Meet Our Scholars

Nathan Berndt lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota. As a queer, neurodivergent individual raised in a conservative religion their struggle for identity has been a long journey filled with twists and turns they never could have expected. With mental health as a lifelong obstacle, as well as the unlearning of the self-doubt ingrained from theirr childhood, Nathan has discovered many things to be joyful for.

One thing that brings them joy is the quest for education. They grew up secretly reading books under their desk during second grade spelling tests and looking for the next new thing to learn about space. Another thing important to them is the importance of mental health and caring for those around us who struggle with it. And that is the path Nathan has chosen to follow. They are on the long path of earning a doctorate with the goal of being a clinical psychologist. Using that knowledge and the skills gained, Nathan hopes to provide care for adolecents and young adults in the LGBTQIA community, helping them learn to cope with mental struggles they face on their own journeys.

In Nathan’s free time they enjoy listening to a great variety of eclectic music, playing nerdy games, reading books, cooking new dishes, storytelling, and painting. They also look for any excuse to talk about psychology at great lengths. Their favorite self mantra is “Breathe deep, seek peace.” Their whimsy knows no bounds, for life is too short to wear boring socks.