My Story

After discovering the fascinating world of cells while taking chemistry and biology courses for the premed program at West Virginia State College (University), I changed direction to become a biochemist. Researching cells provided me with the initial impression that life must have been created. Although I recognized the work of a designer in cells, I didn’t know the Designer’s identity.

An acquaintance challenged me to read the Bible, pointing out that a scientist ought to seek and follow the truth willingly no matter its source—and no matter where it leads. So, for several evenings I settled down at the lab bench and contemplated the Scriptures. When I came to Jesus’ words in the passage called the Sermon on the Mount, my attention was riveted. As I continued to read and study, I became convinced that the God of the Bible is the Designer, and I accepted of Christ’s offer of salvation.

Today, as vice president of research and apologetics at Reasons To Believe (a think-tank dedicated to integrating science and faith), I write and speak on how science and the Bible harmonize. My major focus is on cell design, life’s origin, and humanity’s origin and history. I also lecture for the Master of Science and Religion program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University.

You can catch me on RTB’s podcasts I Didn’t Know That! (where we answer listener questions) and Science News Flash (where we report on headline-grabbing science), as well as on our flagship blog, Today’s New Reason to Believe.

As a native of West Virginia, I love blues, southern, and country rock music, particularly Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Johnny Winter, and Blind Willie Johnson. I root for Cincinnati’s Reds and Bengals and enjoy playing fantasy football, basketball, and baseball with my RTB colleagues. I also like reading Shakespeare—especially the tragedies.

Biochemist

  • West Virginia State College (University): BS in chemistry
  • Ohio University: PhD in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry
  • Universities of Virginia and Georgia: Postdoctoral studies in biophysics
  • Procter & Gamble: Senior scientist in product development

I’ve made presentations at numerous international scientific meetings, coauthored a chapter on antimicrobial peptides for Biological and Synthetic Membranes, and hold two patents. Additionally, I’ve published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals including:

  • Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres
  • Biochemistry
  • Applied Spectroscopy
  • FEBS Letters
  • Journal of Microbiological Methods
  • Journal of Chemical Education

Author

  • Creating Life in the Lab shows that as scientists proceed to create life in the lab, they simultaneously build support for the case for a Creator.
  • The Cell’s Design shows how the molecular features of the cell manifest the same characteristics displayed in human designs. This similarity points to a resonance between the mind of man and the mind of God.
  • Origins of Life (coauthored with astronomer Hugh Ross) presents a testable scientific model for the creation of the first life on Earth—a model based on the Bible.
  • Who Was Adam? (coauthored with Ross) challenges Darwinist view of humanity and shows how recent discoveries, some with biblical overtones, are causing many scientists to abandon traditional evolutionary accounts in favor of a radically different explanation.

Speaker

Working at RTB affords me plenty of opportunities to speak on science-faith issues at numerous churches, universities, and conferences, as well as make guest appearances on television and radio programs.

  • Willow Creek Community Church
  • Houston Second Baptist Church
  • Fullerton Evangelical Free Church
  • University of Texas
  • University of Illinois
  • Ohio State University
  • UCLA
  • Georgetown Medical Center
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Texas A&M University
  • Rice University
  • Alcatel-Lucent Technologies
  • The John Ankerberg Show
  • The Harvest Show
  • Newsmakers (hosted by Jerry Rose on Total Living Network)
  • The Frank Pastore Show

If you’re interested in booking me to speak at your event, please contact Ken Hultgren at events@reasons.org or by calling (626) 335-1480 ext. 167, or go to reasons.org/whats-new/events and fill out the online request form. To schedule an interview, please email Kristi at publicity@reasons.org.