ESP Biography



NATHAN LACHENMYER, Quantum Superposition of Engineer and Artist




Major: Physics, Materials Science, EECS

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: G

Picture of Nathan Lachenmyer

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I'm currently a graduate student at MIT in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, studying experimental quantum computation - how to use simple quantum systems to perform computations algorithmically faster than any modern computer.

My passion is combing art, science, and technology. I consider myself both a performer and an artist, and am constantly trying to find new ways to combine them with my background in science and engineering.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

A5742: Processing: Making Art with Computers in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Processing is a java-based programming language with the goal of taking productive engineers and turning them into artists, and turning artists into code monkeys. That is, the goal is to use computers and programming to make art!!! Check out http://www.openprocessing.org/ to see what you can get yourself into :)


S5743: Synthetic Biology -- What it is, and where its going in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Have you heard about Synthetic Biology? [Well, now you have!] Synthetic Biology is a hot new field combining biology and engineering, with the goal of designing and fabricating biological systems that don't exist in nature. Sounds like science fiction, doesn't it? Come learn about how synthetic biology works, what you can do with it, and where the field is headed!


A5744: Interactive Introduction to Electronics in Spark! 2012 (Mar. 10, 2012)
Come learn about electronics the old-fashioned way -- by doing! We'll build a variety of circuits that will let you control light and sound, and touch on a variety of topics in electronics.


W5210: Object Manipulation and Acrobatics in Splash! 2011 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2011)
Because you've always wanted to run away and join the circus. We will be going over poi, staff, rope dart, contact juggling, and whatever else we can find.


A4517: History of Electronic Music in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Does all electronic music sound the same to you? Can't tell the difference between trance, techno, house, and drum and bass? In this class we'll cover the history of electronic musical both chronologically and geographically. We'll listen to samples of each genre along the way, and by the end of the course you'll understand the unique characteristics of each of these genres.


A4642: Introduction to Contact Juggling in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Ever want to be just like David Bowie in Labyrinth? Well, me neither, but I really like contact juggling! And if you want to learn how to contact juggle, this is the class for you! We'll talk about what kind of props you need, and I'll teach you a few basic moves. (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_IcWf8EVjU. For the real deal check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX7xruR12YA)


A4704: Intro to Toss Juggling in Spark! 2011 (Mar. 12, 2011)
Toss Juggling is the most well-known variety of juggling, and the first that most people learn. The goal of toss juggling is to catch and throw multiple objects at once. In this class, you'll learn how to do some basic three-ball juggling patterns. No juggling experience required!


S4486: Introduction to Solid State Chemistry in HSSP Spring 2011 (Feb. 19, 2011)
Ever wonder why bicycles are made out of aluminum and your dinner dishes aren't? Tired of boring titration reactions and acid-base chemistry? Explore how the relationships between materials structure and processing result in the properties required for different engineering applications. This class will cover the basics of electronic structure with a focus on how electronic structure dictates chemical bonding and then delve into the fundamentals and applications of engineering materials including ceramics, metals, semiconductors, glasses, polymers, and biomaterials.


A4502: Introductory to Intermediate Poi - Feeling The Flow in HSSP Spring 2011 (Feb. 19, 2011)
Poi is a performance art that combines dance and juggling into a single art form. Performers spin weights leashed to their hands in circular patterns to create breathtaking geometric patterns that appear to defy the laws of physics.  If this sounds fun, this class is for you! This class teaches the basic elements of spinning poi and how to combine them into new exciting patterns!  This class aims to teach students how to *think* about poi, rather than teaching patterns.  Students of all levels are welcome, from students that have spun poi before and are looking for new moves to students that have never heard of poi before!


A3914: Beginner Poi in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Poi is a performance art where a ball on a string is swung around in circular patterns. It originated as a traditional Maori dance form, it is quickly expanded to be a popular performance art around the world. If you've always wanted to learn poi, or just want to come and see what it is, this is the class for you. For people that have taken previous poi classes at Splash, please see Intermediate Poi.


A3915: Intermediate Poi in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Tired of the same old three-beat and butterfly patterns? Come to this class to learn a variety of new tricks and how to transition smoothly between them! Aimed at people who have practiced poi on their own before or have taken a course during a previous Splash.