John Daniels, who is the son of Joseph and Marilyn Daniels, is a graduate of Basehor-Linwood High School.

His goals include researching environmentally friendly fuels and teaching chemical engineering at the university level.

In his junior year, he studied analytical techniques with Susan Williams, KU professor of engineering, using catalysts to produce hydrogen from methane and carbon dioxide.

Daniels has received a national Goldwater scholarship and a Wal-Mart Competitive Edge scholarship.

At KU, he received the Summerfield scholarship, offered to the 50 top freshmen men from Kansas.

He was invited to give presentations at the 2003 national American Chemical Society and at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Daniels has a first-degree black belt in tae kwon do.

Churchill scholar nominees are selected based on application materials without interviews.

The Churchill Foundation selects and announces winners in April.

Daniels also was a finalist for a Marshall Scholarship this year.