Revealing God

Dear Friends of JBU,

At JBU, we are committed to studying the sciences because we believe God has created the world and revealed himself in that creation. The beauty of the images of space returning from the Webb telescope suggests the beauty of God’s glory. The complexity and fragility of the human body deepen our understanding of the mystery and significance of Christ’s incarnation and our hope in the resurrection of the body. When we solve calculus problems innovatively and elegantly, we reflect the rationality and creativity of the God who created us in his image.

We have a strong tradition of excellent faculty in the sciences, including people such as Dr. Irvin Wills in biology (1934-1974), Dr. Roger Cox in mathematics (19361980), Dr. Dorothy Woodland in chemistry (1944-1974), Dr. Lee Netherton in chemistry (1969-2005), Dr. Larry Seward in biology (1970-2007), Dr. Jim Holiday in physics (1970-2008) and Dr. Cal Piston in mathematics (1982-2018).

JBU’s current science faculty members carry on that tradition of excellence, and their students’ achievements are evidence of the faculty’s commitment and quality. In this Brown Bulletin, you will learn more about Olivia Lawler, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular biology at Stowers Institute in Kansas City and Brendan Williams, a Ph.D. student in neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas. They are just two examples of recent graduates pursuing advanced degrees. JBU science alumni have also made significant contributions to medicine. After his Duke residency and a Vanderbilt fellowship, Dr. Christopher Merrick serves as a pulmonologist at UCHealth Hospital in Colorado Springs and was a key hospital leader during the pandemic. Dr. Dan Yoder ’94 graduated from Duke Medical School and then enrolled in the No. 1 U.S. visual and retinal training program — Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is a board-certified vitreoretinal specialist and serves as a diplomat on the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. James Barnes ’05 served in Afghanistan as a major in the U.S. Air Force, after which he did a fellowship in sports medicine at UCLA. He was recently named the orthopedic surgeon for the U.S. Olympic team. All these alumni have fulfilled JBU’s mission to love God and serve others by excelling in the practical application of their scientific expertise.

JBU people have loved science because they love God, want to understand his world and want to serve others well. It is a posture of humility that encourages curiosity and devotion. As the Psalmist writes, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3). May it always be true of us at JBU.

Godspeed,

Dr. Charles W. Pollard President, John Brown University