60th Annual STS (2000–2001)
Finalists
Nathaniel Jay Craig

CALIFORNIA
Nathaniel Jay Craig, 18, of Sacramento, studied the fundamental connection between equilibrium and dynamic properties in supercooled polymeric liquids for his Intel Science Talent Search project in physics. He related the properties by deriving an expression for the fragility index, which is a dynamic property, in terms of entropy and heat capacity, which are macroscopic equilibrium properties. Nate believes the study resolves a long-standing weakness of the Adam-Gibbs model-an entropy theory of supercooled polymeric liquids-by obtaining a new equation for the so-called critical entropy. Nate, who earned perfect SAT scores, has a varsity letter in cross country at Mira Loma High School and is captain of the school's Science Bowl team, which has made two national appearances. A 2nd degree black belt in karate, he is a member of the Arcade Creek Restoration Project, a riparian ecology group. Nate's many honors include being named "Rickoid of the Year" at the Research Science Institute. He is also listed as second author of a paper on the dynamics of supercooled polymeric liquids submitted to Science. The son of Barry and Diane Craig, Nate plans to attend Harvard, earn a Ph.D., and teach and do research.