About Miriam:

Minor: Math  

Honors Distinction 

Miriam Bechtel, a junior at the University of New Mexico, is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Math and an Honors distinction. Originally from Santa Fe, Miriam spent nine years living in Kenya and Tanzania before moving to New Mexico. Her diverse background has enriched her perspective, fueling her passion for both science and art. 

Miriam’s artistic journey took a significant turn in Professor Megan Jacobs’ "Social Transformation Through Art" class. This course has taught her to analyze art through a social lens, deepening her appreciation for creativity. “I may not be the most talented artist, but curiosity and course deadlines have pushed me to explore new ways of communicating my views on social issues,” she explains. She believes that curiosity opens the door to change, while passion serves as its driving force. 

For her recent "Social Transformation Through Art" project, Miriam drew inspiration from literature on Native American culture, including works by Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows), Darcia Narvaez, and Robin Kimmerer. She was particularly moved by Indigenous practices that emphasize a reciprocal relationship with nature. “To coexist, we must reinforce this balance of giving and taking,” she reflects. 

In her project, Miriam aimed to visually represent the connection between humans and nature. She discovered that even viewing images of nature can replicate some benefits of physical immersion in it, leading her to focus on the human nervous system—an area particularly influenced by exposure to nature. To enhance the audience's experience, she chose to create videos instead of static images, making the project more immersive.  

The videos feature local New Mexico scenes, including footage from Santa Fe and a local duck pond, and are arranged to illustrate a progression from broader landscapes to microscopic details. Miriam hand-drew image overlays using Procreate on her iPad, emphasizing the theme of "zooming in" on life.  

More than just the final product, Miriam values the peace she found in the creative process itself. She hopes that her work will inspire others to embrace their passions and foster a deeper connection with the world around them. As she continues her studies and artistic endeavors, Miriam Bechtel exemplifies the power of curiosity and creativity in bridging disciplines and inspiring change.