field and gain valuable exposure to a dedicated scientific community.

Internship Description

Nathan spent his summer in the lab of Dr. Richard McCombie at the Woodbury Genome Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory where he studied how DNA sequencing technology can be used to identify the genetic basis of complex psychiatric diseases. Here, he was able to study the application of bioinformatics from the sequencing process itself in the lab to the processing of raw sequence data and finally to analysis and interpretation. The resources at CSHL enabled him to immerse himself in the scientific process through his own research identifying areas of rare mutations in a network of interacting genes known as the "DISC1 Interactome", by attending lectures by leading experts in the field of bioinformatics and from conversations with others in the URP program.

Where are they now?

Nathan is currently finishing his senior year at Kenyon College.